How do broken front bushings on a front wheel drive car affect safety?

[ClearlyCoated]

Just had my old Civic diagnosed for brakes and the mechanic mentioned that the front bushing were broken. He wouldn't give me a definitive answer as to whether the safety of the car is compromised (I think it must be) in situations such as hard braking or panic stops. The mechanic instead emphasized extra wear on the tires and decreased gas mileage because the car's front end has the effect of being pigeon-toed.

My neighbor really wants to buy my car as a grocery getter for his young adult daughter and I have been trying to discourage him by listing all of tha car's problems. My neighbor understands that a high mileage, 17 year old car will need work. But I really want to give him an honest estimation if the car's safety is in jeopardy.

Informed answers would be greatly appreciated. Please, no speculation or guesses. I don't want anyone's safety or well being compromised.

[Andrew C.]

Re: How do broken front bushings on a front wheel drive car affect safety?

Since you are already skeptical on it, I would play it safe than sorry, assuming that it is dangerous.

I believe the primary purpose of bushings are to keep on part of your car from rubbing on another. What the worn bushings may lead to is the replacement of a more expensive part of the car because it was rubbing or bumping something it shouldn't have been.

I would tell the potential buyer that you won't sell him the car unless he pays to get those items fixed beforehand.

[CHzo6]

Re: How do broken front bushings on a front wheel drive car affect safety?

Exactly what bushings are worn? Depending on the car, you could have a lot of them.

[Alex C.]

Re: How do broken front bushings on a front wheel drive car affect safety?

Control arm bushings. Easy fix, especially if you have a press handy. The bushings won't cost much either.

I don't want to say it's safe, but it's not a major issue either.

[ClearlyCoated]

Re: How do broken front bushings on a front wheel drive car affect safety?

Control arm bushings. Easy fix, especially if you have a press handy. The bushings won't cost much either.

I don't want to say it's safe, but it's not a major issue either.

I think you're right about it not being a major issue. The mechanic almost glossed over my safety concerns and instead played up the wear and lost gas mileage angles.

Also, I've known for years my rear bushings are shot. My mechanic at the time told me that the car would ride low as a result. Since I had become used to the car riding low anyway, I left it as is.