Two different Honda dealers did a free safety check on our 2005 CRV what is a "compliance bushing"?
Asked by Anthony Dec 30, 2016 at 11:21 PM about the 2005 Honda CR-V LX
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
Our 2005 CRV has 200,000 miles and 2 different Honda dealers did a free
safety check, which I appreciate, and came up with the usual like struts, tie
rods, ball joints, alignment all around. The one that confused me was this rear
item called a compliance bushing. What is it? What does it do? One remark
was made when I got after questioning why did I need bj's since no play and
tires were wearing evenly was "we look at the mileage and just replace them,
so you might as well replace the struts since you'll have to get an alignment
after each job. So I got alignment special for life and did tie rod bushings. So
what is purpose of that bushing? Couldn't find it undernieth.
8 Answers
Beware of "Free" safety checks....You really don't think they have an agenda?
Take your car to your independent mechanic.. someone you have used, trusted and have an established business relationship with long term. These guys are more interested in your long term business than ripping you off for a quick buck.
They way you tell if the compliance bushing are bad (AKA Lower Control Arm) is you will notice pulling or vibration or wearing on inside edge of the front tires. If not no need to replace them.
Safety checks at a trusted dealership are great and can help find issues before they get out of hand. Ask them to show you things that may need attention and have the explain why things need to be replaced. Independent mechanics can also have "agendas".
Bob, of course, anyone can have an "agenda"....My point is if you have a trusted mechanic who has done excellent service on your car for 20 years and it's a mutually beneficial business relationship, they are going to be honest with you about the repairs on your car.
Yes, Mark and this trusted mechanic could work for a dealership as well. Just because it is a dealership does not mean they are crooked. I have worked for 2 different Ford dealerships in my lifetime and I would not hesitate to take something to them as they are honest, but they are not perfect either.
Thanks to all the above answers, yes the so called safety checks are helpful, if only to have an extra set of eyes. I agree that we should develop a favorite mechanic or, yes a dealer! that you can trust, no one is going to be cheap, not with all this technology in these cars.
Your personal business relationship with a mechanic who you trust and has a proven record of success is the most important factor. A good win win relationship in which you both benefit is the cornerstone of this arrangement.
