Front lower control arm bushing at 120k miles
#16
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There are going to be stress tears [not through and through] and eventually the rubber is going to break apart ..loosing the hold of the inner metal. Once that happens the way the wheel sits on the ground will change. Given play [due to not being held in place], you can get enough dynamic forces to break away the member and loose control of the vehicle.
You have to choose when to get to replacement.
1. Replacement based on observation.
2. You start getting noise on bumps [more noticeable at slow speed]
3. Your front tires start showing inner side wear. [damage to the tires]
4. Very loud suspension noise, slop and even dropping to the ground.
Typically due to age when one goes the other goes as well.
So pick your time, but I would do it before #3.
Also please do include in the cost a break up of parts, labor and time and the necessary realignment cost needed after the repair. and if it is for one side or both.
Salim
You have to choose when to get to replacement.
1. Replacement based on observation.
2. You start getting noise on bumps [more noticeable at slow speed]
3. Your front tires start showing inner side wear. [damage to the tires]
4. Very loud suspension noise, slop and even dropping to the ground.
Typically due to age when one goes the other goes as well.
So pick your time, but I would do it before #3.
Also please do include in the cost a break up of parts, labor and time and the necessary realignment cost needed after the repair. and if it is for one side or both.
Salim
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MellonC00 (08-07-23)
#17
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You always pay more at the dealer and they are known for trying to frighten customers into buying repairs that are not yet needed, as the service writers work on commission and have sales quotas.
This job can be done by most independent repair shops. These design control arms are similar across most Toyota and Lexus vehicles. So almost every mechanic has worked on them. So when you do replace them, do some Yelp and Google searches to find well rated local repair shops.
This job can be done by most independent repair shops. These design control arms are similar across most Toyota and Lexus vehicles. So almost every mechanic has worked on them. So when you do replace them, do some Yelp and Google searches to find well rated local repair shops.
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Yahmei (09-04-23)
#21
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#22
#23
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That is a considerable crack, this is still considered normal and doesn't bother you? damn. I just did a recent suspension overhaul on my Rx since I plan on keeping it for another 3-4 years and then call it done- to each their own. Some people will swear to not do anything unless it's completely broken- some would work on it when its about 70% through.
#24
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Started to feel a clunk at full lock when doing a 3-point turn today 😔 It could be my CV axles, but given the state of my bushings, I guess I'll have to replace them both
#27
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A clunk in that situation could be a few other things besides control arm bushings. Motor mounts for instance.
#28
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Right, that's the problem with doing a self-diagnosis. It only clunked when accelerating in the middle of a 3-point turn at full lock; I haven't experienced any abnormal vibration or other clunking when driving normally, so I don't think it's a motor mount. Won't know for sure until I have the time to pull the wheels off and inspect the bushings and suspension components.
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