Trailing Arm bushing/Rear

[jmike_mikej]

Have 99 Camry, LE at 82,000 miles, During the mandatory state vehicle inspection (North Carolina) i am being told that bushings need to replaced, They couldnt find bushings (magic!!) and need the whole trailing arm to be placed and estimated cost of $560 (incl parts and labor)

Is this true? did any one had to do this? I am thinking they are pulling a scam on me to get more money, i looked at the trailing arm and bushings they looked good to me.


-thx

[jmike_mikej]

please respond
-thank you

[MIC0417]

I don't think they should be able to tell you to replace bushings, just brakes, horn, lights etc.

[Novice_cardude]

Yeah, they can't require that you have new bushings in order to pass state inspection. Plus it's a FWD, and i've never seen a FWD car driven under normal conditions wear out those bushings.

The fact is, most places will only replace the arm rather than the bushings, becuase it's a pain in the ass to replace just the bushing. I believe with some of those the bushing is pressed in or baked in or something... I've tried replacing just the bushing on a lower control arm for a Lexus, and it didn't work for me.

[ghettosled]

my buddy had to replace the rear trailing arms on his 1992 camry because of bad bushings. he said the rear-end felt loose when he was on the highway. $560 is a little high, but i know the parts are expensive. installation shouldnt be difficult or take long.

[toysarefun]

Mine are worn out, car still drives great.

[eyeball96]

Take ur rejection sticker, and get it inspected elsewhere...or call the state police and have them show the trooper where it says that the bushings r required to pass inspection....I hate freakin thieving mechanics!

[toyomoho]

Check link below for a list of inspection items.

http://www.ncdot.org/dmv/driver_serv...nspection.html

This arm is on the rear of the car? If so, others have run into this problem as I don't think Toyota sells just the bushing. However high performance bushings made from plastics may be available for this year from outlets such as Energy Systems, do a web search. If so, the old bushings can be pressed out and new ones installed. A machine shop can do this for you.

If you do get stuck replacing these arms then DIY. It's a straight forward job, if you can not find replacement bushing then shop around on the internet for Toyota dealers selling OEM parts by mail at 20-30% off retail. A number of them do this.

[eyeball96]

From the link, I didn't anything there about suspension components...I still say call the State Police...let them handle it!

[jmike_mikej]

Yesterday took the vehicle to another place recommended by a friend and passed inspection with no issues, the mechanic there checked the bushings again for me and didnt see anything wrong. This is rear trailing arm.
This time i got a piece of paper that listed all the items that were checked and this wasnt part of them.
Thank you for all the replies, i am just happy i was able to avoid a big scam.

[eyeball96]

Great! Good for u!! Isn't TN the best! I've saved so much money over the years, with the advise, and information I've received here!

I still say, turn the thieving SOB"S into the state police, no telling how many people they've put the screws to in NC!

[Stillrunning]

Originally Posted by eyeball96

I still say, turn the thieving SOB"S into the state police, no telling how many people they've put the screws to in NC!

Sadly consumer protection in NC is just about nil. This would not be one for NC SBI anyway. Best defense is be friendly with everyone - trust no one.