hi everyone,have a serious problem with the front left hand side suspension (uk passenger side) keeping hearing squeaking and clucking noise at slow speeds.going through the search facilty ,and my mechanic said i should buy one control arm, what else should i do to improve the front suspension.

 

Change anything poly/rubber. IE: Bushings and so forth. Change joints basically that give cushion to metal on metal parts. Dampners.

Also it is wise to change both sides for consistency. Though if money is extremely tight, just buy what is highly recommended,.. The bushings themselves aren't that expensive, especially if you can change them yourself.

If you've got money to blow, you can always replace the shocks and struts on both sides (up front) as well.

 

Also look into changing the Ball joints on the car (LS's are know for being hard on them), tie rods and tie rod ends, UCA's and LCA's, bushing and what not. It can be pretty overwhelming but start serious need and work your way down the list.

 

90% of the causes of these types of clunks can be narrowed down to 3 items:
1) lower ball joint ~$70
2) UCA (includes both bushings and upper ball joint) ~$230
3) Strut rod cushion ~$100

These are parts prices only, but can easily be done DIY.

 

please correct me if im wrong.


but the UCA is the upper control arm, and its wise to just replace the whole thing? or can you just do the bushings by themselves?

 

you CAN replace just the bushing with aftermarket bushings but the problem is that your upper ball joint may still fail and THAT can NOT be replaced without replacing the whole arm.

 

I was in the process of replacing all the bushings for the car and adding Megan coilovers.

My Mechanic says I need new inner and outer tie rod ends for the left side.

Is there anything else I should have replaced while I'm at it?

And do you know where to get better Tie rod ends; or is it even an option to uprade?

 

Would be a good idea to replace the strut rod, while you are down there, if it hasn't already been changed. This is another common wear item which will result in noise.

 

Trukn, What is a strut rod? is it the same as a inner or outer Tie Rod?

I have the front control arm and rear sway bar bushings set by Daizen.

I've decided to replace the lower ball joints with EOM while I'm at it.

Any idea where to get Tie Rod ends?

 

dealer will have Tie rod ends

and no, the strut rod is NOT a tie rod, it is the big metal bar that goes from the hub to a mounting point towards the FRONT of the car.

 

Cool Thanks.

I was looking at the Lexuspartsonline.com website but could not track down Tie Rods.

 

so if i go to the dealership to buy the uca bushings what will they give me!im kinda confused on which ones these are! and confused on which ones on the car the tie rods are too!

 

the dealership does sell control arm bushings, if you want them you have to go aftermarket.

no offense, but if you can't tell a tie rod from a control arm you should prolly not be working on the suspension of your car...

 

Thanks Puredrifter. You're right, I'm a total Newb thats why i'm just getting the parts and having a mechanic install it all.

Got the Last of the Bushings today, ordered the Tie Rods from the dealer today. Waiting for lower ball joints to arrive and soon will get the Megan Coilovers.

Will drive better than new, Can't wait.