2007-2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse Front Control Arm & Ball Joint Assembly Guide
Address clunking noises and sloppy steering by choosing the right replacement control arm for your Eclipse.
- A clunking noise over bumps is the most common symptom of a bad control arm on an Eclipse.
- Replacing the complete assembly is easier and recommended over pressing individual bushings.
- Always perform a four-wheel alignment immediately after replacing a control arm to prevent tire damage and ensure safety.
- For balanced handling and to save on future labor, it is best practice to replace both front control arms at the same time.
Is Your Eclipse Making Noise? Recognizing a Failing Control Arm
When a control arm or its components wear out, your car will give you clear warning signs. The original parts on a 2007-2012 Eclipse can wear down over time, especially the rubber bushings and the ball joint. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to poor handling and unsafe driving conditions.
Common Failure Symptoms:
- Clunking or Knocking Sounds: A metallic clunking noise from the front suspension when driving over bumps, potholes, or making sharp turns is the most common sign. 🎬 Watch: Hear what a noisy 4G Eclipse suspension sounds like. This is often the sound of a worn ball joint or deteriorated bushings allowing metal-to-metal contact.
- Steering Wander: If you find yourself constantly correcting the steering wheel to keep the car driving straight, it may be due to a bad control arm. The worn parts allow the wheel to shift, throwing off the alignment.
- Vibrations in Steering Wheel: Worn bushings can no longer effectively absorb road vibrations, leading to a shaky or vibrating steering wheel, especially at higher speeds.
- Uneven Tire Wear: Check your front tires. A failing control arm assembly will cause incorrect wheel alignment, leading to the inside or outside edge of the tires wearing out 🎬 Watch: A detailed breakdown of how failing control arms affect driving. much faster than the rest of the tread.
Safety First: Alignment is Not Optional
Replacing a control arm will always change your vehicle's wheel alignment. You must get a professional four-wheel alignment immediately after the repair. Skipping this step will result in poor handling, unsafe driving, and will quickly ruin your tires.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Part for Your Eclipse
For the 2007-2012 Eclipse, replacing the entire control arm assembly is much easier and often more cost-effective than trying to press out old bushings and ball joints. Aftermarket brands offer a range of quality and price points.
Brand Tiers: Good, Better, Best
- Good (Value-Oriented): Dorman
Dorman is a widely available brand known for making parts that fit correctly and are easy to install. They are a solid choice for a daily driver on a budget. However, some mechanics note their longevity may not match premium brands. - Better (Balanced Quality): Mevotech
Mevotech often provides a good balance of quality and price, sitting between value and premium tiers. They are known for innovative designs and can be a durable option without the higher cost of premium brands. - Best (Premium Performance): Moog
Moog is generally regarded as a premium aftermarket brand, with a reputation for building parts that meet or exceed OEM quality. Their 'Problem Solver' line often includes improvements over the original design, such as greasable ball joints for longer life. While they command a higher price, they are a top choice for owners who prioritize longevity and performance.
Estimated Replacement Costs
The cost to replace a control arm assembly can vary based on your location and whether you do the work yourself or hire a professional.
| Part / Service | Estimated Cost (Single Side) |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Assembly | $86.40 - $129.98 |
| New OEM Assembly | $250 - $450 |
| Shop Labor | $160 - $350 |
| Wheel Alignment | $80 - $150 |
| Total Professional Job (Aftermarket Part) | $325 - $630 |
Pro-Tip: Replace in Pairs
It is highly recommended to replace both the left and right front control arms at the same time. Since they have been subjected to the same amount of wear, if one has failed, the other is likely not far behind. Replacing them in pairs ensures balanced handling and prevents you from having to do the same job twice in the near future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace just the ball joint or bushings?
While it is technically possible, it requires special tools like a hydraulic press to remove the old components and install new ones. For most DIY mechanics and even many shops, it is faster, easier, and more reliable to replace the entire control arm assembly which comes with new bushings and a new ball joint already installed.
Are there any recalls on the 2007-2012 Eclipse control arms?
No, there are no specific recalls from Mitsubishi or NHTSA for the front control arms on this generation of Eclipse. However, there have been other safety recalls for this vehicle, including for the front crossmember and ABS system, so it's always a good idea to check if your specific vehicle has any open recalls.
Is this a difficult job to do at home?
For an experienced DIYer with the right tools, this is a manageable job. It requires safely lifting and supporting the vehicle on jack stands, and you may need a large hammer or a ball joint separator tool to free the old ball joint from the steering knuckle. 🎬 See this step-by-step walkthrough for replacing your control arms. A critical step is to only tighten the main bushing bolts after the car's full weight is back on the wheels to prevent premature bushing failure.
Is the left side part the same as the right side?
No, the front control arms are side-specific. The left (driver's side) and right (passenger's side) arms are mirror images of each other and are not interchangeable. Ensure you order the correct part for the side you are replacing.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: MN184138 (Front Right Lower) MN184137 (Front Left Lower)
The assembly includes a steel control arm, pre-installed rubber bushings for the frame connection, and an integrated, non-serviceable ball joint that attaches to the steering knuckle.
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.
- Mitsubishi Eclipse:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is Your Eclipse Making Noise? Recognizing a Failing Control Arm
- Common Failure Symptoms:
- Safety First: Alignment is Not Optional
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Part for Your Eclipse
- Brand Tiers: Good, Better, Best
- Estimated Replacement Costs
- Pro-Tip: Replace in Pairs
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 🎟️ Get 5% Off