Lower control arm bushings, need some advi e

tldr: had a dealership install new lower control arm bushings and now they creak super badly, need advice on what to do.

This is quite a read but I’m at the end of my rope and don’t know what to do, please I need y’alls guidance.

A couple months ago I had a professional mechanic install a headstrong bilstein 5100 kit on my 08 long bed taco, lift looked exactly like what I wanted and I needed to get an alignment done so I took it to the local Toyota dealership in Del Rio texas (big mistake I know). They said they couldn’t complete the alignment because my lower control arm bushings were worn out. I thought no big deal I’ll order some and have them install them (they got me to come back by offering a free detailing), I ended up ordering the Moog lower control arm bushings and took my truck back to get them installed which the dealership said wouldn’t take more than a day to install. I had had some extra parts I had gotten on sale in the backseat of my truck (new brake lines, brake pads)and specifically told them I didn’t want them to touch anything but the Moog bushings. Nine days later I finally got my truck back without an alignment completed, the brake lines and brake pads installed (I had just changed out the pads a couple months earlier) and the dealership saying I would need to get new tie rods to get the alignment done. Needless to say I was pretty pissed and took my truck home, thankfully without having to pay. I noticed the brakes felt extremely spongy and the throttle was really tight so I checked over my vehicle when I got home and found brake fluid squirting out onto the ground (back by the rear diff) and a pile of about 20 shop rags under the hood shoved in and around the brake booster and throttle, and I got the truck back dirtier than I had given it to them. (I have pics and videos of all this stuff) I made sure they knew they had screwed up and elevated the issue to Toyota’s customer service line. I ended up getting new tie rods and an alignment completed free of charge from them but ever since the new bushings were installed the creak when turning the wheel/reversing/getting in/out/going over bumps. I am extremely hesitant to take my baby back to the stealership but also don’t want to pay to get what I need fixed. Do new bushings creak this much? Should I go to a different dealership (next closest is 2+ hours away) or mechanic to get this done? Thanks for your help!

-my job is busy to the point installing all this stuff by myself would be impossible

 

Sounds like a nightmare dealership. If you have another one in the area then I'd go there instead. Some are just plain difficult to deal with.

I have creaky LCA bushings too and I can get them to quiet down by spraying them with silicone spray from underneath the truck.

Not saying this should be a fix but if you need some temporary relief it might help.

PTFE based dry lubricant works well too but doesn't last as long.

 

I sprayed mine down with silicone it helped a lot but I get a wicked creak screech when im slightly turning to get over an inclined drive entrance pretty sure i'll need the whole A arms LBJs done

 

If they are making noises when you change directions, then those can bolts aren't tight. Get under there and see if you can make a turn on the bolt.

 

yeah that's true, I had another Toyota dealer install new front struts for me it was a nightmare scenario like the OPs situation with the alignment and cam tabs bent, creeeeeek all the time, silicone spray helps some, cam bolts loose too

 

Are u sure it’s not the lower Ball joint?

 

those moog A arms come with new LBJs installed I think

 

I’ve heard before about the Moog LCA bushing having problems. Not just creaking and squeaking but poor fitment in the OEM control arm as well. Your shop already has given you reason to double check their work, so you should make sure the LCA bolts are torqued properly. If the’re not, they will usually make some noise like you’re describing.

 

He said bushings no?

 

jup me too about Moogs they only last half as long as the OEMs do

 

I think he said he put Moog bushings in the OEM LCA

 

If u gotta redo it just put whiteline bushings or engery poly ones.

 

That’s a good trick leave all your parts in the truck u need to replace and say don’t touch it just replace one thing. Lol plus y u go professional mechanic and then bring it to dealer for install?

 

Wow thanks for all the replies! I should have said I torqued everything on the front suspension to spec 3 days ago and it help with some of the sounds but the creaking is just getting worse, it started with only when I was backing up and turning now it’s all the time. I’ll definitey look into getting a different set up or just going back to OEM bushings

 

Good option. I just bought the whole Moog arms about $100 apiece. And Rebuilt my Toyota LCAs with OEM bushings and Ball joints. Ready for next time.

 

that sux, probably at $100 per hour labor at the stealership

 

Last I checked (2 or 3 years ago) here in the Los Angeles area the local Toyota dealer was $125 an hour for labor. I would be surprised if it hasn't gone up, probably around $140 now.

I think most independent shops are still around $100/hr though out here.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/steps-for-re-tightening-lca-cam-bolts.531741/

 

I hid everything they weren’t supposed to touch in the underseat compartment. They actually called me about the parts after I dropped off the truck and I told them put them back and don’t touch anything but the bushings

 

don't worry dude we got you on the right path now, use that search button and u can find all kinds on good info on TW for wrenching stuff