OMAHA

I have issues with the suspension. My car makes a clunking noise as I go over bumps, and also if I'm driving like 10 to 20 miles per hour and I step on the brakes it will make a clunking noise as well. I have replaced the shocks(Nov. '15) and the lower ball joints (Jan. '15)in the front suspension. The clunking noise seems to be coming from the front.

sndlight

Lower control arm bushings and strut rod bushings.

OMAHA

Are these two parts sold separately? I have not heard of these....

OMAHA

Also, a ball joint went bad and I replaced it this week.....here is what it looked like, cotter pin was sheared off.

OMAHA

The mechanic told me he had to cut the tie rod off to replace the ball joint....here is a pic. Not sure why the ball joint was messed up....sent back to Rock Auto for full refund...

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

replace the strut rod bushing, aka the radius arm/caster arm bushing. Your mechanic had no reason to cut the tie rod end unless he was so incompetent he couldn't get it apart.

Strut rod bushings are interchangeable within your generation only, 89-94 in this case. Do not try to buy 95-00 strut rod bushings, they will not interchange.

OMAHA

Yes Puredrifter, I was thinking he was incompetent also because my regular mechanic changed the ball joint with no problem before....I only took it to him because I needed it changed before my wheel fell off.....$50/tie rod, $75/flat rate labor.....also $60/hour labor x 2 to install ball joint.......he got me.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

2 hours for a front lbj R&R?


Yeah he got you.

dicer

All my clunking was the upper control arms.

OMAHA

That was my first thought also....

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

there are TONS of threads already stating that most suspension clunks are due to worn strut rod bushes. of course other components fail too including the upper a arms. inspect both!

OMAHA

Yes I am going to start here.....I've had Lexus tell me the upper control arms need replaced, then Midas told me they was fine....the strut rod bushes is where I'll start....

OMAHA

Is the strut rod bushing a part of the upper control arm?

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

no, completely separate piece. Search is your friend. The bushing comes as a complete unit that bolts in to replace the old. They go bad with WAY more frequency than the UCAs and have a characteristic "thump" /"Clunk" when going over bumps.

OMAHA

Yes I found some for $173 each and was.surprised so I was hoping they were a part of the upper control arm....