Renew lower control arm bushes

[EddieF Member Find all posts View Profile Close EddieF]

Hi Guys,
I have been told that I will at some stage need new lower control arm bushes, and as I will soon need new tyres best to get it done together. Estimate to replace by a garage is estimated to be about $600 (two hours labour each side plus cost of bushes). I have also read somewhere that it toyota service centres tend to replace the whole control arm, but not sure if this is correct or what the cost would be but I assume much more expensive than bush replacement.

Any thoughts or experience on this would be appreciated.
2004 Prado VX 240,000KM's.

[gxl_d4d Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close gxl_d4d]

You can buy aftermarket arms pretty cheap. If you buy a new arm, you get new ball joints as well.
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Front-Lo...oAAOSwjKFZVKmt

The $600 labour quote seems high, $150/hour. Superpro bush kits are around $200. When I had my lower bushes replaced I was charged 4 hours labour as well but I had to get a wheel alignment done separately.

[Guest Close Guest]

Depending on vehicle its likely you will need to cut the bottom arm bolts out with a grinder (Very common for this to be needed). It can be a pain it the Arse job to do. Buying new arms with bushes and ball joints is always an easier move.

[carco Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close carco]

I just did mine (again) in the 90 which is more difficult than the 120 as the rack has to be moved clear.
I had replaced them with Mackay bushes when I bought her but they didn't last 20,000k, and from then on I was chasing tyre wear, uneven braking you name it.
It's very hard to see movement in a worn bush until it's completely shot.
I went for complete arms this time which come with genuine bushes fitted. (I won't contemplate anything other than Toyota lower ball joints after my 555's were stuffed very quickly)
$700 for the Toyota arms and a bit over $200 if I'd just gone for new Toyota bushes.
Removing the old bush from the arm can be difficult, I'd guess by the labour quoted he's going to burn them out with the oxy.
As Piggy noted, your adjusters can be a rusty nightmare and then the only option is grinder with cut off wheel.
Price will go up considerably from the extra labour, not to mention the new adjuster bolts.
Really depends how tidy she looks down there. Lots of beach work.........sure to be rusty.

[Razorback81 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Razorback81]

do yourself a favor, mark the alignment washers and undo the the adjuster bolts, if they will turn your sweet to go
call a few of the wreckers and price up a set of a car, say 2009 120 and just fit them, ask them for the bolts as well and add some never seize

the biggest mistake most people make is doing them up when the arms are hanging , this puts the bush under tension when lowered to the ground then tears the rubbers when compressed in use

[EddieF Member Find all posts View Profile Close EddieF]

Thanks for the advice guys. Really appreciate the great knowledge passed on so I and others don't stuff it up.
I don't think the car has spend much off the tar, but certainly been a bit on sandy tracks judging by the dirty sand washed out from here and there when I got it, so hopefully not too rusty under.

Cheers Eddie F