Control arm “seat” bent

[lastofthebreed_ws6]

Must have happened During alignment flange got distorted. Bushing is firmly seated and hasn’t moved. Alignment is dead on with no noise. Would you try and bend this back or leave it as is

 

[tasch72]

Leave it

 

[lastofthebreed_ws6]

My thoughts too

 

[PontiacHO]

Looks like a new bushing. Stamped control arms are tough to get bushings in and out. Leave as others have said. Beating on it to straighten it will weaken that thin outside flange.

 

[lastofthebreed_ws6]

Was a pre loaded arm

 

[IndyIan]

Was a pre loaded arm

What brand? Not great QC there.

 

[JohnnyG]

Looks to me like it happened while installing the new bushing. The flange wasn't properly supported allowing it to squeeze together. Even though this might be the case, it doesn't seem to be too big a deal. I don't think it will fall apart or change the alignment anytime soon.

 

[lastofthebreed_ws6]

It was a loaded arm - I believe during alignment he pryed to move camber adjustment and it likely deformed.

 

[paulo57509]

I'd leave it. It's already been subjected to fatigue. Bending it back further introduces fatigue.

A automotive machine shop guy once told me that you never beat bushings (or ball joints) in or out. The A-Arm develops a tendency to crack at that location. I've only seen one data point where this happened; a '70 El Camino A-Arm broke a few hundred miles after the ball joints were hammered out/in.

 

[lastofthebreed_ws6]

I’ll for sure keep it as it is. I marked with a paint pen just to ensure doesn’t move

 

[lastofthebreed_ws6]

S

 

[Marcozi]

Compare it to the other side. How big is the difference?

 

[lastofthebreed_ws6]

 

[lastofthebreed_ws6]

I think you guys are right and it was a pressing issue at the plant that made them. Going to rust proof arm around that area in case paint cracked but doesn’t seem to be having any issues so I’ll leave it. I can’t see bushing moving due to this.