Suspension arm replacement

[R3BB]

I'm looking at buying a 2012 C350, and it has recently had a suspension arm replaced - is this common?

 

[vijilants]

If the bushes are shot a lot of garages change out the arm which includes preinstalled bushes....it is quicker and easier as you need a press to get the bushes out and replace them.

 

[R3BB]

Ah ok.
It failed an MOT with this description;
offside front lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint rear one of pair (2.4.G.2)
Does that sound right?

 

[brucemillar]

Ah ok.

Does that sound right?

Yup. As said. New arms work out cheaper now, than the faff of pressing out, then in, new bushes. Modern bushes/arms are made from butter and candy sticks. One decent pot hole - BANG.

 

[thedruid]

I don't know if it is common or not but I have just had the same changed on my E class coupe. Its a 2012 model as well.

 

[vijilants]

I also find running very low profile tyres also accelerates the wear on the bushes due to the lack of cushioning produced by the tyre.

Living in London, with the amount of work the suspension has to do on poor road surfaces and speed humps, bushes don't last too long.

 

[R3BB]

Glad to hear it's not unusual then!
I might get a 4 wheel alignment to check everything is as it should be.