Vvman

Hi Guys

Okay, so the local dealership said all my 4 front upper control arm and 4 lower control arm bushings were shot and showing signs of wear.

My 07 ride was out of warranty and replacement of all 8 arms would burn a big hole in the pocket, hence I chose the cheapest way out albeit with a little more effort.

Project CA bushings was born and parts were sourced from the internet. I wasn't keen on some PRC or cheap internet bushings/CAs options and the parts were carefully shortlisted. There wasn't polys for the lower CAs and I chose the next best option - Febest bushings

First off, Armstrong Distributors polyurethane bushings
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/att...1&d=1389966742

Next, Febest 75% rubber, 25% synthetic rubber bushings, 60 rockwells
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/att...1&d=1389966742

All 10 bushings
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/att...1&d=1389967040

LCA Febest bushings part nos.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/att...1&d=1389967823

The fasteners - Castle nuts & cotter pins
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/att...1&d=1389967040


Total cost, a tad below $400 exclude shipping. So much for the parts. Next up, the job...
.

randomwalk

Where are you at? Are you replacing them yourself?

Vvman

I am in Singapore. In fact, I had my local workshop completed the whole job in 3.5 hours today.

Computerised wheel alignment took another 45 mins or so. Car rides like a charm. Everything nice n tight with no loose suspension parts or noise. Just faint pure V8 hum with the audio off.

Will post pictures of the job as soon as I have the time.

robert1408

What an interesting post! You can be sure LOTS of folks here will be keenly interested in this thread as it grows! The front bushings on my 40k mile '07 are still fine but I know this will likely change some time in the next 40k.

Vvman

The job

It was easy enough to dismantle the arms with the brakes and shock absorbers out.

These are the lower arms. The bushings were shot all right.

Vvman

Here are the upper control arms

Vvman

Now the hard work.

Pressing out worn bushings in goes the new ones into position.

Vvman

New bushings all fitted - pretty straightforward.

Vvman

Final installation.

1Putt

Great thread and pics.
The challenge is depending on where you are located, finding a mechanic that has a press. Most likely would be more of an old school shop. Or maybe a machine shop type place that would do it

Vvman

Oh, yeah.

The PUs for the upper control arms are 2 piece bushings, ie 1 male and 1 female halves making up 1 bush. Grease them generously.

More pictures. All done in 3.5 hours.

randomwalk

Does the rear has any bushing?

lbintab

iTrader: (1)

Great thread. I'm actually getting the driver front lower redone. For now I'm only doing the bad one because I wasn't sure how the bushings I bought were going to work. The dealer replace the upper under warranty but the front lower was a little harder because I now have custom air suspension. The bushings for the lower only ran me $50. I'll post progress when I put my BBK in. Were there any problem you ran into remove the old lower bushings? I noticed there are area's on the large lower bushing that are bent. Was that like that already?

roadfrog

Great post and write-up!

What were your symptoms that caused the diagnosis??

Vvman

Thanks for the kind words, robert1408, 1Putt.

I was motivated on this project as I was not prepared to change all 8 arms when apparently the only thing wrong with them were the bushings. In fact, the ball joint stud on all the arms including the rubber boots were still in very good condition. Cost was the main driving factor espacially when you realise the original rubber bushings don't last.

I also had the opportunity to inspect the rear arms bushings a few months ago (and yesterday) and they looked fine - no crack line or arms sitting lower on their joints than they should. Hope this answers your question randomwalk.

Ibintab, the job on my car went perfectly well without drama. The time needed says it all - half a day's work. The 4 upper arms on this car are lightweight, made from some kind of alum alloy probably. The lower arms are much heavier and stronger, they are definitely not easy to bend.

I have attached a pic of a new original lower arm p/n 48620-59015. This is the original shape of the arm (I think this is what you are referring). Cheers.