RikTT

iTrader: (2)

What brand combo did you use for those, if any ?

Just did both LBJ, outer tie rods (both Moogs) yesterday and now a nasty vibration @ 60 mph. Re-did alignment and balanced front wheels, not much help.

Blanco

iTrader: (8)

How do your caster arm bushings look?

AnimalB

http://www.ebay.com/itm/200754115886...ht_2243wt_1054

The caster bushings were made by ROCA.

I was a little worried about ordering this......but quality parts arrived....everything is working great.

RikTT

iTrader: (2)

I overlooked the caster arm bushings while trying to beat daylight for the install. If I took a guess on the condition, it's gotta be close to the OP pic. Car has just topped 100k but looks like I'd have to replace those.

Saw the link which you got as a package, thanks.

What kind of pricing of the poly vs oem are you guys seeing ?

Blanco

iTrader: (8)

I'm not dissing poly bushes, but if you want smooth Lexus ride, stick with rubber.

RikTT

iTrader: (2)

Just went under and confirmed that both my Caster bushings are about toast as the OP's pic.

Now will this cause wheel vibration or to my knowledge, stop clunking front end sounds more ?
(I've just replaced LBJ's & outer tie rods, balanced wheels & 2 alignments as stated above)

CAKETOWN

iTrader: (7)

Pretty sure mine are toast too. I have a slight vibration in my steering wheel at higher speeds.

Blanco

iTrader: (8)

Yes and yes. Can cause vibrations and clunks. Replacing mine got rid of mine.

RikTT

iTrader: (2)

Thanks - Will be replacing these ASAP. Now here comes the decision making on Sewell's poly vs Roca vs oem arms as the sticky up top seems to flip flop on a definitive answer

Blanco

iTrader: (8)

I don't know anything about the the rocas. I do know that poly bushings will transmit more NVH, and can sometimes squeak, although in the caster arms I don't imagine there's much room to move to squeak.

I wanted the smooth Lexus ride, and didn't want to be concerned with squeaks, or possibly needing to lube the bushings, so I went with stock oem arms. install and forget about it....

RikTT

iTrader: (2)

I hear ya. It seems like it's also a task to wrestle the Caster arm during the re-install with the poly's inn. Some state that the poly's seating is not perfect while trying to bolt up the LBJ side, so NVH, squeaking will be a bit more predictable. I'm sure colder weather maybe an issue here as well with most poly suspension installs. The cost of the OEM caster arms seem so costly for one bushing in place

Blanco

iTrader: (8)

While I won't disagree with that statement, you've got to ask yourself, is the hassle of doing the bushing swap worth the money saved? Based on what I've read around here it's a nontrivial task.

Just make sure you login/register when shopping Sewell parts. The savings can be substantial.

The middle price is online, the right most price is logged in/registered price. $44 savings!!

RikTT

iTrader: (2)

Just a little update. I had put on new pads when I changed my LBJ's and rod ends on my 'what I thought were ok rotors'. Well, for skeptical denial that the Caster bushings were complete suspect on my vibration issue (acceleration/60mph) I decided to replace my rotors this weekend. About 90% of vibration gone to my surprise. Very little/faint brake pulse from deceleration prior while applying brakes but the vibration was there much much more acceleration wise, wierd. But it's taken care of now!

The Caster bushings will definitely be addressed soon so hopefully that takes care of all this vibration nonsense. My local parts store can get both arms with oem type bushings in place for roughly ~ $120 with one side costing a few dollars more. Not sure why. They said it's just as OEM so I'll see whether OEM arms vs poly vs theirs will be in order.

Blanco, I totally see your point Hmmm