Recently I had my shop install two new OEM control arms for the front of my GS400. The old ones were dangerously worn out with slop in the ball joints. I'm wondering now though about the install... specifically the bushings and how they aren't touching the body on either side of the car. Is this normal, to have a gap between the bushing and body of the car?

I'll likely be checking and torquing to spec with the strut removed later when I get around to putting my Eibach springs in with some Bilsteins.

Pictures:




Note daylight on right side of bushing...

 

That looks a touch on the loose side to me but not worryingly so. When I replaced mine I snugged it up with my impact and made sure it would still move freely but there wasn't a gap. Just keep an eye on it and see if it gets worse

 

Thanks, that's what I was thinking. I know it is quite hard to get a torque spec on these with access as it is...

I don't think there's any issue though if the strut assembly is out with lifting the knuckle up to settle suspension, and then tightening to spec - correct? I wimped out and got the shop to put these on along with new engine mounts because I don't have a garage and didn't want to deal with the summer heat.

 

You don't need to undo the upper ball joint from the spindle to get to these bolts. Just take off the wheel and turn the steering wheel until you can easily access them. Getting them all the way out without taking the strut out is a pain though if you need to replace the arms. These bolts are really long so the spring has to be lined up so that you can get the bolt partway into the spring to get them out. Also you don't need to let the suspension settle with these before tightening. They rotate freely when installed correctly and if you unbolt the knuckle will just fall if that makes sense.

 

I think I get what you're saying. I knew about the battle of getting the bolt out. The FSM if I recall correctly though said to 'stabilize' the suspension - I was planning on jacking up the whole arm assembly before trying to tighten the bolts.

Maybe not room for a torque wrench, but I can for sure get a nice long wrench in there. Thanks!

 

Easiest and surest way to do this is to remove struts.

 

Thanks Doc, that's the plan I suppose if I can't get a wrench to at least tighten them up some in there... my understanding is the strut removal is most necessary when trying to get the arms OUT. Mine are already in, just a bit loose.

Probably should have just gotten some SPC UCAs for what the OEM ones costed...