Common suspension wear items
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 1,056
Likes: 210
From: Florida
I just had my front brakes done on my 2004 LS 430 at the dealer. The dealer informed me that my caster bushing are all worn and needed to be replace. They tell me it will cost over $900.00. I told them no for now. The car has over 215k miles. I bought it in 2009 as a CPO. It is still in good shape. I look at one of the local dealers web site (Lexus of Stevens Creek) and it does not list caster bushing. Is it the Bracket Bushing, part #48655-50012? I also notice there are 3 different brackets. They are "no mark" "white mark" and a "pink mark". Is it VIN specific? I could not fine the part in Rock Auto. If that is the caster bushing, what is the Rock Auto part number? You mention the steering rack rubber mounting bushing, what is the part number for that? On a separate note, someone hit my car from behind a couple of years ago and crunched the trunk and rear bumper cover pretty bad. I finally replaced the rear parking sensor this year. The sensors seem to work fine. My wife walk toward each sensor and each activated as expected but when I back up the car the rear sensor fault comes on. Is there a reset I should have done or is there something else there I missed.
Maybe the following video may help with your sensors...?
Pit Crew
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 141
Likes: 68
From: CA
I just had my front brakes done on my 2004 LS 430 at the dealer. The dealer informed me that my caster bushing are all worn and needed to be replace. They tell me it will cost over $900.00. I told them no for now. The car has over 215k miles. I bought it in 2009 as a CPO. It is still in good shape. I look at one of the local dealers web site (Lexus of Stevens Creek) and it does not list caster bushing. Is it the Bracket Bushing, part #48655-50012? I also notice there are 3 different brackets. They are "no mark" "white mark" and a "pink mark". Is it VIN specific? I could not fine the part in Rock Auto. If that is the caster bushing, what is the Rock Auto part number? You mention the steering rack rubber mounting bushing, what is the part number for that? On a separate note, someone hit my car from behind a couple of years ago and crunched the trunk and rear bumper cover pretty bad. I finally replaced the rear parking sensor this year. The sensors seem to work fine. My wife walk toward each sensor and each activated as expected but when I back up the car the rear sensor fault comes on. Is there a reset I should have done or is there something else there I missed.
Lexus of Stevens Creek is great for parts. Order online and all the stuff is ready for pickup the next morning.
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,680
Likes: 302
The lower control arm bushings are discussed on this forum regularly. Mine were cracked the day I purchased my car over 10 years ago with at that time 98,000 miles. I was told, as many others have been told, replacing the LCA bushings will make no difference in the road feel or handling. All true. Mine were the original ones with fluid inside. The fluid had leaked out of both. I had them changed with OEM Lexus bushings (which no longer have fluid inside), as I got a great price on them. It was a pain for my Indy to replace them. Other than a torn lower ball joint boot (which I have not replaced due to no excess play) I have not done any other front end work with currently 150,000 miles. Of course Florida roads are quite smooth, which certainly helps.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 17,910
Likes: 1,702
From: Ohio
The whole system needs replaced eventually.......there is a huge difference replacing parts that don't seem worn even when being inspected vs new ones when you drive it before and after. If you want it to glide like new at 100+ mph then replace the entire suspension and steering system wear parts (anything rubber or ball jointed)
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 1,056
Likes: 210
From: Florida
The whole system needs replaced eventually.......there is a huge difference replacing parts that don't seem worn even when being inspected vs new ones when you drive it before and after. If you want it to glide like new at 100+ mph then replace the entire suspension and steering system wear parts (anything rubber or ball jointed)
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 17,910
Likes: 1,702
From: Ohio
Beck and Arnley front upper arms, upper rear arms, sway links
Lexus front lower arm bushings and rear lower arms, sway bar bushings
Proforged inner and outer tie rods and lower ball joints
Sachs struts and mounts
Timken wheel hubs
Lexus engine and trans mounts (extra $170)
I also did the brakes and timing belt and radiator plus all fluids and seals but those ran parts costs up well over $2000 so all in all in in this car about $3000 in parts but it's as perfect as can be functionally for sub $10000 overall as was my goal. I can blast around full send with no fear of anything breaking.
I had moog parts at first but after some discussion in this forum I replaced what I had (links and upper arms) with Beck and Arnley instead. They are better feel wise slightly than moog to me at least when I swapped out.
Last edited by Striker223; Jun 28, 2020 at 06:20 PM.
Rookie
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 26
Likes: 1
From: CA
I am planning on changing my caster bushings. I will get the OEM bushing that is pre-pressed into the cup. Do I need to change the lower control arms as well? My ride has been getting rougher so I am planning on changing my struts as well. Any recommendation on brands. Has anyone upgrade the rear sway bar from standard to the Sports Package rear sway bar and links? Will they bolt up to the current standard sway location or it there more needed for this type of small upgrade? I did not want a stiff right but a little less body roll.
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