1996 Ls 400 Rear Differential Bushing/cushion

tron37b · August 14, 2013

Hi Guys!

Before we get into my question I want to say a big thanks to all whom have posted about the ERG tube that is notorious for cracking. A couple of exhaust shops said I needed a new manifold but after searching through the posts here I was able to pinpoint the problem (cracked EGR pipe)! Some of these shops here in town (Southeast Arizona) just don't care to take the time to diagnose a car properly!

Took my 1996 LS 400 (171k) into the shop today and had them check out the suspension as I was getting a harmonic vibration when traveling 40-45mph. I had the tires rotated and that solved some of the vibration but not all. Once the car was on the lift the mechanic pointed out that the rear differential bushing/cushion had a lot of play in it. You could lift the drive shaft up and move the diff up and down. The two bushings in the rear appear to be slightly cracked but seem to be tight.

I would imagine that replacing the two rear differential bushings would be expensive as they appear to have to be pressed out, is this the case? Since the cushion/bushing on the side of the rear diff is obviously way beyond bad I was going to start there and replace that. Is this a difficult job to do? I would like to do this myself but don't want to open a can of worms if this job would require anything crazy. I have searched high and low and could not find anything. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Using the diagram below I ordered the necessary parts to replace the cushion on the side of the diff.

http://lexus.sewellparts.com/images/oem/1400x1000/410236.jpg

Thanks!

tron37b · August 19, 2013

Just picked up the parts today. Does the cushion have to be pressed out/in? It was fairly easy to remove the upper stop and bolt that holds everything together came off pretty easy but I cannot get the cushion to drop out. Should I improvise to get it out (drill it/tear it apart)? The last thing I want to do is to destroy the old cushion only to find out that the new one will need to be pressed in leaving me with a stranded LS 400 in my garage...... Any ideas on how to get the cushion out??

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

billydpowell · August 20, 2013

I have not done that, but I think I could look at the new one, and the old one and reach a conclusion on the matter. what seems to be the hang up?

anybody out there ever do this?? all I have seen is:

tron37b · August 23, 2013

The part on the left is the top cushion (easy to remove) and the one on the right is the bottom cushion (the one that is pressed in).

The cushion on the bottom is pressed in. Once I removed the nut I could easily slide the top cushion off. I am sure there is a relatively easy way to get this bushing out....just need to find it.

As you can see space is very tight on the top. Even with the top bushing removed there is not much space. Any ideas on how to get this thing out and get the new one in?

billydpowell · August 23, 2013

never been there, but know what I would do, carry the parts to a Lexus repair shop (not necessarily the dealer) and ask for help/information on putting it in... and share that with us.. (oh, super photos)

billydpowell · August 23, 2013

just looking at the new bushing, I assume there is a metal bushing in the center that the bolt fits in, is there also a metal bushing on the outside where it fits into the housing?? if not, it should not have to be pressed in.. (just my opinion)