Creaking Noises! Bushings?

[MattInLA]

Hi my 1997 4 cyl 185K miles is making a lot of CREAKING noises in front when it goes up and down driveways, uneven surfaces or stops or starts. Sounds just like a creaky door! (Not shocks, that an shock mounts were replaced and I know what those noises sound like) So I brought it to some places they say its the lower control arm bushings. $350 to remove control arms and press on new bushings vs. go buy some new control arms with bushings and install those. I would like to get some opinions on this, thank you. Is this something I can do is this basic nuts and bolts or more involved thanks.

[new echo owner]

Check the sway bar bushings first.

N.E.O.

[importcar]

My 01 Camry with 123K mi makes creaking noises up front as well. It also feels kind of loose, like some nuts and bolts aren't tight. When I brought my car to the dealer for the 90K mi service, they said I needed new front struts and towers at a cost of $1100. I knew they were worn but they don't bounce or dive either.

[MattInLA]

? Check carefully! It's seems like it's struts when you BOTTOM OUT and POUND over potholes and as for STRUT MOUNTS, those RATTLE when they go because the bearings are shot. But CREAKING I believe is BUSHINGS always!

RE: replacing my OWN bushings. Is this too advanced for me? Do I need to go out and buy HUGE metric sockets to do this?

[ASG14]

Originally Posted by new echo owner

Check the sway bar bushings first.

N.E.O.

I'd say check that 1st as well. Try to go with the cheap things 1st.

[cruisn76]

Originally Posted by MattInLA

? Check carefully! It's seems like it's struts when you BOTTOM OUT and POUND over potholes and as for STRUT MOUNTS, those RATTLE when they go because the bearings are shot. But CREAKING I believe is BUSHINGS always!

RE: replacing my OWN bushings. Is this too advanced for me? Do I need to go out and buy HUGE metric sockets to do this?

Not really that hard. Remove the front wheels, and slip your hand inbetween to get to the the bracket and two nuts holding it. I forget the size, but getting off might be difficult since it will be rusted to hell. PB first maybe 2-3 days in advance. Once it is off replacing is a easy.

[MattInLA]

RE: Replacing CAMRY LOWER CONTROL ARMS - Again, is this something I can tackle? Is this basic nuts and bolts? I intend to use all new aftermarket control arms, (no bushing replacement) Who has done this, how long does it take?