Left Front Squeak - Upper Control Arm (1 Viewer)

[NCMTNS]

Was at dealership today to check on a squeak coming from the left front suspension. I have a 2004 LX470 with 246,000 miles. All stock but the AHC was disabled by PO and standard LC suspension installed (done about a year ago).

Dealer said it was coming from upper control arm bushing. Said they would replace UCA and do alignment for $1100. Obviously going to get 2nd opinion/price from another shop but have some questions:

1. If it is the arm/bushing should I go ahead and do both left and right?
2. Can just the bushing be replaced?
3. Go OEM or aftermarket?
4. If its just a squeak is there a need/concern to replace?

The squeak is only heard at low speeds going over bumps or if I push up and down on left front fender. I don't mind having the work done (at the right price) but don't want to spend more if I don't have too. I also need to find a good local shop in the Charlotte, NC area....

 

[FlammableFishie]

I have squeaks like crazy. Shoot some WD40 on the bushings until you get the chance to either replace the bushings or the entire control arms. No need to pay $1100 though (but depends on if you DIY). A new set of aftermarket arms is ~$700 and I'm sure you could find OEM for much cheaper.

WD40 silenced my squeaks until my ball joints wore out. You can also upgrade the bushings to polyurethane, but that might be a bit harder to source. SuperPro manufactures them but they are located in Oz and only have one distributer, that doesn't stock these bushings, in the US.

 

[CanadianRockyCruiser]

1.) It's not necessary to both, but at that mileage, it wouldn't hurt...depends how much you want to spend.
2.) Yes... They are much cheaper, but then you have the labor of pressing in/out the bushings. If you are doing your own labour, then I'd just get the bushings.
3.) I always prefer to go OEM. Lots of the ball joints in non OEM parts are garbage.
4.) Not really. If the bushing is moving considerably (when braking, downhills, as an example), then replacement might be a bigger deal.

 

[ga12r1]

A new oem control arm can be had for $320 plus free shipping 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser Parts - Camelback Toyota Parts - Genuine OEM Parts - Free Shipping . It takes about an hour to change out in your driveway. Then take in for <$100 alignment. Save big bucks.

 

[AimCOtaco]

...just be sure it's the upper before you buy parts and not the lower and if it's metallic sounding it may be the ball joints rather than bushings.
If it's a bad ball joint don't just spray and pray or bad stuff can happen.

New OEM arms can indeed save a lot of labor depending on what's needed.

 

[CanadianRockyCruiser]

Or $230.00 if you order internationally ;P
4861060030 Toyota ARM ASSY, FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER, RH Price: 230.28$, Weight: 3.02kg - PartSouq - Auto Parts Around the World

 

[NCMTNS]

...just be sure it's the upper before you buy parts and not the lower and if it's metallic sounding it may be the ball joints rather than bushings.
If it's a bad ball joint don't just spray and pray or bad stuff can happen.

New OEM arms can indeed save a lot of labor depending on what's needed.

Good point. Difficult to tell exactly where noise is coming from but sounds like a creaking noise. To me when I push up and down it sounds more like it is coming from behind the wheel then up where the UCA is but hard to tell.

I think before I do anything I'm going to have a couple of other places look at it.

 

[NCMTNS]

Or $230.00 if you order internationally ;P
4861060030 Toyota ARM ASSY, FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER, RH Price: 230.28$, Weight: 3.02kg - PartSouq - Auto Parts Around the World

Thanks! If I wait long enough it seems the price gets better and better!