Lower Control Arm Bushings Worn Out

Mechanic at the dealership showed me the worn out bushings which will need to be replaced eventually, and that each control arm would also be replaced for a total of around $1,400. Can he not just replace the damaged bushings without having to install new control arms?
I was in a hurry and did not ask, but will do so tomorrow when I get my truck back from steering rack replacement(he showed me “excessive play inside of rack”). Truck failed annual safety inspection bc of this
Any recommendations will be much appreciated.

 

The bushings can be pressed out of the LCA, yes. Plenty of members here have done the job as a DIY project.

You may have to find another shop willing to do that work though. It is easier for the shop to remove and replace the entire LCA with an aftermarket replacement that contains new bushings.

 

You need a new mechanic. A steering rack shouldn't get replaced because it moves around. The steering rack bushings wear out and cause it to move, they're pretty easy and cheap to replace compared to a whole new rack. Unless the rack was leaking or something.

And you don't need new lower control arms because the bushings are bad. The bushings, like the steering rack bushings, can be replaced without replacing the whole arms.

It sounds like he's upselling you on replacing stuff you don't need, at least from what I'm reading.

 

What he said ^^^^^

 

play inside of the rack is possible. My rack has 1/8" of play inside of the rack on the passenger side that makes it impossible to align the truck

 

ya I reread it and saw the inside part, I read it as the rack moving the first go around and thought this guy just doesn't like dealing with bushings.

I guess as far as the arms go it might be easier to put on new ones instead of messing with the bushings, but damn $1400 is steep for putting new lowers on.

I would do like you said and see what another shop quotes to replace the bushings vs. new arms

 

Lets assume that your mechanic is using Toyota OEM parts for the sake of discussion. The lower control arms are listed at ~$327 each. There are two of them. So ~$650. They come with new rubber bushings.

Does his $1400 include the labor charge to install them? That is quite a mark up. Does it also include a wheel alignment afterwards?

Here is a link to where the arms can be purchased directly from a Toyota dealership.

https://toyotaparts.mcgeorgetoyota....ntrol-arm-right-front-lower-4806835120?c=az0x

As you can see, a set is available for a lot less than the list price. Your mechanics markup is even larger if he follows this route. If he uses, less expensive (Toyota OEM will always be the most expensive) aftermarket brands, like Moog for example, the cost difference will be even greater.

 

Thanks to all for the advice/suggestions.
The steering rack is a done deal, unfortunately. However, I will be getting a second estimate on the control arm bushings this morning.

 

I just changed out the bushings in one of my lower control arms this week. It takes longer to get the lower control arm off the truck than it does to change the bushings out. I used my bottle jack that came with the truck to get the old bushings out and a vise to put the new bushings in. I will do the other lower control arm bushings next week. It's not that hard.

 

I had the same problem and was also quoted $1400.00. I ended up getting Moog LCA's, Icon coilovers, and alignment cam bolts up front, Icon shocks and AAL in the rear and with labor plus an alignment spent just shy of $4000.00.

I would've went with Bilstein 1500's and saved a little bit of money but they have been on back order since October and didn't feel like waiting any longer.

 

Why do you think that you need to replace the bushings? How is the truck handling? Are you getting any sway when going 70+ on the interstates? Or is it just because the mechanic said that they are "bad"?

(I'm asking because I'm trying to determine what's causing my truck to sway excessively and was thinking about the lower control arms.)

 

For one, they're a wear item so they'll need replacing eventually.

You should be able to get a peek if you shine a bright flashlight on them while laying on your back; can see if they're cracking or if light is peeking through.

Bad bushings will cause you not to hold alignment either.