Anfanger

Has anybody tried using front lower rearward control arms designed for 2013+ in 2010 AWD? Part numbers are different and there are no revisions for 2013+. The question is - would it fit and work properly?

Anfanger

As I didn't get any answer, I went ahead and purchased front lower rearward control arms for 2013+ AWD. According to the Lexus catalog, these parts do not fit older years. Before purchasing, I made sure that knuckles, front subframe, and front lower forward control arms are the same. I found OEM arms on Ebay under $170 per arm. The seller has some long name but actual parts came from Megazip Japan. I provided photos below of the new control arms and comparison of the right side 2009-2012 AWD and 2013+ AWD. I have installed the arms already, it took me 1 hour. I am going for alignment as soon as they take me because I have a set of fresh tires. I hope, somebody finds it useful.

Zetascry

how did you replace them yourself? I went to the mechanic to have mine changed out. Once the bolt holding the bushing side of arm was removed, the sleeve wouldn’t come out. So I couldn’t replace the control arm. Mechanic said he has to cut it out and I have to buy a new sleeve. Here’s the part number Part No.: 48409-50030

Anfanger

Yes, you have to cut arms if the cumber bolt is stuck. The reason it took me only 1 hour is because I changed the same arms not so long ago. I had to cut out old front lower arms, it took forever.

BlazeViper

So in conclusion, 2013+ parts fit older MY cars?

Anfanger

What I can state is 2013+ AWD front lower rearward control arms fit my 2010 AWD.

Anfanger

I brought the car for alignment last night to remove steering wheel pulling after control arm replacement. Subjectively, the new arms have firmer bushings and removed some of vibrations I had before.

lwphat66

Could you please help me clarify the position of these arms, as I'm not nearly familiar with AWD models. Normally I would use the terms leading and trailing, but since joining this forum, I have noticed they are usually referred to as front/forward and rear/rearward. Obviously this can (and has) become confusing for some, including me. When I installed all 8 arms in my car, this arm is located closest to the front of the car, so logic would dictate this position as forward or leading. The main control arm (I use main because it directly contacts the knuckle, strut, and stabilizer bar links) is located closer to the rear of the car, hence the rearward or trailing label.

I believe in one of your posts in another control arm thread, you were referring to your above mentioned and pictured arms: "AWD is harder to do also it requires alignment after front lower control arm change due to presence of adjusters on control arm bolts. For me, it took 2 alignments for a local Lexus dealer to get it right."

Any insight and clarification would be most appreciated.

Anfanger

The way, I see it is there are 2 lower control arms on each side + a tie rod. Tie rods are not control arms as far as I am concerned. The lower control arm closest to the front is what I called a forward control arm. The other arm is a rearward control arm. Lexus however does not use such naming, I guess, I should stop using it as well and use part numbers instead...

These are rearward control arms (48660-59025, and 48670-59025) - furthest from the front. I hope, I addressed your question. Let me know.

I am not sure why Lexus couldn't align it properly first time. I believe, it is due to lack of experience as majority of techs are in their early 20s and made a number of mistakes while working on my car. The last 2 alignments I did at the Town Fair, I believe, and they had no problem aligning the car.

lwphat66

Thanks. I guess the lower arms then are in reverse location on the AWD vs. RWD? As you can see in the photos below when I installed my arms, the similar arm you say is rearward on the AWD model is located forward/leading on my RWD 2007. Passenger/right side:

Anfanger

I understand what you meant. It seems to RWD uses a different position arrangement for control arms. Yes, the arms in the question seem to reversed, also AWD has the steering rack and sway bar in front of the subframe.