OutlawTita

iTrader: (1)

About a year ago I replaced my lower control arms and bushings. I was having trouble holding my car on the road at speeds over 70 mph (felt like a 50 mph constant crosswind) yesterday. Took my car into the dealer and they say I need to replace lower control arms and bushings (said the bushing were actually torn). Does this make sense? Would torn bushings necessitate replacing the control arms again also? There is no doubt that something is very wrong but I don't want to replace any more than necessary. Appreciate any advice you might have for me.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Do you still have problems getting your car to track straight?

OutlawTita

iTrader: (1)

I have serious problems tracking straight...constantly fighting it. Wheels are balanced, alignment is perfect, checked struts (which were also recently replaced).

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Did the problem go away when you initially changed out the lower control arm?

And which arm did you replace? We have two lower control arms.

OutlawTita

iTrader: (1)

I replaced both lower control arms about 10K miles ago. There was nothing wrong before or after I replaced them....it was purely precautionary. There was no problem at all until about the last 400-600 miles.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Usually it's the caster arm that makes your tracking horrible. Your toe changes if your caster can't keep the lower control arm in place. I'm not even sure whoever did the job actually changed them out or not. New control arm bushings shouldn't go back in a year, even under hard driving.

OutlawTita

iTrader: (1)

Dealership replaced the lower contol arms and bushings. Tech showed me the Daizen bushings that had only been on for 14K miles......left side showed wear but the right side was really chewed up.

Unfortunately this did not clear up my problem. It did improve by around 50-70% but when you get to 80mph it "wanders". Checked the alignment again and it is still perfect.

Going back to the dealer in the morning but I am perplexed and very disappointed.

OutlawTita

iTrader: (1)

well after another week of driving the RX400 hybrid loaner the head mechanic at my dealership got together with the "regional engineer" who he described as an old redneck racecar builder that specializes in suspension setups.....well, that was what the told me. Anyway, another $750 down the tubes to replace the upper control arm. Supposed to get it back Friday and we will see if it works.

OutlawTita

iTrader: (1)

Got the car back today and must admit that my car has never driven this well since I have had it for 3 years. Makes me think the upper control arm may have been bent all along and may have been causing lower control arm troubles. All in all it cost $1,640 but it just may have been worth it because the steering is now nice and tight and feels 1000% more stable at 80-90 mph. Driving is now fun again!