1997 Lexus ES 300 Lower Control Arm Bushing and Rear Struts

Tiny
ABSTEWART
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 LEXUS ES 300
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 90,000 MILES
(1) Can lower control bushings be changed independently be changed without changing the entire lower control arm? I have been told the bushing, alone, is not available. (2) Also, the boots on the rear struts have loosened exposing the strut piston rod. Can the boots be changed and/or boots an integral part of new struts? I've been told that new struts do not include boots. And finally then, are the boots necessary? (3) Is there an oil marketed that has a 'red' tint? I have a small leak/drip somewhere on the right side of my engine? The tint is 'red' as in transmission fluid, but fluid levels in both my transmission and power steering remain full.
Wednesday, November 25th, 2009 AT 10:09 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Rock auto parts.com
Has all parts on thier site, arm, bushing and strut bellows. Strut bellows are required to keep the rod clean, without it, they get nicked and dirty and this will ruin the seal...


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_arm_1.jpg



https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_Bellow_1.jpg



https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_es300_1.jpg


I dont have the picture of front control arm, but it is available too.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, November 25th, 2009 AT 10:24 AM
Tiny
ABSTEWART
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
The answer I received answered, more or less, my question about the rear strut boos. However, my questions about 'lower control arm bushings' and 'red tinted' oil was not answered.

Thanks,

Al
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, November 26th, 2009 AT 1:36 AM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
I did say ALL parts are available, even just bushings, did you go to the site? Red oil is tranny or power steering fluid, motor oil has never been dyed red.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, November 26th, 2009 AT 4:45 AM
Tiny
ABSTEWART
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thank you. Understand availability of control arm bushings. I viewed control arm and bushings on my car. Would you describe how to remove and replace the bushings without removing the control arm; if that is possible.
Thanks again,
Al
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, November 28th, 2009 AT 9:12 AM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
At the very least you need to un bolt at the bushings and pull arm down, I would remove it because it makes it more managable, rent a ball joint press tool and press iout and in using ball joint cups, or get a socket large enough to handle the bushing, a lung bolt nut and washers, and pull bushing out that way, install the opposite, by pulling bushing into arm with washer on outside and bolt and washer on other side of the arm. Tighten and bushing will pull into place, use lubricant to assist!
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, November 28th, 2009 AT 10:30 AM
Tiny
ABSTEWART
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thanks for the good info. I will follow your advice and remove the control arms for better access. Never thought of 'renting' a press. Will do that also.

Thanks,

Al
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, November 30th, 2009 AT 11:07 PM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Your welcome Al, let me know how you make out!
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, December 3rd, 2009 AT 3:30 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Lower Control Arm Bushing Replace/Remove Content