Lost Nut on Lower Control Arm- What Damage?

[markpink]

Hi all.

I somehow lost the left nut on the lower control arm on the passenger side during a long trip recently and I drove a few hundred miles after that before I noticed some strange noises when I was turning. I seemed to have chewed up both bushings in the that lower control arm. At the very least, I need to remove the whole assembly and replacement the bushings. I will examine the control arm in more detail when it is off the car, but what other kind of damage could have occured if any. Anyone else have this happen?

I am wondering if the bolt was loosened during a recent alignment and eventually just came off. The only reason, I think it happened during a recent trip was a new noise was heard on the return trip that was never there before. I replaced the nut and the retainer but I hear squealing and also get some vibration when a turn the wheel to a specific place.

Thanks

Mark

[v6spider]

Who did the alignment? if it was a reputable shop I would take it back. They should cover the damage. otherwise replace the lower control arm bushings balljoint and all. It is cheap and way easier than trying to replace the bushings.

One thing you have to watch for is the bolts that mount it to the cross-member and the area on the cross-member where they go through. it will crack there from stuff like that and it could break. Very dangerous I would look it over carefully. You might want to have it replaced. I have personally repaired one myself and also reinforced it as well. The cross-members on these cars are known to be fragile.

hope this helps!
Rob