audphile1

Need advice/opinion on replacing the Control Arm bushing on my 2001 LS430.

There is some clunking noise that is coming from the suspension/buttom of the car. It has been going on for a while but recently got a little more noticeable when going over rough road surface and entering driveways that have any sort of bump at entrance. Also the car started to feel a bit more wobbly on the road.

The car has relatively new struts and springs that were replaced last summer with OEM struts and springs. Clunking noise was present prior to the strut replacement. So the struts are out of question. I'm suspecting Control Arm bushings are worn out.

Originally only the right side was clunking but recently the left started as well.

Has anyone here done this work on their LS430 to just replace the lower control arm bushings as opposed to replacing the entire control arm?
Do you have any specific vendors that you can recommend getting the bushings from?

Much appreciated!

SerasLibre

If the part is available then its definitely doable;

http://www.google.com/products?q=suspension+bushings+ls430&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=C8OyStLEAYeSlAen5OWSDw&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&ct=title&resnum=4

audphile1

Thanks!

I'm curious if someone had done just the bushing change and what were the results. Is it worth changing the bushing or if this is not a long term solution, is it worth considering changing the whole control arm?

Hybrid-JD

hey i just recently had the same problem with the noise and car being wobbly driven around toronto streets. Brought it to my mechanic and told me that my control arms were done and had to be replaced, cost me 300 cdn a piece and i changed both sides cause the other side was starting to go also.. might be a good idea to get your mechanic to look over the control arms. After i changed the arms, the drive is like night and day.

hope this helps.

audphile1

well, that is why I'm wondering how effective would a bushing swap be. I'm leaning towards replacing the entire control arm but the bushing change on the other hand is pretty cheap to try.

what was worn out in the control arm assmebly on your LS, did they mention any specifics?

audphile1

bump with update...

Just had the strut mounts replaced today and the difference is very noticible. Definitely half of the rattling was coming from there. Both mounts were busted. That is taken care of now and the car rides much better.
Hower, I am now clearly hearing the control arm busings. Mechanic pointed out that bushings on both sides are finished. These are the rearward lower control arm bushings.

Looking at a diagram from Sewell Lexus, it does not look like the bushing is available separately, without the arm. Or am I looking at it wrong?

If the OEM bushing is not available, what is the best source for the aftermarket one? Don't feel like changing the whole control arm at $224 a side just for parts.

Thanks for the help!

Bon

Raising this thread from the dead . . .

How did this turn out? I've just ordered my lower control arm bushings from Sewell today. I too recently replaced my UL air suspension with coil springs and struts so I know the clunking is not coming from them or their mounts. I only get a good clunk when turning hard and stressing the suspension.

vollandt

for anyone in nyc, i know suspension specialist that is pretty good at diagnosing issues like this. pm me for the info.

jazzygirl

I just bought a pair from Bell Lexus of Scottsdale on Ebay for $152.00 with shipping included.