DarthSid - thanks for posting the P/N. I have KYB front struts and poly sway bar and steering rack bushings on hand for install next month. Strut bar is next on the list but want to see what the struts/bushings do on their own.

 

What is a reasonable price to pay for the premium kit to be installed? I am with in about two months of getting mine done and will be buying the Aisin TKT-021. It is very similar to the premium kit you describe.

 

...not sure what the dealership price is, but had a trusted mechanic here in Dallas do mine for $400

 

As a follow up, had the front struts and rear/front sway bar and steering rack bushings replaced today along with a 4 wheel alignment. KYB front struts were purchased off Amazon. Went with poly bushings and bought the steering rack bushings from Sewells and the sway bar bushings were Daizen purchased from TME through Amazon. My mechanic stated the steering rack bushings were loose and popped right out. The sway bar bushings looked in good shape but they were relatively inexpensive and since we were under there anyway....

After changing the run flats to Pilot Sports, there was a huge improvement in ride, but I then noticed an issue where the steering wheel would wobble when hitting sharp bumps, especially at higher speeds. It felt as if there was suddenly an inch of free play in the wheel. I'm happy to report that the steering issues have all been resolved. For an 11 year old car (or any car for that matter), the ride is excellent. My wife put the first 50 miles on it and she summed it up nicely.... "It's as if an RX-8 and a Cadillac had a baby".

Took some exits at speed and car tracks well but still considering Cusco strut bar. Too cold today but it will be interesting to see how well it rides with the top down.

Thanks to all previous posters who helped me target the steering rack bushings as the probable source of the problem.

 

That is great to hear Blique! I'm looking for a mechanic to replace the sway bar bushings as well as the steering rack bushings. Where did you have the work done? I'm also in the DC area.

Thanks!

 

Lexus7217 - I'm on the southern side of the state - 3-4 hours from DC. Have you checked your local Toyota dealers or independents? The steering rack and sway bar bushings are very straightforward. For me, the best part was being able to inspect under the car while it was up on the rack. Not a drip or leak anywhere.

 

Belt looks good. Have a mechanic check it out to be sure.

 

Had mine done a the Toyota dealer for $800. Both looked in good shape at 70K miles. I considered it insurance since you never know when the belt might go without being able to see it. I have changed water pumps on many cars that I have had in the past but I understand the SC's is a lot of trouble.