ilike2eatricers

Ok well I looked up the part in the parts fiche on www.iluvmyrx7.com in the "front suspension mechanisms. It is the bracket for the lower arm that goes over where the rubber bushing goes for the lower arm.

I had the car on jack stands after doing my exhaust and tried to jack up the bent side of the bracket but it wouldnt budge.

I need some suggestions. Do you think I should take off the bracket completely and then try to hammer it back original flush position or would that ruin its structural integrity? Is it already ruined? It is really thick strong metal so it might not be possible to bend back.

Somebody please help. thanks

amused

umm im not an expert but why does having one bolt through the bushing on each side scare you?

maybe im reading the question wrong...?

what do your bushings look like? are they cracked and worn? not sure if that would be the clunk you're hearing though. mine are shot, been meaning to replace them but I dont hear any noises out of the ordinary.

amused

ps how is the bracket 'bent'?

if you could take pictures of the suspension arms up close it would be real helpful. those pics are real farback and you cant see too much from them other then to clarify what you're talking about

ilike2eatricers

The reason why I am scared is because it is holding up the bushing that goes around the end of the lower arm. I am not sure if this bracket is the only one supporting the entire arm, although unlikely it still makes me worry.

I'll try and get pictures this weekend but I need to borrow my sisters digi cam.

ilike2eatricers

my mechanic friend and I ended up fixing it. We have to hold up the lower arms with jacks and then unbolt the U bracket. Then we had to use a hammer and smash it so it would fit correctly and used a jack to push the bracket around the bushing flush. The car drives so much better now and I feel safe. Took a little over an hour. My bushings were shot to hell by the way.

Thanks to those who helped.