samene

I have a 2011 LS460L AWD. I'm planning to fix front control arm bushings with aftermarket rubber. No poly. Not changing arms.

TRQ bushings are much less expensive than Febest.

Anyone have an opinion on whether the Febest bushings are at all superior to TRQ?

I haven't looked at the 2MPLASTIC/tenacity bushings but I guess if you know about them then please chime in, also.

Boykie

Both are trash, unfit to use on LS.

samene

The OEM bushings weren't durable in the original arms. The aftermarket bushings haven't proven to be durable in the original arms. I am not paying for new OEM arms so the trash bushings will have to do.

Please share any knowledge about whether Febest price premium is justified vs. TRQ, thanks.

swfla

iTrader: (1)

I did an internet search and came up with poor reviews for Febest. The LS is a heavy car and is hard on suspension bushings. OEM is a better bet but will wear out as you know. I don't know if members can in good conscience play along with making inferior choices. Best wishes that you get what you want.

samene

Thanks for that (sincerely). I know the aftermarket bushings are not durable in my car given the weight and the design of the arms.

I would gladly pay triple for durable bushings that won't ruin the ride, btw. That is what should have come on the car in late 2010 and I am surprised Lexus admitted that (some) arms/rubber needed a redesign without admitting the older arms should be recalled. Either way, I cannot afford OEM arms so I have no choice at all.

Boykie

Original arms (all) lasted 350k kms on my old LS430 and at least 160k kms on both of my LS460. I don't see a problem here.
No aftermarket/chinese product is going to even come close to originals. Most will just tear within first 50 (not k) miles. Ask me how I know.

swfla

iTrader: (1)

With money being a concern, perhaps putting off the repair until you saved enough to buy the arms?

cp2

iTrader: (1)

deleted post...wrong thread.

miket000

On my 460 5 years ago I replaced all my front bushings with a $55 kit on ebay. The upper bushings gave up the ghost about 1 year ago after 20k miles. The lowers are still fine. 25k miles later I'm still happy with them. Car rides smooth and quiet. All the bushings looked identical to the trq bushings. I installed some SuperPro poly bushings on the upper arms. I'm not happy with them as the material is a bit too soft, car doesn't always track perfectly straight. Although they are not bad enough to warrant replacing.

I have trq upper arms installed on my 600h. I'm happy with them. I have tenacity bushings installed on the lower arms. I found them to be too hard of a rubber. The ride was harsh while breaking them in. I'm either used to the tenacity bushings now or they are more pliable.

If I were to replace upper arms or upper bushings for the price trq would be my first pick. Since they can be replaced in 30 minutes it's not too much of a hassle to deal with every few years.

swfla

iTrader: (1)

Sounds reasonable. Do you own a hydraulic press to replace bushings? Is the 30 minutes for bushing replacement or entire job? Per side?

Striker223

Probably per side I would think, it's really easy to do on these cars but I prefer just replacing the arms. I bought and used units with lifetime warranty on mine after determining there is virtually no difference between stock and aftermarket options.

It's fast enough of a replacement I don't care. It's not as good as the euro cars but close, FCP euro just makes long term ownership unbeatable for euro cars....

swfla

iTrader: (1)

I was trying to determine if Samene will need to invest in a press.

miket000

When replacing the entire arm a press is not required.

I did purchase a press to replace my bushings the first time. The press was $100 at harbor freight.

If you set all your tools up nascar style you might be able to finish both sides in 30 minutes ( upper arms only). If doing it yourself for the first time I'd guestimate a few hours.

Anfanger

I used a bushing kit, it takes very little time to press out if necessary sockets are available. Pressing in takes a little longer to make sure it goes in a right way.

swfla

iTrader: (1)

FWIW, my 2013 SWB with 62k miles still has original arms/bushings. Previous owner ran interstates mostly and babied the car. I've had it for about 6k now.