Control arm issue started a few months ago with a squeaky sound when I would turn the wheel

Tiny
KRKRLM7
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 TOYOTA SIENNA
  • 4.6L
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 210,000 MILES
It started a few months ago with a squeaky sound when I would turn the wheel. Then it started shaking at higher speeds. Bad uneven tire wear on front. I thought it was my tires so I replaced them and had an alignment and still have a problem. My steering wheel is also crooked. It shakes really bad even at 45 mph, and when I turn left, but when I turn right or can straighten the wheel it gets better. I took the tire off the other day and looked and you can see where my lower control arm attaches to the frame under the engine block, there is a lot of play. Control arm looks good itself, just loose where it attaches. Is this the problem? Can I just change that one part or do I have to change all bushings? Thank you!
Wednesday, October 5th, 2016 AT 11:00 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Sounds like your bushings are shot and should have never been aligned like that because it is not any good. Your steering wheel should be centered after alignment and not off one way or another. You may have to replace the whole control arm as some the bushings are not sold separately. Before doing this however I would take it to another shop and have front end checked to verify the control arm and check out other parts as some may have worn because of this. Do not go to where you had it aligned as they sound like they have a problem there.
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Wednesday, October 5th, 2016 AT 12:04 PM
Tiny
STELLAHOLMES
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
This is the same exact problem im having !
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Monday, April 20th, 2020 AT 7:22 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
I attached the process for replacing the control arms and installing new bushings. However, I am sure you can find a replacement control arm that comes with new bushings. If you have found play in a bushing then it needs replaced.

Let me know if you have questions but unfortunately there is only one repair that will fix this type of issue. Thanks
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Tuesday, April 21st, 2020 AT 7:27 AM

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