Checking front lower LCA bushings on vehicle

[Trail Taxi]

My 4Runner is on jack stands with the front tires and shocks/springs removed. I have gotten under it and used crowbars and other pry tools to try and move the front LCAs to see if the bushings show any sloppiness. I'm either A) happy that I can't see any play or B) I just don't have enough leverage or I'm applying the force in the wrong area.

As much as I'd like the answer to be "A" I can't believe that at 233K miles that the original bushings are still ok.

Anybody have a clever "shade tree" trick to check the bushings in this situation? Yes, I could remove the arms and check the bushings or replace the shocks and tires/wheels and wiggle the steering wheel with my finger on the bushing area but laziness prevails.....

Oh, it does not pull to one side or the other when braking but does "pulse" under braking like warped rotors but the rotors are ok.

So for you clever folks, is there a trick I can use to determine the condition of the bushings without LCA removal or full reassembly?


If there is an existing thread please feel free to direct me there.

TIA, TT

 

[spartacus]

My 4Runner is on jack stands with the front tires and shocks/springs removed. I have gotten under it and used crowbars and other pry tools to try and move the front LCAs to see if the bushings show any sloppiness. I'm either A) happy that I can't see any play or B) I just don't have enough leverage or I'm applying the force in the wrong area.

As much as I'd like the answer to be "A" I can't believe that at 233K miles that the original bushings are still ok.

Anybody have a clever "shade tree" trick to check the bushings in this situation? Yes, I could remove the arms and check the bushings or replace the shocks and tires/wheels and wiggle the steering wheel with my finger on the bushing area but laziness prevails.....

Oh, it does not pull to one side or the other when braking but does "pulse" under braking like warped rotors but the rotors are ok.

So for you clever folks, is there a trick I can use to determine the condition of the bushings without LCA removal or full reassembly?


If there is an existing thread please feel free to direct me there.

TIA, TT

since you are halfway there you might as well replace them all 4 are like 65 bucks on amazon Whiteline W53377A Control Arm Bushing https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N9GQMT0/ref=cm_sw_r_other_taa_RQRtBbP2BD9QN
and [MENTION=120071]mtbtim[/MENTION] has a good video for replacing these in the video thread.

 

[Trail Taxi]

since you are halfway there you might as well replace them all 4 are like 65 bucks on amazon Whiteline W53377A Control Arm Bushing https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N9GQMT0/ref=cm_sw_r_other_taa_RQRtBbP2BD9QN
and [MENTION=120071]mtbtim[/MENTION] has a good video for replacing these in the video thread.

If I knew that the bushings were bad I would certainly replace them but it they are still good I see no reason for replacement.

Anybody have a good method to test the Front LCA bushings while still on the vehicle?

TIA, TT

 

[NegroTundra]

I'm in your same boat. 230k on mine and I too notice brake pulse, even after I put brand new front rotors and had drums machined. When I had mine in the shop for rear axle seals I asked if they could check them....not sure how they checked (could have been blowing smoke too), but they said they were beginning to fail and not to worry with them for at least another 30k of normal street driving.

I also am getting a groan/creak noise when slowly going over speed bumps which I'm sure are the LCA bushings, as I dont run a swaybar. I also ruled out UCA bushings when I replaced my upper balljoints, could not find play or hear any noise when free-handing the UCA.

Other than the noise and brake pulse, she drives amazing down the road so I will continue to also let laziness prevail until it becomes more of an issue.

Good luck!