Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Purchased the parts a little while back. Finally had a chance to go the the good ole boy shop to do the work. Saved a lot of money over every other place that wanted to remove the whole rack. The steering rack was much easier then I expected. The trick is to take the post out. They are reverse thread. We also took off the sound vibration bar. I spent $120.00 in labor vs about $600 everywhere else. Plus the alignment is not affected.

My steering rack bushes were not very worn. Better then expected.

The front motor mounts looked in great shape so I decided not to touch them for now. Overall, I am pleased with the small investment. The amount of vibration transferred through the column is definitely less. It feels more solid overall. I can also tell there is less movement with the rear motor mount, especially when she is downshifting.

This is an 04 with 108,534 miles. Anyway, I hope this info helps others. Pretty easy to do with tools and a lift.

Kira X

iTrader: (24)

Where did you get the bushings from?

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Lexus of South Atlanta online site.

Kira X

iTrader: (24)

Cool, thanks! I'll order some soon.

Pamperme

With the bushings replaced, how drastic was the ride difference? And with the motor mount changed, does any noise/engine vibration enter the cabin? As a meticulous Lexus owner, I want to maintain that cloud 9, disconnected feel even if said parts aren't necessarily due for replacement. Thanks.
,

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

The steering rack bushing themselves did not make a lot of difference but some. The originals were not so bad. The rear motor mount helps and the most important are the main left and right front motor mounts. I have not done these yet. Probably will in the next 25k miles or so.

LiCelsior

iTrader: (32)

hmm that looks like the transmission mount.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

It is but the correct term that Lexus uses is rear motor mount.

LiCelsior

iTrader: (32)

ahhh, okay. i stand corrected.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

That 100-150K mile range in the 1-2LS these rear mounts usually come out in pieces. How are some of the other suspension bushings?

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

My old rear mount did not look bad at all. When it was out you could tell the it was a lot softer even though it was not broken anywhere in the rubber. It just flexed a lot easier. My main mounts visually look great but I can tell they are getting ready. I have 125k now. Overall, the only other bushings I have done are the lower control arm. If anything, lower ball joints are next on the list.

Funny, I asked a Lexus tech once how to tell if the motor mounts are bad. Just just said when the motor starts lifting up and down... lol. I will replace them before this point.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

You'll feel the broken motor mounts when going over speed bumps. That quick up-down will result in a whump-thump.

Reminds me long ago a buddy with a 454 who enjoyed doing his burnouts. After a spell the torque broke the mounts. When he gave the engine a high rev it would lift off the mounts and hit the hood. On that car, it was a decent 4-5" from carb to hood. He wasn't happy about his air cleaner housing getting dented.

rkw77080

Here are the torque specs for our power steering system. Please note that the "ft-lbf" reading is the last number shown within the parenthesis.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Great. Thank you.

KING

iTrader: (1)

Hey Lav thanks for this awesome write up. Any chance you still have the part numbers?

I am going to order the same bushings from South Atlanta Lexus. I have some sort of weakness noise coming from the steering column, when I move the steering wheel aggressively to the right and to the left I get this sound.

In the beginning I thought it was my end links being loose and causing the noise. So I went to Les Schwab to have them tighten the end links, but they appeared to look fine.

Since this seems like a really easy job, not expensive, I'll fit the new bushings in and see if it'll solve my problem.

I replaced my LCA bushings like a year ago, and they are the only bushings changed in the car by me. Going through this maintenance phase right now though... Trying to keep the car tip top shape.