Front upper control arm bushings - determination they are worn - Toyota 4Runner Forum

NoVA_T4R · 08-24-2022, 08:51 PM

I see nothing in the FSM and none of the posts describe how to check on whether or not the UCA bushings are worn out.
Or if there is some road test to determine worn UCA bushings.

Would appreciate any input on something that hasn't been touched on in previous posts.

Bad Luck · 08-24-2022, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoVA_T4R

I see nothing in the FSM and none of the posts describe how to check on whether or not the UCA bushings are worn out.
Or if there is some road test to determine worn UCA bushings.

Would appreciate any input on something that hasn't been touched on in previous posts.

How to check any suspension bushing:
1) Visually check bushing condition for cracks, chunks missing, crumbling, and generally not looking good.
2) Take pry bar and manipulate said bushings in any direction you can and see if it’s easier to move than other comparable bushings or you can see damage while moving the bushings.
3) Perform sudden stops while having someone watch from behind and from the side to see if any suspension geometry changes.

Bonus round: replace your bushings if they are old enough to legally drink in the USA or your 4Runner could have driven to the moon (238,855 miles) and you suspect you might have bad bushings.

mtbtim · 08-24-2022, 09:47 PM

If you figure out they are worn, this video will help you swap them out.

t

Storm01 · 08-25-2022, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoVA_T4R

I see nothing in the FSM and none of the posts describe how to check on whether or not the UCA bushings are worn out.
Or if there is some road test to determine worn UCA bushings.

Would appreciate any input on something that hasn't been touched on in previous posts.

I was able to grab my 12-6 o'clock position on my wheel and check the bushings in my UCA; they had a good amount of play in them. However, best tried and true way would be with a pry bar and visual test like others said.

GhostRing · 08-25-2022, 01:10 PM

This is a great example of "When in doubt, swap it out".

I took a pry bar to my UCA before I swapped it out and was stunned at how much movement there was.
Poly, OEM rubber, Replacement UCA - whatever is your preference, will be a huge improvement in steering, tracking, etc.
Study Tim's awesome video for all the details. May be worth tackling the UBJ at the same time.

NoVA_T4R · 08-25-2022, 06:00 PM

Tim,

Watching your video was what motivated me to consider doing this job. I was wondering if the owner of the vehicle that you did the UCA bushing replacement reported any noticeable improvement in handling or vibration minimization after the replacement.

Finally, I'm not a suspension expert, so I'm asking this for my education and perhaps those of the other forum members:

What impact would replacing the upper ball joint but not the UCA bushings have on handling or vibration?
Conversely, what impact would replacing the UCA bushings but not the upper ball joint have on handling or vibration?

Thanks in advance.

mtbtim · 08-26-2022, 02:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoVA_T4R

Tim,

Watching your video was what motivated me to consider doing this job. I was wondering if the owner of the vehicle that you did the UCA bushing replacement reported any noticeable improvement in handling or vibration minimization after the replacement.

Finally, I'm not a suspension expert, so I'm asking this for my education and perhaps those of the other forum members:

What impact would replacing the upper ball joint but not the UCA bushings have on handling or vibration?
Conversely, what impact would replacing the UCA bushings but not the upper ball joint have on handling or vibration?

Thanks in advance.

My friend Jordan, If I'm remembering correctly wasn't experiencing any vibrations. He just wanted to replace the bushings as preventative maintenance. You can check the balljoints for joint play by using a prybar to detect any joint play. If there's no play, the joint is good. There can be minute play and the joint is still considered good. So, I would only replace the UBJs if they have gross play.

If you're getting vibrations, I would suspect worn control arm bushings but have you ruled other things out like wheel balancing. 9 times out of 10, it's a wheel balancing problem.

photoleif · 08-26-2022, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoVA_T4R

Tim,

Finally, I'm not a suspension expert

replace them all and fix that problem :-)

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