how do you check vertically mounted lca bushings?

[ram_man]

I have a friend with a 2001 honda civic they are getting some clunking over smaller bumps like a gravel Driveway.
Nothing is obviously bad.,
What we are wondering is maybe the front lower control arm bushings are weak?? They arent falling apart bad but maybe are just weak?
How do you check them? How much up and down movement of the control arm is acceptable while vehicle is on the ground?

 

[maybehabitformin]

strut mounts

 

[default]

It will be quite clear, the rubber will come unglued from the outer sleeve. Also look at the sway bar bushings and links.

 

[The Critic]

Look for cracks on the large front bushing of the control arm. That is where they usually fail on this generation of Civics.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRnLGoE3t1c

The sway bar end links can also be suspect. Try wiggling the bar while the car is on the ground...so that the bar is loaded.

 

[Lead Shoes]

Easiest way is to take the wheel off then get an inspection light and look at all of the bushings, ball joints, ect for tearing or damage to find the source of this clunking.