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On my LS 430 ‘02 (131K) I just had the 2 LCA , the bushing in each lower arm bracket, and the tie rods each side replaced because of clunking (thumping) that started 2 yr ago and continued to get to the point that my wife could hear it. While still on the car the LCA bushing rubber could be seen to be cracked on the visible nut side. After removal, the crack was seen to go all the way thru the rubber. The repair stopped the clunking. I do not know which part of the repair stopped it but I think it was the bushing in the lower arm bracket.
The tie rods and the bushings in the LCA itself seemed in good shape and if I were doing the work I would not have changed them (only the LCA lower arm bracket bushings) but I let the repair shop talk me into it as I am going to keep the car for another 10 yr.
There is a small square protrusion on the rubber near the center of the rubber bushing that is to be aligned 90 degrees to the bracket arms ( see picture). The cracks were at right angle to the bracket arms so I assume the rubber in the bushing is not homogeneous, so it is important to align the bushing correctly in the lower arm bracket.
The nut holding the lower arm bracket to the LCA should not be tightened until the weight
Figs is offering a billet replacement mount with urethane bushing as an aftermarket option. They also states an offset version is available as well to correct caster.
Figs is offering a billet replacement mount with urethane bushing as an aftermarket option. They also states an offset version is available as well to correct caster.
It makes perfect sense to have a pre implanted bushing into the lower control arm bracket. You could save a good amount of money by having this ready to go "bolt-on" piece. No dealership or machine shop needed. I would prefer an OEM bushing but would be willing to try this. Good find !
I put these bushings on my IS F. They are a great product and really help stabilize the front wheels, preventing undue tire wear.
They do firm up the suspension.
However, it does not say that they will fit the LS 430. I know that the diameter of the Figs bushing is just under three inches. I used a short piece of 3 inch steel tubing as an arbor to remove and install the bushings. Call Figs, they are great people.
You can buy the entire lower control arm with both bushings already installed for $85 each from Rockauto. If you only want to do the back bushing just take it off the new A-Arm and put it on. You only need to undo three bolts to do so from your car. The two large bolts need to be torqued to 110 ft-lbs and the small one to 47 ft-lbs. The suspension needs to be loaded before you tighten these bolts. You will need to get the car aligned.
You can buy the entire lower control arm with both bushings already installed for $85 each from Rockauto. If you only want to do the back bushing just take it off the new A-Arm and put it on. You only need to undo three bolts to do so from your car. The two large bolts need to be torqued to 110 ft-lbs and the small one to 47 ft-lbs. The suspension needs to be loaded before you tighten these bolts. You will need to get the car aligned.
The a arms at rockauto don't include the bushing they are referring to above. The cam bolt has a torque of 127 ft-lbs.
Front suspension clunking noise solved
