LazarusLng

I have had an issue with a clunk in the rear end. Passenger side. It was only happening when I would hit a bump. Over the last couple days it has started getting worse. At about 40 mph and above the clunking will increase and can be fairly rapid. Also have a slight vibration at that speed. Do not feel it in the steering wheel.

I think I have narrowed it down to the rear knuckle? bushing. While holding onto the bushing I rocked the top of the tire in and out to produce the clunk. I could feel it in that spot. I had ordered a set of bushings, months ago, which claimed to be a direct replacement.

Tonight I decided to try and swap them out. Should be easy. Nope. The old bushing will not come out. I have some pictures. Maybe someone has done this. Maybe I need to call my mechanic in the morning? Advice is appreciated. My diagnosis might be wrong anyway?

LazarusLng

I was not successful in removing the old bushing before I had to have use of the car today. This is gonna sound crazy, but I squeezed some silicone caulk into the void where the grease would have been. I let it cure for aout 2 hours before I had to drive. The clunk sound is now gone. This makes me think that the bushing is the source of the clunk. Now, if I rock the top of the tire from side to side, there is definite play in the tire. Hopefully it is just this single bushing, but somehow I don't think so. I might attempt to hacksaw the old bushing out tonight. Should be fun.

rns

I had just rust diluting spray and exact size socket that fit the outer diameter of the bushing. After that you need some sharp hitting, carpenter hammer is not enough but something heavier.
In the case of forward transverse arm I hit out the bushing from front to rear so I took open the front end of the forward control arm.


But check for worn wheel bearings, I replaced both during one year, one failed with typical noise, other just had free play.

You had wrote in this thread too:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...earings-2.html
Another thread:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...low-speed.html

LazarusLng

Thanks for the reply. I have tried the exact technique you mention with no success. Next step is cutting it out. Both wheel bearings have been replaced. No play in tire with it jacked up.

rns

How about cold spray in the bushing? And hammering again? Just it came in thought. Opposite of that, heating the wheel carrier seems too risky unless you can use induction heater.

fastnoypi

do you have an Advance auto near you? Their ball joint/u-joint service kit may have the size cup press you need. If one fits, an impact or breaker bar should be all you need to slowly press that bushing out.

LazarusLng

Thanks for the replies. I'm just going to take it in tomorrow. Didn't feel like messing with it any longer. If there is something else wrong back there he can diagnose it. I will update with the findings.

LazarusLng

Well, the mechanic said that the new bushing is .5mm too small for the hole. Now what ? The new bushing is 37mm OD. Anyone have a source? I can't put 2K into a new knuckle and everything.

LSBen

Did you buy the OEM bushings or something else?

LazarusLng

I had bought something else that was listed as oem replacements. I called the Toyota dealer with the part number that is listed in the other thread, they said they could get it, and the vehicles listed for that part are 94-99 Corolla? Or Camry(can't remember which) and 2012 Avalon. Now, I'm sure many vehicles have used that part. Before I order it, I want to make sure it's right for a 2004 330 made in Japan. Acording to the specs I've seen, the bushings I have should have worked.

thomas1

Using a little heat on that arm may help in the removal. Thanks for the great pictures by the way...