front control arm bushings 2006 camry le

[the snowman]

Greetings ToyotaNation,

I was wondering if anyone has had premature wearing of ther front control arm bushings on their 2006 camry le. Had my wife's car in for service today ( only planning to have an oil and lube done ) Service manager told me that the front control arm bushings are bad and need to be replaced. This was followed by, " we usually do not replace the bushing ...but instead replace the whole control arm. Price...aftermarket...about $250 each...plus about four hours labour.
I guess my problem is the car only has 30,000 kms on it and 75% is highway mileage. Now I have owned a camry, a corrolla, two 4x4 trucks, all with over 130,000 kms ( trucks took lots of abuse ) and not one had a control arm bushing problem . Also have a newer 2006 Tacoma with 30,000 mi. and it is fine too. Although the trucks took some off road abuse, I have always maintained them properly, and made repairs when they were needed.
It just seems strange that the bushing would go bad so quickly on the camry ....especial when my wife is the main driver...does not exceed 65mi speeds and is always a cautious driver when it comes to road conditions.
Open to any comments anyone may have on this matter.

Most Sincerely,
the snowman

[Frodo65]

Originally Posted by the snowman

Greetings ToyotaNation,

I was wondering if anyone has had premature wearing of ther front control arm bushings on their 2006 camry le. Had my wife's car in for service today ( only planning to have an oil and lube done ) Service manager told me that the front control arm bushings are bad and need to be replaced. This was followed by, " we usually do not replace the bushing ...but instead replace the whole control arm. Price...aftermarket...about $250 each...plus about four hours labour.
I guess my problem is the car only has 30,000 kms on it and 75% is highway mileage. Now I have owned a camry, a corrolla, two 4x4 trucks, all with over 130,000 kms ( trucks took lots of abuse ) and not one had a control arm bushing problem . Also have a newer 2006 Tacoma with 30,000 mi. and it is fine too. Although the trucks took some off road abuse, I have always maintained them properly, and made repairs when they were needed.
It just seems strange that the bushing would go bad so quickly on the camry ....especial when my wife is the main driver...does not exceed 65mi speeds and is always a cautious driver when it comes to road conditions.
Open to any comments anyone may have on this matter.

Most Sincerely,
the snowman

What did he indicate was bad? A corrosion problem? Rubber deterioration? IAC, I'd get a 2nd opinion - could be that the dealer is trying to 'revenue' you.

[the snowman]

Greetings Frodo65,

Thanks for taking the time to reply to my posting. I believe they said it was along the lines of rubber deterioration and possible separation. I plan to get a second opinion, as well as a visual with my own eyes. I will keep you posted on what I find. I do however feel that the toyota service center I go to has changed a lot over the years...one time I could trust what they say....now it seems to me that the employees at the service center are getting a percentage pay for what they can get done to a customer's car.
Example....my last camry which I had for ten years, was taken in for an oil change and they said that the power steering pump was getting noisey and that I should consider having it changed. refused their request and drove it for another three years...sold the car and from what I know the new owner has not had any trouble either. It does help to be mechanically inclined ( being I am a millwright for 34 years ) to be able to make those decisions, but I wonder about some people that have no such knowledge.
Lambs to the slaughter I guess ? Sorry for the rant, but I thought it would help to explain.

[warpedrotor]

i had the same diagnosis from the dealer on my 04. The rear bushings on the front control are like a ball and socket. When you jack up the car, the control arm swings down, exposing the joint. The rubber appears to be separating from the exterior housing. It is to some degree, but I doubt whether this really makes any difference when the control arm is sitting in it's normal position. They wanted $1500 to change them and the steering shaft that clunks. I never bothered, sprayed silicone lube into the steering shaft which corrected that issue and I just keep an eye on the bushings when I change the oil etc. So sure, get a second opinion but I doubt you need to do anything.