Coulter

I was going to replace the rear lower control arm bushings (the one that attaches to the knuckle) because I've got a bad creaking noise that I've pinpointed. Lexus doesn't make a replacement (you have to buy the whole knuckle) and it doesn't seem anyone makes an aftermarket rubber replacement bushing (which I would prefer)

Will replacing this bushing with a poly make a noticeable difference in the ride quality? I'm all about a smooth ride (that's why I got a Lexus) Adus looks like about the only game in town, and the price is right. I wouldn't think a single bushing (2 total) would make a big difference (especially in the rear), but I've heard horror stories when I was searching.

Any thoughts?

Thanks for the help

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

I never worked on the rear of mine..... but DONT put them on the front. rides like a wagon. I took them back off and went oem.

acidfire52

I have heard they are ok for the rear lower, but you don't want them on the front. Very stiff.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

also dont want them on the inside of the control arms themselves (front or rear)

JBrady

It is dissapointing that Lexus does not make ALL the bushings available. Rarely do the arms or knuckles themselves need to be replaced. The ONLY place that has some validity is the 95+ front strutrods as the bushing must be installed at a precise angle. That said that bushing IS available!!! Go figure. $50 each from Sewell Lexus. Part #4867440051

If someone will take measurements of the outside diameter, width and bolt hole diameter we may be able to cross reference with other bushings either from Lexus or other import that may interchange.

JimsGX

I have the Adus 505's and 583's in the rear and I haven't noticed a significant difference in the ride. The front is a different story. I tried them up front on the UCA's, LCA's and sway bars. It changed the ride significantly and I took them all out and replaced with rubber. The rear doesn't seem to be as affected by the poly's.

Coulter

I'm amazed Lexus doesn't sell OEM versions of these bushings, do they really expect people to buy a whole new knuckle to replace a cheap rubber bushing?

It's also annoying that the aftermarket is so devoted mainly to polyurethane for bushings. I understand that some people want better handling, but I would argue there's better ways to get handling improvements. Most people are disappointed with them (unless it's a track car) There's a reason why OEMs never use poly for their bushings, even on high performance sports cars.

JBrady

Excellent news!!!

Correct me but don't you have a 1998-2000 LS400?
If so, this means that there is hope for us with these years as well!

It seems to already have been proven that the OEM front lower control arm bushings from the 1990-1994 will fit the 1995-2000 arms as well even though they are not listed that way.

If anyone cares to contribute it would be helpful to compile a database of bushing dimensions. There are bushings available for the early cars that MIGHT fit the later cars.

1990-1994


1995-2000


Notice the forward link bushing is available for the early but not for the later.
The large link from the bottom of the diff to the bottom of the knuckle has a replaceable bushing OEM on early but not late. Different style arms but possibly same size bushing?
Maybe alternates for the others could be sourced?
Upper control arms.
Lower short link.
This gives us what, 7 bushings per side of which 2 are available OEM on early cars, 2 available ADUS for all year LS400s. 14 x $50 = $700 in bushings vs. thousands for all the replacement arms and knuckles.

Anyone with removed parts still available please measure.

JimsGX

I have a 91 LS400 and an 05 LS430...

williamb82

yeah, its because that crappy rubber is CHEAP!!!!!. means more profit.

JBrady

Gotcha, well maybe someone with a 1995-2000 LS400 who HAS installed or tried to install the ADUS can comment on fitment. To me the knuckle in the above pics looks like the same design with only slight mods. I am HOPING that they fit as buying a knuckle is stupid expensive for no good reason not to mention a LOT more work just to replace bushings.

A further note is that the ride is not seriously damaged using these in the rear. This is good for performance as well as wheel/axle hop is one problem with soft rear bushings on a torque IRS car.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

that crappy rubber lasted 15-20 years....what more do you want?

either comfy+reasonably short lived or stiff and lasts forever...

williamb82

actually, mine didnt last that long. yeah, the car is 15+ years old, but it was obvious when i changed the 505's that they had been gone for many years. i find it odd people complain that urethane bushings give a harsh ride, but will put 18,19,20in rims wrapped in rubber bands on their car. those low pro tires make more of a difference to your ride then the bushings do.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

ride quality yes, but they dont compare to running hard poly bushings inside your control arms.

williamb82

on stock rims/tires with poly bushings, the ride will be softer then the rubber band tires on 18's+ with stock bushings. the side wall absorbs most of the impact from just about any normal bump. then again the people running 18's + usually drop their car as much as possible(stupid amounts for that mad tyte vip hella flush look yo) and dont have enough suspension travel for it to work to absorb the impact, and turn into a bunch of pansy's if they can feel the potholes they drive over as a result.