Anyone ever change the bushings in the lower control arms? Manual says to replace entire arm, but you can get replacement bushings at the parts store. Didn't know if it's better to change the whole assembly or not. Opinions anyone?
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97 Avalon XL, 198,000 miles and still going!
06 Solara SLE convertible
Did you have to use a bearing press or some other special tool? It looks pretty straightforward, just wanted to get a second opinion before I started tearing things apart. Thanks for the info.
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97 Avalon XL, 198,000 miles and still going!
06 Solara SLE convertible
No worries...thanks for the info. Wonder why they have two different sets of bushings (red and black) ? Auto Zone has them, so it looks like I'll be busy here soon.
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97 Avalon XL, 198,000 miles and still going!
06 Solara SLE convertible
Removing and installing the front control arms is a pain.
I took my control arms into a shop after I removed them, to get pressed in and out. It only cost me $40.00 for both arms. Well worth the money considering the time I would have spent.
Make sure you dissconect your ABS lines when you do this. I did not and mangled some lines. Now I am throwing 8 codes on my ABS. Keep in mind I was also replacing the strut boot covers. I just need to get 4 new ABS sensors. D'oh!
Yep, same noises from mine. Actually had it in for a wheel alignment and the repair place said they were shot. Going to replace the ball joints and anything else I find bad once I get into it.
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97 Avalon XL, 198,000 miles and still going!
06 Solara SLE convertible
Removing and installing the front control arms is a pain.
I took my control arms into a shop after I removed them, to get pressed in and out. It only cost me $40.00 for both arms. Well worth the money considering the time I would have spent.
Make sure you dissconect your ABS lines when you do this. I did not and mangled some lines. Now I am throwing 8 codes on my ABS. Keep in mind I was also replacing the strut boot covers. I just need to get 4 new ABS sensors. D'oh!
Wow...you weren't kidding! What a PITA! I like the new bushings too, but they sure don't flex like the OEM ones. Had to remove the shock to move the driveaxle out of the way just to get enough wiggle room to install the rear bolt. Now I'm having difficulty getting the holes lined up on the lower shock mount. Even tried a spring compressor and stood on the control arm to push it down, but it's still about 2" out. Gonna rethink this one before I get too frustrated. Hope to never have to change these things again!
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97 Avalon XL, 198,000 miles and still going!
06 Solara SLE convertible
a tire shop told me the same thing when i took my moms avy in for tires, they said that the bushings were non replaceable and they would change both the control arms for an arm and a leg lol. so i just got the kit from energy suspension and got them pressed in at a shop. word of advice, dont try to put them on with just a vice, save your time and effort and have a shop put them on trust me i learned the hard way
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