wes77

hi

Mechanic says I have camber issues due to bad steering knuckle and lower control arms.

Does anyone have a DIY on how to replace driver side front steering knuckle and lower control arm?
mechanic says you have to take off remove the engine mounts/ remove off the frame. I also read you do not have to remove the mounting bolts just loosen them.

Anyone have suggestions on how to tackle these areas? also, please advise about the engine mounts

thanks in advace

salimshah

How much do you trust the mechanic? Control arm bushing can get worn out, but the steering knuckle having a play seems unlikely. Did he show you the movement and demonstrated that it is not due to the play in the ball joint or the control arm?

Sorry for being a skeptic, but I had to ask.
FYI .. check out the first gen RX. I did replace the control arm. The member look different, but the way they attach seem the same.Read the DIY there and mentally walk the process on your vehicle before loosing anything. I did mine laying on the garage floor and with high torques ... I was sliding all over till I found the garage wall to anchor my feet.

Salm

wes77

The mechanic did not show me movement or any play. The alignment numbers show there is a camber issue and a toe issue. He insisted in changing the knuckle and lower control arm.

I do not trust the mechanic but I also do not know him well. I just see the numbers showing issues in alignment. I almost want to change the lower control arm and see what happens and then address the knuckle if the post alignment shows further need to fix something. The surprising discussion was he also said if it doesn't bother you don't change anything and know the tire wear will always be a problem....never heard a mechanic say that.

In your opinion is knuckle simple addition if I attack the lower control arm. I never did knuckle and only lower control arm I did was a integral....it was easy which is way simpler than a rx.

I hope my electric power wrench has enough torque....haha. I do have a breaker bar.

Clutchless

You need to get a second opinion before you start replacing parts. Find a well regarded Toyota specialist.
I always recommend folks look here to help find good local mechanics https://www.cartalk.com/mechanics-files

salimshah

A good alignment shop will check the suspension before bringing the numbers back in spec. If there is a play then, obviously the alignment won't do you any good, but if there is no play, changing the suspension just gives you new(er) parts. My attitude is show me the need first.

So why the alignment get out of spec? Going over bumps and hitting the curb can throw the alignment off.

Since at the end you will be going the alignment shop, you may start there and skip your regular mechanic.

Salim

tempestv8

Is there evidence of camber issues?

I'd expect the front tyres to scrub the outside shoulder of the tyres quickly, if the tyres are not rotated regularly with the rears. That's entirely normal for an RX.

The front end suspension geometry for most Toyota SUVs are designed with understeer in mind, hence the outer shoulders will wear out quicker.

Steering knuckles can wear out if you twirl the steering wheel a lot with the vehicle stationary, e.g. car parking, 3 point turns, etc. Generally loose tie rod ends symptoms show up as a wobbly steering wheel when driving even on smooth roads.

wes77

There is excessive inside wear on the driver side tire which is not present in the other tires. I know there is usually outside wear but not this case which is why I brought it in for wheel alighnment. The alignment numbers showed a large discrepancy between the front tires and the mechanic said the left side is pushed back compared to the right side.

I am not the primary driver so I can't speak on any specific accidents that may have caused issue.

looking into replacing the parts, it doesn't look easy...remove engine mount, lift engine to get to LCA bolts....also, there is the knuckle and bearing to deal with. ARGGHHHH. Some people say it can be done without removing engine mount bolt but I am not a master mechanic. It seems ppl are using highlander parts to save $$$

Im going to try to get a second opinion an another estimate,

wes77

Salim,

Mechanic did not show any play or shake in the tire. There is no play or vibration in the steering wheel while driving at any speed. there is a slight difference in turning left and right. Its not equal

thanks