My upper control arm is starting to "squeek" whenever I go over bumps (also when I simply push down on the fender). Question: Should I replace the whole control arm or should I just replace the bushing?

Scott

__________________
Scott
1982 Mercedes 240D, 4 speed, 275,000
1988 Porsche 944 Turbo S (70,000)
1987 Porsche 911 Coupe 109,000 (sold)
1998 Mercedes E300 TurboDiesel 147,000 (sold)
1985 Mercedes 300D 227,000 (totaled by inattentive driver with no insurance!)
1997 Mercedes E300 Diesel 236,000 (sold)
1995 Ducati 900SS (sold)
1987 VW Jetta GLI 157,000 (sold)
1986 Camaro 125,000 (sold - P.O.S.)
1977 Corvette L82 125,000 (sold)
1965 Pontiac GTO 15,000 restored (sold)

thats a ball joint

__________________
have no worries.....President Obama swears "If you like your gun, you can keep it

It is the control arm - above the tire and connected to the trailing arm.

__________________
Scott
1982 Mercedes 240D, 4 speed, 275,000
1988 Porsche 944 Turbo S (70,000)
1987 Porsche 911 Coupe 109,000 (sold)
1998 Mercedes E300 TurboDiesel 147,000 (sold)
1985 Mercedes 300D 227,000 (totaled by inattentive driver with no insurance!)
1997 Mercedes E300 Diesel 236,000 (sold)
1995 Ducati 900SS (sold)
1987 VW Jetta GLI 157,000 (sold)
1986 Camaro 125,000 (sold - P.O.S.)
1977 Corvette L82 125,000 (sold)
1965 Pontiac GTO 15,000 restored (sold)

The ball joint is integrated into upper control arm.
Personally I would replace all ball joints at the same time.

__________________
ASE Master Mechanic
https://whunter.carrd.co/

Prototype R&D/testing:
Thermal & Aerodynamic System Engineering (TASE) Senior vehicle instrumentation technician.
Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH).
Dynamometer.
Heat exchanger durability.
HV-A/C Climate Control.
Vehicle build.
Fleet Durability
Technical Quality Auditor.
Automotive Technical Writer

1985 300SD
1983 300D
2003 Volvo V70

https://www.boldegoist.com/

I have never heard a control arm bushing squeek. I have heard a number of ball joints squeek, however. If you're convinced that the control arm bushings are squeeking, replace them. They're not too bad to do without removing the arm. But I expect that the ball joint is the squeek source. Squirt some oil under the ball joint boot and see if the squeek stops.

Good luck,

You all are right! I did not realize the ball joint was integrated with the control arm. I had assumed it was all one piece. However, after everyone's replies, I checked on Fastlane and closely examined the replacement parts and did see that they are two separate pieces. I will squirt some WD-40 on the ball joint later to be 100% positive it is the source of the noise but I'm sure that it is now. Thanks again for your helpful replies. You kept me from ordering the wrong part and saved me many $$.

How difficult are ball joints to replace? I just purchased the chassis manuals for my car but have never done this repair.

Scott

__________________
Scott
1982 Mercedes 240D, 4 speed, 275,000
1988 Porsche 944 Turbo S (70,000)
1987 Porsche 911 Coupe 109,000 (sold)
1998 Mercedes E300 TurboDiesel 147,000 (sold)
1985 Mercedes 300D 227,000 (totaled by inattentive driver with no insurance!)
1997 Mercedes E300 Diesel 236,000 (sold)
1995 Ducati 900SS (sold)
1987 VW Jetta GLI 157,000 (sold)
1986 Camaro 125,000 (sold - P.O.S.)
1977 Corvette L82 125,000 (sold)
1965 Pontiac GTO 15,000 restored (sold)