Lower Control Arms - help

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Nov 2, 2008 | 04:48 PM

JAB

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Jan 2006

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From: Virginia

Lower Control Arms - help

My 1999 RX300 has about 167K on all-original suspension parts. What are the symptoms of failure of the bushings in the front lower control arms? The rearmost bushings on these front lower control arms look rotten, but they are hard to inspect. I am experiencing shudder during braking, especially when coming down hill, and before I start replacing or turning my front rotors, I need to make sure that the better explanation isn't related to these bushings. TIA.

Nov 2, 2008 | 07:29 PM

thomas1

Pole Position

Joined: Sep 2006

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From: Sacramento, California

Hopefully Lex Mex will answer, but as I understand from past reading the bushings are not replaceable. The whole arm has to be replaced.

Nov 2, 2008 | 10:26 PM

Lexmex

CL Community Team

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From: Miami, Florida

Someone on here not too long was able to remove those bushings, but I can tell you from my own experience my uncle and I gave a good stab at those things and could not remove them.

The one thing I remember about bad bushings (and I have had them on both the left and right sides at different times) is that when you are driving, sometimes the steering wheel will go awkwardly to the right or left. Another one is a bit of shaking at high speeds without any braking.

I have replaced both suspension arms.

Best thing to do is lift the front of the vehicle and shake the tire itself to see if it has any play around this area. In addition, also shake the suspension arm.

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Nov 5, 2008 | 06:39 AM

lexus114

Lexus Champion

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From: Bethlehem Twsp. Pennsylvania

Plus, I read on here that somebody did manage to replace just the bushings,and the car was all over the road. Best bet,replace the whole arm. I believe you can use Toyota Camry control arms from 1998-2000.

Nov 5, 2008 | 07:15 AM

Lexmex

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From: Miami, Florida

My uncle originally had an idea at one time before I decided to replace them to inject a kind of hard epoxy in there (thing of something akin to a super rubber cement), but we never carried out the plan.

Nov 5, 2008 | 08:03 AM

lexus114

Lexus Champion

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From: Bethlehem Twsp. Pennsylvania

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lexmex

Black urethane would probably work very well. That stuff is very strong.

Nov 7, 2008 | 10:38 AM

Pescao

Driver School Candidate

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 37

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From: Puerto Rico

Toyota Camry 1992-98. They cost around 45 dollars each, plus the terminal which cost about 12 dollars. I was the one who replaced the bushings, but they last a week or so.