[2009EscapeXLT]

Hi Guys. I own a 2009 Escape. The bushing on the front left lower control arm (OEM) failed back in 2019, so I replaced it with a Moog CK80398. The bushing in that one failed in 2021, so I replaced the control are again under warranty with a Moog CK80398. Well here I am a year later and that same bushing has failed AGAIN. I'm wondering if anyone else has had the same issue with the same Moog part? It is a Problem Solver bushing, so it should be good quality.
I see Moog has now discontinued the part and only has the lower end control arm for a 2009 Escape.

 

[tomw]

If it were mine, I would suggest to the MOOG sales person that if the warranted item is NLA, then they should either provide a refund or a part that will fix the problem. IOW, if you had a 'lifetime' warranty on a white sidewall tire, and they no longer sell whitewalls, they should provide an equivalent tire or a refund.
In this case, either get another bushing from XYz, or get a complete lower control arm.
I know MOOG had/has different levels of parts. I do not know the names that would indicate the level. Do they make a replacement that would fit? If so, see if they will provide one of them.
FWIW, it seems that MOOG is doing what everyone else is doing, reducing the quality of their parts, or reducing the reliability by allowing sub-par parts to be sold.
I think the fact the part was discontinued should tell you something... Either it was sub-par, and they were getting a lot of warranty claims, or it was a low profit margin item that did not sell well. Most techs will replace the whole arm rather than press out the old and press in a new bushing. Less time to R&R the arm and not add the press procedure.
If you trust MOOG, push them for a credit towards a new LCA. If not, then a credit towards another product.
tom

 

[bangster]

Moog has several levels. Problem Solver (part numbers starting with CK or K) which contain improvements over some OEM deficiencies, usually are powder coated, serviceable/greaseable joints, and better bushings.

R (parts start with RK) are lower end, not greaseable, closer to OEM quality.

Motorcraft is about 15% more (which doesn't help if you just want to try to warranty what you have).

 

[smario259]

Oops, my mistake.