Greg4609

Is it necessary to remove the gasoline tank in order to replace the rear suspension arms on a ES300 year 2000?

Underneath the middle of the car (between the gas tank and the trunk) the 2 long bolts that secure the 4 suspension arms in place cannot be removed - the gas tank is in the way.

I have the parts but it looks like the muffler and gas tank need to be out of the way first to that the 2 bolts can be removed and the new suspension arms installed... seems strange that removing the gas tank would be necessary.

Thanks...novice repairman

BDSL

No, you do NOT need to remove the gas tank to replace the lower control arms.

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

I just had this done.

Word of advice, buy new OEM bolts... they're under a foot long [x4] My mechanic had heated them, etc, and two of four snapped whilst replacing the arms. This is on a 11 yr old car with 200+km's on it and canadian winters, so yours may come out easier than mine did - but i'd buy them just in case...

Greg4609

Thank you all

Here is how it was done.
1) lower the rear tail end of the exhaust pipe
2) lower (just a little bit by backing off the bolts) the rear camber
3) now the 2 bolts for the suspension arms can be removed.

I now have new OEM suspension arms (4), new struts (2) and new stabilizer links (2). Less noise, smoother ride BUT the car still "clunks" when going over a dip or bump!

Still a novice repairman.