Lower Control Arms - need to repair/replace?

[hobosapien]

My 2004 veers to the right even after an alignment. I have to actively hold the steering wheel to the left to keep it straight. Tire's pressure is fine, etc.

I took it into the dealership and I asked about seeing if it needed an alignment. They came back and mentioned that no matter how much I align the wheels it will always veer right due to the LCA needing to be replaced. There's only 140k miles so it's still fairly low on mileage.

What could this be? They didn't specify, just that LCA had to be replaced. Is it a bushing or something that needs to be replaced? Or the entire LCA?? Seems an expensive fix..

 

[paraordnance]

My 2004 veers to the right even after an alignment. I have to actively hold the steering wheel to the left to keep it straight. Tire's pressure is fine, etc.

I took it into the dealership and I asked about seeing if it needed an alignment. They came back and mentioned that no matter how much I align the wheels it will always veer right due to the LCA needing to be replaced. There's only 140k miles so it's still fairly low on mileage.

What could this be? They didn't specify, just that LCA had to be replaced. Is it a bushing or something that needs to be replaced? Or the entire LCA?? Seems an expensive fix..

I just did LCA along with UCA, tie-rod ends and new cv axles. You basically have to replace the LCAs for sure as my front bushings were permanently seized and only way getting them out is cutting. That's why you can't align. I had exactly the same problem. I did all work myself except alignment. But it drives like new vehicle after new front end.

Very expensive fix even if you do all the work yourself. I had well over $1000 just in parts alone.

 

[Billynath1988]

I also just rebuilt with new LCA's.. Toyotaofdallas sells the OEM lca's cheapest ive found. Your bushings are worn and frozen into the sleeves preventing adjustment and allowing for movement. as said about, after the change it really does feel like a brand new truck.

 

[hobosapien]

I also just rebuilt with new LCA's.. Toyotaofdallas sells the OEM lca's cheapest ive found. Your bushings are worn and frozen into the sleeves preventing adjustment and allowing for movement. as said about, after the change it really does feel like a brand new truck.

Good to know, I guess I am forced to deal with it at this point.

 

[Billynath1988]

Good to know, I guess I am forced to deal with it at this point.

Cost about 1200 with parts and installation..another 100 for a proper alignment. However you should be good for at least 100k, if you use OEM parts and dont offroad. And the feeling afterwards is nice.

 

[nicheel8]

I too live in the Phoenix area and mine went out around 130k miles.

You can go one of two routes. Replace the bushings and/or ball joints or replace the lower control arm with a new assembly. After watching videos and since I also had a leak in the ball joint, I went the new parts route.

I ended up buying both brand new Toyota OEM LCAs on eBay for $475.00 and doing the installation myself. Since we live in AZ, I did not have any rust on the alignment/cam bolts so I was able to re-use them.

Since I had the lifetime alignment from Firestone, I got it re-aligned and good to go.

 

[hobosapien]

I too live in the Phoenix area and mine went out around 130k miles.

You can go one of two routes. Replace the bushings and/or ball joints or replace the lower control arm with a new assembly. After watching videos and since I also had a leak in the ball joint, I went the new parts route.

I ended up buying both brand new Toyota OEM LCAs on eBay for $475.00 and doing the installation myself. Since we live in AZ, I did not have any rust on the alignment/cam bolts so I was able to re-use them.

Since I had the lifetime alignment from Firestone, I got it re-aligned and good to go.

How long did it take to fix with the parts? I don't have the expertise to do it all myself. I have a buddy who would help, too. I am going to shop around to see what the cost is going to be.

 

[nicheel8]

How long did it take to fix with the parts? I don't have the expertise to do it all myself. I have a buddy who would help, too. I am going to shop around to see what the cost is going to be.

Before this forum, I would have never attempted a job like this.

This one took me about 3-4 hours by myself; however, it would have taken longer but I knew how to take apart the suspension assembly when I replaced the XREAS system with Bilsteins.

If you and your buddy have the right tools, can research and follow the posts, you should be fine.

Make sure you have a good torque wrench and power tools are always handy. Good luck.

 

[Az4runnin]

Found some stock LCA's for $100. May grab them and replace Bushings and Ball Joints for replacement when I Do my UCA's too. Looking possibly at ICON UCA's with the Delta Joint. Other than Moog who makes good Ball Joints?

 

[hobosapien]

I just did LCA along with UCA, tie-rod ends and new cv axles. You basically have to replace the LCAs for sure as my front bushings were permanently seized and only way getting them out is cutting. That's why you can't align. I had exactly the same problem. I did all work myself except alignment. But it drives like new vehicle after new front end.

Very expensive fix even if you do all the work yourself. I had well over $1000 just in parts alone.

Technically I could ask that the bushings be replaced without replacing the metal? Or is that impossible?

 

[masphx]

Found some stock LCA's for $100. May grab them and replace Bushings and Ball Joints for replacement when I Do my UCA's too. Looking possibly at ICON UCA's with the Delta Joint. Other than Moog who makes good Ball Joints?

Those might be mine. Im selling some used oem lca on cl in phoenix

 

[paraordnance]

Technically I could ask that the bushings be replaced without replacing the metal? Or is that impossible?

If the bushings fused to LCAs then you doomed. If not, yes they can be replaced but you have to find out. Take that bolt out (front) to see if they move