cyclehead

I have a 2004 LS430 CL with 180,000 miles. I fixed the rattles and squeak in my front end - and replaced a bunch of parts needlessly. I thought I saw some degradation to the rubber bushings, but I couldn't see any other reason for the rattles and squeaks. So I ordered a complete set of new upper and lower control arms, lower ball joints, and sway bar links. AFTER I got the RH lower control arm removed, I found the source of all the problems. Some previous alignment guy failed to tighten the RH control arm pivot bolt (the one with the eccentric washers). It appears to have been rotating on the bolt instead of the rubber bushing - for a long time. The bolt had shiny wear marks on one side, and lots of red rust deposits. (Sorry I didn't photograph the bolt when I had it out). The control arm bushing tells the story though. The locking grooves on the bushing face are all worn smooth and shiny from moving relative to the frame. Squeaking and rattling. Conclusion: Try re-torquing the adjustment bolts before you start replacing things. Especially any bolt that an alignment guy can screw up. The lower control arm adjustment bolt is supposed to be torqued to 127 ft lbs!

Yamae

Thanks for the detailed report with photos. Congratulations on your finding and the fix.