Bushings
 

Does the front lower control arm need to be removed in order to replace the lower bushings?

No. You need to find a shop with the proper equipment and experience to press out the old ones without damaging the outer bracket and pressing in the new one. I purchased the OEM bushings, left them in a freezer over night, and brought them to my Indy for installation the next day. Everything was done correctly as well as eliminating an annoying clunk when making extreme circular turns. . PS....changing the bushing will not change the overall ride of your car. There have been numerous posts on this. My bushings were cracked and lost all the fluid. I replaced them because I got a great deal on the OEM bushings as well as a extremely fair price on labor for installation.

Thanks folks

I'm looking to replace the bushing and bracket as one unit. Any recommendations for a supplier?

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...420f706c8d.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...d06dfb1e2e.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...88d0c3ebe0.jpg

Those are pics of when I did my FIGS LCA bushing install its 2 bolts and the center is a nut, its very easy to do just make sure everything is torqued down properly it will effect your tire wear if not done correctly and will damage the stock fluid filled bushing.

FIGS engineering makes awsome products I would highly recomend there 80a poly bushings its $360 but you will never have to replace it for the life of the car.

http://www.shopfigs.com/v3/cat-G3-LS-CAT/G2ISHP-FRLCA-SP3491K-IN-BRKT

Mike the owner of FIGS is a great guy as is the rest of the guys who work for him, there products and customer support are the best around.

As an old timer on this forum my response to this LCA replacement is this. Many non OEM lower control arm bushings may be giving you a way different and firmer ride than the original suspension offered. Just be prepared for that. Once again there are many posts on this subject. Good luck and please let us know how it works out for you.

any major adverse effects on noise and ride from the polys?

I like OE due to the availability and great price on eBay, around $50 each. The list price is $115 each and the p/n is 48655-50012. Totally legit, was explained to me that these wholesalers are able to obtain through Japan. If through USA, then much higher price (then 31% off list is about the best one can do, meaning the bushings would be almost $80). I paid an indie just under $300 to press the old out, and the new in, but I think someone got $150 in FLA (depends on the labor rate). Also noteworthy is the indie felt I didn't need them and would feel no difference--he said yes you have visible cracks, but we've seen worse when it's torn (I've seen a youtube where on a Maxima the owner can move the control arm with his hand). the indie was right. Funny thing is the Lexus dealer screamed the sky is falling and you need it to the tune of $1800....not!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/FACTORY-OEM...xaFkG8&vxp=mtr

btw the original question was do the control arms need to come out...NO. The reason the dealer says yes, is they are replacing the entire arm, due to the front smaller bushing not being sold separately. Everyone says this is not needed.

Thanks to all.

Anyone know the part #s for the right and left lower bushing brackets by any chance?

Interesting...
Throw this into the "Learn something new everyday" category

Part # for L and R bracket is the same BUT there are 3 options.
48652-50030 No Mark
48652-50040 White Mark
48652-50050 Pink Mark

Unfortunately I have NO idea what the difference is. I can only assume one is for Sport Suspension...? I would call a dealer and give them your VIN.

Yes......Yes.......and Yes......Yes I also purchased the OEM bushings on ebay for $50 dollars each and they are totally legit Lexus parts. Yes, my originals also had visible cracks and I was told that by changing them there would be no noticeable difference in the ride which there wasn't. And yes I was the individual in Florida that got the installation done by my Indie for $150 plus tax! I agree with everything that Johnhav430 above's post mentions about changing the LCA bushings, especially about going with the OEM rather than after market. Many who have gone with the aftermarket route complained about a stiff ride. Our cars are aircraft carriers and drive accordingly. Good luck and let us know how you make out.

If you reuse the existing bracket and have a new bushing pressed in, be sure it goes in with the index tab downing down...

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...374b7ab27d.jpg

also make sure the tear drop washer is facing the right way as well.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...f1ff9a57cb.jpg

One more question folks. When removing and reinstalling the bushing brackets, does the suspension need to be fully articulated or can the weight of the vehicle remain on the wheel that is being worked on. How I jack up the vehicle will be determined by this.