Eagle Talon Front Control Arm & Ball Joint Guide (1990-1998)
Eliminate front-end clunks and restore your Talon's sharp, responsive handling with the right replacement parts.
- A clunking noise over bumps is the most common symptom of a bad control arm or ball joint on a Talon.
- Due to a recall and known failure points, this is a critical safety component to inspect regularly.
- Replacing the entire control arm assembly is easier and more cost-effective than replacing individual bushings or the ball joint.
- A professional wheel alignment is mandatory after replacement to prevent tire damage and ensure safe handling.
Is Your Talon's Front Suspension Making Noise?
A worn-out control arm or ball joint is a common issue on 1990-1998 Eagle Talons, which are also known as 1G and 2G DSM cars. These parts can wear out from age, mileage, and rough roads. When they fail, you'll notice distinct symptoms. The most common sign is a clunking or knocking sound from the front end, especially when driving over bumps or making turns. You might also feel vibrations through the steering wheel, or the steering may feel loose and unresponsive, causing the car to wander on the road. In severe cases, a completely failed ball joint can cause the wheel to separate from the suspension, making the car undrivable and unsafe.
Known Issues and Recalls
There was a significant recall for the 1995 model year concerning the lower ball joint. The recall (NHTSA ID: 97V103000) noted that the ball joint could separate, increasing the risk of a crash. While this recall targeted specific production runs, it highlights the importance of this component across the entire 1990-1998 generation. Owners on forums frequently discuss ball joint failure as a known weak point that can cause serious damage if not addressed.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Control Arm
Since original OEM parts for the Talon are becoming scarce and expensive, the aftermarket is your go-to source. The quality can vary, so it's important to choose a brand that fits your budget and performance needs. Buying the complete assembly with a new ball joint and bushings pre-installed is almost always the best approach. It saves a significant amount of labor compared to pressing old bushings out and new ones in.
Brand Quality Tiers for Your Talon
- Premium Brands (Moog, Delphi): Moog is often considered a high-quality aftermarket option, sometimes featuring design improvements over the original. Delphi is a major OEM supplier for many car manufacturers and is generally well-regarded for its quality, though some users report mixed long-term durability on suspension parts. These brands are a good choice if longevity is your top priority.
- Standard / OEM-Equivalent (Beck Arnley, Mevotech): Beck Arnley focuses on providing parts that match the original factory specifications and is often a reliable choice. Mevotech offers several quality tiers, with their "Supreme" or "TTX" lines being a solid step-up for durability. These brands offer a good balance of quality and price for a daily driven or lightly modified Talon.
- Value Brands (Dorman, other store brands): Dorman and various other brands provide budget-friendly options that meet basic requirements. While functional, they may not have the same long-term durability or precise fit as premium brands. These are suitable for a car on a tight budget where getting it back on the road safely is the main goal.
Pro Tip: The bolts securing the control arm to the subframe are notorious for seizing with rust on DSM cars. Spray them with penetrating oil for a few days before you start the job. You may still need a breaker bar or impact wrench to get them loose. Always use anti-seize on the new bolts during installation.
Cost of Replacing a Control Arm Assembly
| Part Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Assembly | $31 - $135 per side |
| Shop Labor | $150 - $300 per side |
| Alignment (Required) | $80 - $150 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to get an alignment after replacing a control arm?
Yes, absolutely. The control arm is a key part of your suspension geometry. Replacing it will change your car's alignment settings. You must get a professional alignment to prevent rapid and uneven tire wear and to ensure the car handles correctly.
Should I replace control arms in pairs?
It is highly recommended. If the control arm on one side has failed due to age and wear, the other side is likely not far behind. Replacing both at the same time ensures balanced handling and saves you from having to do the same job again soon.
Can I just replace the ball joint or bushings?
While it's sometimes possible to press out old bushings and ball joints, it requires special tools and significantly more labor. For the Eagle Talon, the cost and time savings of buying a complete control arm assembly with pre-installed components make it the more practical choice for almost everyone.
What's the difference between the 1G (1990-94) and 2G (1995-98) control arms?
The front suspension design is different between the two generations. The control arms are not interchangeable. Always ensure you are ordering the correct part for your specific model year.
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: MB808915 MB808916 MR223603 MR223604
The assembly consists of a stamped steel or cast iron control arm, one ball joint, and two rubber bushings. Designs differ between 1G (1990-1994) and 2G (1995-1998) models and are not interchangeable.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Eagle Talon: