I have an '04 w/75,000 on it and recently I bought parts from an online vendor for a front suspension rebuild-struts, tie rods in and out, stabilizers and control arms. While doing the work with a friend who happens to be a Mitsu tech we couldn't get the bolt at the bent point of the control arm out to replace it. My friend said we might have to heat the bolt to release it but that would probably destroy the thin bushings/rubber washers that go between the "knuckle" at the bend and the bracket on the frame that holds it. He also suggested that I get a replacement bolt and those bushings/washers from the dealer to make sure they fit.

I went to dealer for parts. Got the bolt no problem but they said that the bushings/washers were included with the control arm and not sold separately. $238 for the entire arm is high and I can't return the part I bought because too much time has passed from purchase date.

Does anyone know what I can use in place of these bushings/washers? I don't want to leave it too long and really can't afford to buy the dealer arm and eat the price of the already purchased arm. I also can't afford to lay the car up for any length of time-daily driver to get to and from work.

Please help!! Thanks in advance