Hello. Just bought 1997 SC400 with ~200K miles. Took to the mechanic today and he told me there are few issues. He said most pressing issue was the Front Lower Control Arm. He said it was worn out and in really bad shape. Based on parts online it appears to cost ~$400-500 and probably another couple hundred to install. Can I get away with not replacing this? This is not daily driver and I probably will only keep it for 1 year. Not sure the function of the part, as long as its not safety issue, I don't care about performance. What is the worst that can happen?

I forget the part name, but it was the part of the timing belt you can see on visual inspection. He said that it was cracked and needed replacing. Supposedly part is cheap but $100+ because of labor costs. There were few leaks, and smaller things suggested. I was thinking of doing the smaller items, and taking my changes with the lower control arm. Is this a wise decision? Or should I do the lower control arms, and leave the other stuff to when I have budget?

 

The LCA can be a significant safety issue if the ball joint fails..... They are expensive even if you spec the Supra versions. Junk yard LCAs are risky. Go to the FAQ area and use search to find lots and lots about LCAs ......(same for timing belts).

 

Are you referring to the serpentine drive belt?

 

I suspected such. The thing is am not noticing any symptoms just what the mechanic told me. There is no wheel vibration or wandering. This is 20 year old car so parts are not going to look prectine. If I can get away with not replacing or at least waiting until I get some of the symptoms that would help. If this is one of those things that goes to catastrophic in split second instead of gradual worsening I probably will change it right now.


Yes. That was it.

 

i found a lca new toyota made on ebay for 335... Labor is 2 hours or so but if you've got a mechanically inclined friend and a Saturday-Sunday you can do probably do it. You'll want to get an alignment when your done.

If you have any doubts if its actually bad jack the car up and take a peak at the ball joint and boot with a flashlight. Just google what they should look like new and compare.

 

Hey - Started noticing loud noise when turning the wheel when parked or at low speeds. Issue is not present when driving at normal speeds. Checked power steering fluid and its at ok levels.

Here is video with the noise.

https://streamable.com/01gme

Any ideas, and how much will it set me back? Thanks!