Lower Control Arm

[atalarico]

My mechanic just told me that my front passenger lower control arm needs to be replaced. It's causing some vibration in my steering, etc. I replaced my LBJs with a friend not too long ago, but that's the closest I've come to the lower control arms.

I've searched the forums and keep seeing people just talking about replacing the bushings, but not the arms themselves. Am I missing something? Do I need to replace just the bushings with the poly ones, or the whole control arms? My 97 has 208k on it, and I can only assume they are the original arms.

Is it a pretty straightforward job either way? Unfortunately the friend that helped me replace my LBJs and tie rods hasn't been around a lot, so I might not have the help or garage space/tools to do it myself. What would be a reasonable charge for the mechanic to do it?

Thanks!

 

[Flatulento]

Atalarico,
I have had good experiences at Stevinson Toyota over by Colorado Mills. There is a service advisor (James, I think) that has had several different 4runners himself and is quite knowledgeable about them. One time we talked through an issue over the phone and he was able to point me in the right direction. It saved me a lot of money by avoiding replacement of something that didn't need it. Maybe give him a try.

 

[ConstantFix]

I find it a bit odd that he's saying you need t replace the whole control arm...their pretty strong. I can see ball joints, or the a arm bushes,mor even the bolt, but the whole arm? I don't think an a arm can really be slightly damaged.i think their either completely broken and un-drive able, or it's anther component that's failing. Unless your jumping your truck. But maybe not. I'd suggest getting another opinion.

 

[atalarico]

Thanks for the contact info, Flatulento!

Constant, that's exactly the answer I keep coming across in other threads.

I should mention that the mechanic said that the LCA is the reason I have some shimmy'ing or vibrations going on on. That might make sense, as I've done the little home test to check my steering shaft, and that wasn't it. My whole steering rack was replaced back in 2010, and I replaced the inner/outer tie rods and LBJs with a friend less than a year ago.

Maybe the LCA is damaged then? I even asked him at the shop if he could just replace the bushings, but he said no and gave me a reason that just didn't seem totally solid. I should mention, others on this forum love this mechanic, and I've had good luck with him in the past and he only does Toyota/Lexus.

 

[LittleCaesar]

This may get ya going on the right track:
Tacoma Suspension - Control Arms, part 2

If replacing the whole arm (I wouldn't unless it is bent), get OEM. The bushings will be in already. Others, who have used aftermarket (Dorman) have had issues with them.

 

[Jasonredwood]

For what its worth I just had new tires put on yesterday. The owner of the shop pointed out that my lower control arm bushings are shot and that eventually I would need to replace either the entire LCA or the bushing. He priced everything out, if he was to do the work, and in fact it was cheaper to replace the entire control arm... factoring in time/labor. His quote was way too high for me. If I can't find another place to switch out the A-arms or bushings for cheaper, it'll just have to wait till I can do it.

 

[pattycakes77]

If you do the work yourself and do decide to replace the whole arm you might want to order new bolts and nuts for it as well. I've done work on customer vehicles where everything is so corroded that cutting off is the only way to go. If you have the new hardware ready to go you won't be SOL if you do have to cut the old stuff off, no down time waiting for parts to arrive.

 

[1blink]

If you do the work yourself and do decide to replace the whole arm you might want to order new bolts and nuts for it as well. I've done work on customer vehicles where everything is so corroded that cutting off is the only way to go. If you have the new hardware ready to go you won't be SOL if you do have to cut the old stuff off, no down time waiting for parts to arrive.

I can vouch for that. All but one of my my LCAM bolts stripped their threads or heads on the way out when I replaced mine. Had to cut all but one.

 

[amalik]

OP, you might try to talk to Kirk at Rock Toy Industries, get a quote on the control arm bushings. Their rates are less than most shops, and the work is solid, all they work on is Toyota's, and mainly 4runners.

I don't know where you are in Denver, but they are just a little north, kind of near/in Thornton.

Rock Toy Industries