LS430Lexus

'03 ML/Nav with 75k. I have noticed a bit of rapid "back and forth" movement in the steering wheel at certain speeds. Around 50mph and 70mph, more oscillation than vibration. it is intermittent. Alignment is good, tires are almost new and wheels are balanced. It could be front suspension (LCA's, tie rods, etc), engine or transmission mounts. Any thoughts? I will have the suspension throughly checked but am looking for suggestions. Thank you.

rkw77080

Worn front wheel bearing(s) can also cause steering wheel to oscillate.

nc356

iTrader: (1)

Twice for me, on 2 LS430's, it was lower control arm bushings (the rearmost ones easily replaced.

LS430Lexus

Replacing the lower control arm bushings solved it? I am not sure what you mean by the "rear most" ones. I see a LCA bushing (48655-50012) that I believe is the part most commonly replaced. Also, I have a good independent shop that can do the job.

jimisbell

This thread may answer one of my questions. I have experienced a pull to the side and a tendency not to return to center at very low speeds when the wheel was far to one side or another, or with the wheel to one side when accelerating from a stop in gravel or dirt.

Could this be lower control arm bushings?

It will get a whole lot worse before there is a catastrophic failure....right?

nc356

iTrader: (1)

Yes, solved it.
I'm traveling so I can't confirm p/n for you.
The replacement LCA includes the front most bushing integral; the rear most is bought separately.

jimisbell

48655-50012 are available on EBay for $12.50 shipped with 1 year warranty. Even if they are not Lexus quality, at that price and easy installation, worth a try.

Hagar

I have a slight steering wheel oscillation at 60 MPH. Its also intermittent. Indie shop looked at it and said I need to replace BOTH lower control arms. Seems to make sense if one side is questionable, the other would be also.
So is it recommended to replace both at the same time?

They want $1049 for 2 LCA and $530 to put them in. I know the left is about $344 and I would deduce the other side would be about the same. Can I just buy the bushing and just replace them?

Arcturus

For the LCAs there are two bushings. One is replaceable (the one near the front of the car), one is not. The bushings are $75 dollars each. They are pretty simple. The bushing is inside a small bracket that sits on a shaft at the front of the LCA. You can easily remove the bracket but you will probably have to hydraulically press the bushing out of and into the bracket. Most shops shouldn't charge that much for this.

I have the new bushings but haven't installed them yet. Many people say these bushings are the ones that usually fail and replacing them fixes the problem. I would try the $200-300 solution before the $1049 solution.

Arcturus

It could be the LCA bushings, but where did you get the car aligned? Did they give you a report? Pulling to one side and wandering usually indicates a problem with the alignment.
I have had varying levels of competency from alignment shops. Best usually was the dealer. Normally they don't mark up the price too much.

jimisbell

I believe these are the correct bearings and its not $200.00, just $22.95 each. These are on EBayI am not sure, so check them yourself dont rely on my aging brain. Check that OEM number.

ls430w140

jimisbell

Even if they are not well built and I have to replace them every 25K miles, it would take over a million miles before I spent even $1000. Why turn them down, Easy to replace so its not even a lot of labor to replace them every 2 years and the car will likely be sold before 4 years have passed!!!

Respectfully saying, I give a big YES!

Arcturus

Are those Toyota / Lexus sold from Febest? Or are those actually Febest parts? IMHO I'd buy the OEM bushings. They're $75 a piece. Otherwise you don't know what you're getting.
Bushings can have a big effect on the ride quality. I guess you can try. But I'd rather spend the extra dollars to make sure I don't have to do the job again.

jimisbell

I never could convince my EX-Son-In-Law that expensive was not necessarily equated to GOOD. Daughter finally realized what a looser he was and divorced him. He is dead broke and I am a millionaire. Just saying.