varcity64

iTrader: (2)

ok, i did a search but did not come up with too much in regards to what i want. im comin up to about 110k miles on the odo and i feel like i need to upgrade some suspension parts as i am starting to hear some squeaking coming from the front of the car. so what should i replace and what exactly can i do on my own. thanks in advance

varcity64

iTrader: (2)

well... anyone??

Tammy

You might try inspecting the struts and the spring insulators. There's also the upper strut mount cracked and worn.

Your control arm bushings or ball joints may also have wear.

Struts and mount should be performed by someone who understands what the job entails and has worked with spring compressors. With the strut unloaded, the suspension components can be checked for wear.

BA_GS400

iTrader: (1)

the first things you should probably do, and they are relatively easy, are the lower ball joints and the outer tie-rod ends.

I think the BJ was about $46 and the tie-rod ummmm ummm like $25-$50 or so. Either way, you'd need maybe 130-200 for both sides. (buy from Carson Toyota or Sewell Lexus)

You'd want a $12 tool for removing the old parts. You can get it at AutoZone. Easy to use. Sorry, i don't have a pic for you though.
You'd also want a torque wrench to properly bolt things back together.
Then you'd need an alignment when all done.

Shocks/struts would be good too. Those puppies could run you 75-100 each.

None of it is 'hard' work, but, you probably should be mechanically inclined. Able to take something apart and rightly put it back together.

lexi4darin

If you get work done from Sewell. Ask for Darrel. He's a very cool guy who is helping me out on a wheel/tire package. He's gone the extra mile 3 times on this deal and he's still offering great prices. If you need to, mention CL and feel free to tell him I sent ya.

And I just brought my car to a local dealer (Putnam Redwood City, CA) for front end suspension problems. They made it very clear with the GS430 that the ball joints should be replaced every 80k miles or at LEAST inspected thoroughly every 30k after 80k.

Check your ball joints; don't just check your struts but replace them with a nice set all the way around; and definitely check your bushings (replacing those can make the front end response of your car feel like brand new again).

Kharizma

iTrader: (6)

i'd say:

lower ball joints, upper control arms, damper kit maybe? that's what i have done so far. good luck

varcity64

iTrader: (2)

thanks for the advice so far ... i dont need struts since i had coilovers installed last year so from your comments i need to do the following:

the upper strut mount cracked and worn.

control arm bushings or ball joints (are these the same ?? )

outer tie-rod ends (You'd want a $12 tool for removing the old parts <--- what does the tool look like??)

lower ball joints (im guessing these are the only kind of ball joints, right??)

upper control arms (are there lower control arms??)

damper kit maybe (dont get mad at me, but what is this?? coilovers ??)

dont get mad at me for these "newbie" questions... i have never really done suspension work to my car but i do want to try to do it since its still nice out and i LOVE learning about cars. WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO DO???? thanks to all that have input so far

BA_GS400

iTrader: (1)

no offense is meant here, but, this type of work isn't really work that *I think* anyone should attempt alone if they've never done it.

Do you have anyone that will help you that has worked on cars before?


The tool I mentioned looks like this, it can be used to remove the old tie-rod and the old ball-joint.

http://quad4x4.com/images/qt1200.jpg

cliffud

iTrader: (3)

just wondering - did you apply some wd40 to the front suspension? might get rid of the squeaking.

varcity64

iTrader: (2)

NO OFFENSE TAKEN i have never done this type of work on my car, but I WANT TO LEARN, but i dont have anyone to teach me and i have NEVER seen that tool before in my life... what does it do and how do u use it?

varcity64

iTrader: (2)

no, but at 110k miles, some stuff NEEDS to be replaced imo