RedLexusSC400 Posted January 23, 2005 Share Posted January 23, 2005 Where can I find some that will work without paying a ton... or should I go all out? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alfonso Posted January 25, 2005 Share Posted January 25, 2005 I own a '92 SC400. This last weekend, I had the left and right front lower control arm bushings replaced for $320 (4 hours @ $80 per hour) at an independent mechanic who frequently works on Lexus. Each front lower control arm has a front and rear bushing. The cost of the four bushings from the Lexus dealer was about $150. Although the front LCA bushings are not listed for 92-96 model years, the bushings for 97-00 will work just fine. The part numbers are: Front LCA front bushing - 48654-24040 Front LCA rear bushing - 48655-24050 The car now rides 1000% better. Front LCA bushings are also available from Daizen (TM Engineering) and Vlamos. A lot of SC owners like the Daizen bushings, which give a stiffer ride than stock. I wanted the cushy stock ride and so I didn't get them. The Vlamos are said to ride like stock, but they're a lot more expensive. The Lexus dealer wanted $1,600 for parts and labor to replace the two front lower control arms. Simply replacing the bushings was not an option with the dealer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedLexusSC400 Posted January 26, 2005 Author Share Posted January 26, 2005 I own a '92 SC400. This last weekend, I had the left and right front lower control arm bushings replaced for $320 (4 hours @ $80 per hour) at an independent mechanic who frequently works on Lexus. Each front lower control arm has a front and rear bushing.The cost of the four bushings from the Lexus dealer was about $150. Although the front LCA bushings are not listed for 92-96 model years, the bushings for 97-00 will work just fine. The part numbers are: Front LCA front bushing - 48654-24040 Front LCA rear bushing - 48655-24050 The car now rides 1000% better. Front LCA bushings are also available from Daizen (TM Engineering) and Vlamos. A lot of SC owners like the Daizen bushings, which give a stiffer ride than stock. I wanted the cushy stock ride and so I didn't get them. The Vlamos are said to ride like stock, but they're a lot more expensive. The Lexus dealer wanted $1,600 for parts and labor to replace the two front lower control arms. Simply replacing the bushings was not an option with the dealer. ← Thanks, but I've seen different brands of bushings and polyurathane kits and they all range in price a lot... so does it make a difference what I go with or are they all the same? Just price... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaggz Posted January 26, 2005 Share Posted January 26, 2005 Simply replacing the bushings was not an option with the dealer. This sounds like great news to me!! I was told by the Lexus dealer that I need new upper control arms. This sounded strange to me, as I couldn't imagine why the "arm" would be bad. I was thinking about just replacing the bushings, but didn't know if that was sufficient. So, is it possible for the actual control arm to "go bad" or do you think I would be in good shape just replacing the bushings? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SC4Million Posted January 26, 2005 Share Posted January 26, 2005 Simply replacing the bushings was not an option with the dealer. This sounds like great news to me!! I was told by the Lexus dealer that I need new upper control arms. This sounded strange to me, as I couldn't imagine why the "arm" would be bad. I was thinking about just replacing the bushings, but didn't know if that was sufficient. So, is it possible for the actual control arm to "go bad" or do you think I would be in good shape just replacing the bushings? ← No, it's still bad news. Lexus does not make a replacement bushing for the UPPER control arms. Only the LOWER. However if you google search VFT Bushes you will find a company that makes OEM style replacement rubber bushings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaggz Posted January 26, 2005 Share Posted January 26, 2005 Are you kidding me?? That's not bad news at all!! Well, it would be real nice if those $100 kits would cover the uppers, but, I found VFT and he's selling (4) replacement bushings for $300. New control arms would run me that much each side!! I'll order these very soon.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChubaCabra Posted January 26, 2005 Share Posted January 26, 2005 Sorry to burst your bubble Shaggz but if your sc has high miles, the ball joints are also probably bad and they are permently attached to the control arm. The lexus dealer was right im sorry to say. You can use supra ca's though which are much cheaper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaggz Posted January 26, 2005 Share Posted January 26, 2005 No bubble to burst here... I actually drive an LS400 so I don't think the Supras would work, would they?? I also am already aware of the ball joint situation, fortunately those are not very pricey, from what I've found. But my adventures don't stop there...I also need new motor mounts, strut rod bushings and rear knuckle bushings...you know, typical 200k mile type stuff ;) I was just ecstatic to discover I might save $300 on repairing the control arms!! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1DopeassLex Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 I own a '92 SC400. This last weekend, I had the left and right front lower control arm bushings replaced for $320 (4 hours @ $80 per hour) at an independent mechanic who frequently works on Lexus. Each front lower control arm has a front and rear bushing.The cost of the four bushings from the Lexus dealer was about $150. Although the front LCA bushings are not listed for 92-96 model years, the bushings for 97-00 will work just fine. The part numbers are: Front LCA front bushing - 48654-24040 Front LCA rear bushing - 48655-24050 The car now rides 1000% better. Front LCA bushings are also available from Daizen (TM Engineering) and Vlamos. A lot of SC owners like the Daizen bushings, which give a stiffer ride than stock. I wanted the cushy stock ride and so I didn't get them. The Vlamos are said to ride like stock, but they're a lot more expensive. The Lexus dealer wanted $1,600 for parts and labor to replace the two front lower control arms. Simply replacing the bushings was not an option with the dealer. ← Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1DopeassLex Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 This is a question for Alfonso or anyone in the sf bay area . Who did youre lower cntrl arm bushings?? and also who do you recommend aside from dealer to do other repairs?-thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alfonso Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 My control arm bushings were replaced by John at Exact Motorsports in Milpitas. 1624 S. Main St. Milpitas CA 95035 Tel: (408) 416-0061 http://www.exactmotorsports.com/index.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1DopeassLex Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 thanks Alfonso ,Ill give em a call!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alfonso Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 You're welcome. Glad if I can pass along any useful information. I should mention that John really likes the Daizen bushings, as do a lot of SC owners. If you want a stiffer ride, they're the way to go. (That wasn't my objective, however.) They don't cost much more than the stock Lexus bushings and they should last forever. Good luck! Alfonso Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haiku Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 Alfonso, Are you sure the lower bushings from Lexus 97-00 fit perfectly. I order mine today and will pick it up tomorrow. The problem is the installers will charge me 6 hrs. at $80 per hour with no grantee because it's not made for my year which is a 92 SC400 as well. I want to be double sure that there's no problems with yours. What about your ball joints? Did they have to change those as well? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alfonso Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 Alfonso, Are you sure the lower bushings from Lexus 97-00 fit perfectly. I order mine today and will pick it up tomorrow. The problem is the installers will charge me 6 hrs. at $80 per hour with no grantee because it's not made for my year which is a 92 SC400 as well. I want to be double sure that there's no problems with yours. What about your ball joints? Did they have to change those as well? Thanks. ← My ball joints were ok and didn't need replacing. Here's a thread where I learned about the SC400 '97-00 model year bushings also working for 92-96 models. http://www.clublexus.com/forums/showthread...ght=48654-24040 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haiku Posted February 11, 2005 Share Posted February 11, 2005 Just to let everyone know, I had the bushings from Lexus for a 97 to 00 install in my 92 SC400 yesterday and it worked perfectly. The installer said he learn something new. Thanks Alfonso Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alicias Posted March 11, 2005 Share Posted March 11, 2005 i just had sway bar bushings replaced. according to the dealer - i've had absolutely no problems with the dealer either - control arm bushings are available by themselves and not typically a problem on our car. i have to go over some speed bumps to determine the effect of the new bushings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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