Sportznuts

Anybody know the labor for bushings replacement and lower ball joint replacement.

My car has been really difficult for mechanic to align. The car sways to the right and they have to adjust the camber a little bit.

My car has 170,000 miles on it and from what I hear on the forum, the lower ball joints and bushing replacement are usually needed at this point.

I want to keep this care for another 150,000 miles.

Any suggestions?

Sportznuts

I'll just get it done and hope it allows my car to last a little longer.

EXE.UCF10

iTrader: (3)

Labor time for front lower ball joints will take 40 min. to an hour and about an hour for a pair of bushings. Given that the average labor rate is around $70 at local shops, well, you can do the math.

Sportznuts

Thanks for the response. That's not bad at all.

akxx

iTrader: (1)

Also a very easy DIY!

Sportznuts

I can get lower ball joints on ebay for very cheap ($89 for set of 2) front lower.

Somebody has mentioned Daizen Bushings awhile back but they are made out of polyurethane and most mechanics say it'll make the ride harder as opposed to smoother.

What kind of bushings should I use for my 1991 LS400? Not a lot of money to work with so price is important.

akxx

iTrader: (1)

Daizen's for the sway bars is fine.

Keep in mind that if you replace your UCA bushings with Daizen or others, that you run the risk of the upper ball going bad, and then you'll have to replace the entire UCA anyway. Also, if you don't have access to a shop to press in the bushings, then the cost savings may not be worth the hassle.

Sportznuts

True.

I'm getting noise when I go over bumps, the car will flex in the front when I go over bumps and I can hear it. I am going to Midas next week to have the front suspension checked. I hope it's not too costly. Although I will definitely buy parts on ebay. I do want my car to last but I can't afford Lexus prices.

I sure do love my car though. Quite a step up from a 1992 Nissan Maxima.

akxx

iTrader: (1)

If you really don't want to pay OEM prices, you can check out the UCAs from Arnott (the guys that do air struts and conversions for LS400s).

However, they just came out, so there are no long-term reports on longevity. There are reports of some dimensional mismatch--the arm being thinner, needing a spacer on the ball joint. However, price is only $200+shipping for a PAIR, compared to ~$330 each from Lexus (discounted price).

Personally I'm wary of any Arnott's products after the rep they get for their other LS400 products...the price everyone agrees is right--the quality not so much.