LX Front Suspension Refresh (1 Viewer)

[milellie111]

2013 Lexus LX570 110k miles all original suspension. AHC fluid changed at 95k. Stock 20" wheels with new Michelin Defender tires at 34 psi and proper alignment. Truck has gradually gotten looser over bumps/road imperfections which can be felt through the steering wheel. Far worse on comfort suspension setting. Highway driving over some road joints is unsettling and the steering wheel shakes/twitches. Looking to get that like new handling/steering feel back. I’m thinking shocks all the way around and lower control arms. Added parts to cart at Mcgeorge Toyota. Anything I’m missing and is this the best place to source parts?

 

[nwfl4runner]

If you truly want to refresh the front you should include quite a few more parts:

Sway bar bushings (frame)
Sway bar end links
All cushions/bushings inside the strut assembly (2 at the top)
Front coil springs
Possibly OTRE given the shake

Try partsouq for most of the smaller pieces/bushings. Even with shipping it’s much cheaper. It is NOT much cheaper for the LCA, shock assembly, coils

 

[milellie111]

If you truly want to refresh the front you should include quite a few more parts:

Sway bar bushings (frame)
Sway bar end links
All cushions/bushings inside the strut assembly (2 at the top)
Front coil springs
Possibly OTRE given the shake

Try partsouq for most of the smaller pieces/bushings. Even with shipping it’s much cheaper. It is NOT much cheaper for the LCA, shock assembly, coils

Thank you kindly! Would you be able to give me part numbers for the strut bushings? Also, are there steering rack bushings on an LX that would need replacing? I take it that upper control arms are rarely a culprit.

 

[nwfl4runner]

Here you go:

48609-60080 - strut mount
90948-01097 - cushion (where the AHC line attaches)

The UCA can have worn bushings and I’d view it as “since you’re already in there” type work. Just because on the LX removing them with AHC lines in the way is a pain.

I don’t think steering rack bushings themselves would need to be replaced at only 110k, but also didn’t see separate part numbers for bushings in my quick search

 

[milellie111]

Here you go:

48609-60080 - strut mount
90948-01097 - cushion (where the AHC line attaches)

The UCA can have worn bushings and I’d view it as “since you’re already in there” type work. Just because on the LX removing them with AHC lines in the way is a pain.

I don’t think steering rack bushings themselves would need to be replaced at only 110k, but also didn’t see separate part numbers for bushings in my quick search

Would would you recommend buying all new upper control arms or just the bushings? I would buy the whole arms for the lowers. Is the LX arm setup like the LS? I believe the LS has 8 control arms.

 

[nwfl4runner]

Would would you recommend buying all new upper control arms or just the bushings? I would buy the whole arms for the lowers. Is the LX arm setup like the LS? I believe the LS has 8 control arms.

When I priced out new bushings and ball joints the price just didn’t seem worth it for the ease of replacing the arms. I also didn’t want the down time in case the bushings were frozen in place. Good news is just 2 uppers and 2 lowers!

 

[milellie111]

Thank you so much your help is invaluable. @nwfl4runner

 

[nwfl4runner]

Thank you so much your help is invaluable. @nwfl4runner

Absolutely man - let me know if you have any questions!

 

[tincan45]

Good info. Might want to look at spacers while you are in there too. That is, if you have any extra weight. I'll probably do mine at 120-130K.

 

[milellie111]

Absolutely man - let me know if you have any questions!

hmmm, you seem to be a wealth of knowledge. Just wondering if you would be able to point me in the right direction of where to look on this issue. Sometimes when making a u-turn and coming out of the turn, the wheels are pointed straight however the steering wheel delays from returning to center for a few seconds. Like coming out of the u-turn the truck is driving straight but the steering wheel is still pointed to the right or left until it finally comes back center. Ever seen this issue?

 

[nwfl4runner]

I’d check caster on the alignment as a first step - alignment recently?

 

[milellie111]

I’d check caster on the alignment as a first step - alignment recently?

yep!

 

[nwfl4runner]

yep!

I’d check it and post the numbers here - there’s a lot of folks who have great insight on that stuff! I’m actually ignorant when it comes to good alignment specs because I’m spoiled with a great independent alignment shop who just makes the magic happen for me

 

[hickuptruck]

I'd start with an alignment and AHC flush. The 200 series front suspension parts are beefy and sturdy. 100k miles should still have lots of life left in the bushings and ball joints provided that its been an interstate and city cruiser.

 

[04UZJ100]

I'd start with an alignment and AHC flush. The 200 series front suspension parts are beefy and sturdy. 100k miles should still have lots of life left in the bushings and ball joints provided that its been an interstate and city cruiser.

This.

 

[hickuptruck]

Also on your LX, you're wasting your money if you're buying a shock and if it's not leaking. The shock isn't a traditional shock, but the dampening is done by accumulator spheres.

 

[milellie111]

@nwfl4runner @hickuptruck So, I am relieved, yet pissed Something definitely felt "off" with my steering over bumps for the past 3 months after an alignment from a Lexus dealer. Steering wheel was twitchy over road irregularities and the front end felt loose. I took it back to them for another alignment as they claimed their alignment machine was out of wack, no success same thing. They said they checked the front end and everything was tight. Got reimbursed. I took it to my Indy who also checked front end and did an alignment. Same thing. Took it to a local highly rated shop who also checked front end and did alignment with Hunter Elite Touch and same thing. That’s why I began researching on replacing my whole front suspension with new parts as I felt something must be worn. A couple of days ago, I became curious, lifted the truck in high mode and began feeling around and tugging on arms, tie rods etc. Low and behold, I found the drivers side tie rod nut easily turn with my finger! How could a Lexus dealer AND two shops miss this??!! I took it back to the shop, pointed out the loose nut and they realigned. Wouldn’t you know, it’s much more solid now! Unfortunately, they didn’t get my steering wheel dead center so when I hold the wheel straight it drifts left so I will take it back yet again! What a nightmare I’ve gone through with this.

 

[nwfl4runner]

After they do it, might suggest you grab a paint pen and just mark everything. Makes visual checks easy (dykem cross check works)