Lower Arm Bushings?

Subscribe
Sep 14, 2003 | 07:44 AM
  #1  
It just seems to go on and on....On my last visit to my price goughing(?) Dealer, the "Tech" recommends "Lower Arm Bushings" on my next visit, at a cost of $ 895. Why would this car need this fix at 84K miles. I swear, this car hasn't been abused, and at present drives with no hint of a problem.
Reply 0
Sep 24, 2003 | 04:39 PM
  #2  
Yes, sad but true, and also inevitable...

Just make sure not to start another bushing war thread here!

If you are near LA we can fix it for you one way or another...

Todd Matsubara
TM Engineering LLC
www.tmengineering.net
Reply 0
Sep 24, 2003 | 05:10 PM
  #3  
Fargo, mine has the same mileage, and also drives with no hint of a problem. Since you really can't tell without some disassembly how good or bad the bushings are, it is possible the stealership just "blindly" recommended the "fix" based on your car's age and mileage. It's also possible you can go a lot longer before you really need new bushings.

That's what I'm betting on, but we''ll see. One symptom is squeaking or clunking over speed bumps. Once that starts getting unbearable, we'll be a-talking, Todd!
Reply 0
Sep 25, 2003 | 09:04 AM
  #4  
Bad Design
The problem with the lower control arm bushings is that it was a poor design to begin with.

The vulcanized rubber becomes weak with age, heat and use. It is not solid, and seperates causing this problem. I was eating tires up because I could not maintain alignment. Think of it a a type of motor mount.

They did not do the proper validation on this design as they should have. Don't tell that to Lexus as they have a bag full of useless exuses why they fail (like the P/S seal leak). The air suspension Soarers do not have the same design, and from my understanding, do not suffer from this design defect.

My disintigrated at 78,000 miles. Factory replacements will do the same thing in time.

The only real fix is solid bushings which are tricky to replace by youeself, but will eliminate the probelm of "seperation". You cannot see this (seperation) until the assembly is removed from the car.

These need to be dealt with sooner or later had can be had from TM engineering. He will guide you through the process, but don't try it on your own unless you know what your doing.... and have the proper tools.

The stabilizer bushings unless soft, should be ok. The poly bushings will squeck after a short period and the fact that there is no external zerk fitting, you have to remove them to re-lube. Not a big deal if you really want those, but I gave up because I did not want to hassle with this.

928
Reply 0
Subscribe
story-0

10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Some luxury cars chase trends, but these Lexus models look better now than they did when they first rolled into showrooms.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-06 17:58:29


VIEW MORE
story-1

8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!

Slideshow: How to Get the Best Fuel Economy with a Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-05 20:54:44


VIEW MORE
story-2

10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers

Slideshow: 10 best Lexus models no one remembers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 17:33:28


VIEW MORE
story-3

TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing

Slideshow: diving into 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium's pricing, performance, fuel economy, features, and amenities!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-23 13:09:18


VIEW MORE
story-4

Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!

Slideshow: the 10 Lexus and Toyota vehicles you need to drive before you die.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-23 10:34:24


VIEW MORE
story-5

Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation

Slideshow: Top 10 Lexus/Toyota models with the lowest 5-year depreciation rate.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 12:19:06


VIEW MORE
story-6

Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?

The LC hasn't even disappeared from the Lexus lineup yet, and we're already seeing signs of an explosive market.

By Brett Foote | 2026-04-06 09:25:02


VIEW MORE
story-7

GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler

Slideshow: comparing the pricings, specs, power, fuel economy, fun-factor, and features of the GX 550 Luxury+ and TX 550h+ Luxury.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-19 13:44:11


VIEW MORE
story-8

9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)

Slideshow: 9 best Lexus models you can buy for half price and 1 you should avoid

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-19 12:01:07


VIEW MORE
story-9

2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!

Here's everything you need to know about the latest NX.

By Brett Foote | 2026-03-19 11:56:59


VIEW MORE