Front end bushings? Wrapped it up yesterday.

I can confirm that the

$97 Whiteline W53377A Front Lower Inner Suspension Control Arm Bushing Kit Compatible with 95-04 Tacoma, 4Runner

Whiteline W53377A bushings worked on my 2001 4wd double cab.

No idea on their steering rack bushings- but from the images on their site, they look fine. They are much less critical (in terms of ease of access and replaceability) than the LCA bushings. In other words, if you don't like them, you can change them.

 

I can't comment on their steering rack bushings.

I need to do mine as well and bought Energy's offerings. They have a Red and Black version, with the black version being slightly firmer.

 

Thanks to both of you. I am currently chatting with George @ Whiteline, and he recommended these, as Whiteline are currently backordered, and I can order them with the WL LCA bushings through them:

https://superprousa.com/products/spf1836k-superpro-steering-bush-kit

 

Just remember; when replacing rubber components with poly, expect to hear squeaking you've never heard before.

A quality grease goes a long way; I know, I pulled my Whiteline bushings a second time just to put a different grease on them.

 

ya know.... Amazon has all this stuff too..

 

Which rubber bushings would be a comparable replacement for oem? The whole idea behind the LCA bushing replacement is to get rid of the current squeaks...

 

No OEM-type replacement better than OEM itself.

 

I think it's a warning about poly bushings in general. Just use plenty of SuperLube on them when assembling.

I've had Energy Suspension Poly bushings on my steering rack for 16 years or so (two sets, replaced them this year) and they have never made a sound. There is very little movement in the steering rack compared to leaf springs or control arms. Those tend to get a little loud from time-to-time, but I can say that I haven't heard a thing from the Whiteine LCA bushings, or the ES poly upper bushings in the year they have been on the truck.

 

I had noise coming from my Whitelines within 4 months or so. Then again, I took my Tacoma off-road often.

It quieted down much more, for a lot longer when I pulled things apart and used a different grease.

 

I went ahead and ordered the WL LCA bushings and the SuperPro steering rack bushings. Whiteline gave me a decent discount. This Prerunner will not see much off road time, it's my get around town hauler. I also have a 2019 4Runner.

 

What different grease did you use?

 

I used Prothane Super Grease the second time around

$4 Prothane Grease, Super, Silicone/PTFE, 1/2 oz Packet, Polyurethane/Rubber Bushings, Set of 3, red (19-1750)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002P8SAU2?_encoding=UTF8

Though you might already have your favorite grease, which is why I didn't suggest it initially.

 

The lower ball joints have the highest risk. I've had one fail on me, and I've seen countless failures on the road.

They are easy, just standard sockets etc and a hammer will get it out. It's not being reused so you can beat it freely.

 

Lower ball joints ordered as well. Without knowing whichever of these three items is causing my current noise, they're all probably 18 years old and should be replaced anyway while everything is apart...

 

Good idea, I'm about to do the same for my truck. Everything is worn out after 340k, but the lower ball joints get changed out often. The first tacoma I owned had a wheel come off due to a worn ball joint. I try and warn everyone I see.

 

I was crawling underneath my truck today, putting penetrating oil on the nuts and bolts to be loosened next week, and realized that this job is made so much easier due to no front differential. I can actually get to all the bolt heads and nuts with ease, even the steering rack bolts from the front. I was able to get everything sprayed and cleaned, and am looking forward to the parts arriving and going forward.

Not a speck of rust found anywhere - this truck has spent its life in NM.

 

Would this puller work for the lower ball joint and/or outer tie rod end?


Bushings arrived yesterday (one business day from ordering, thanks Whiteline!). Waiting on lower ball joints and Prothane Super Grease.

 

Yes.

Careful not to pinch and tear the boot on your TRE.

 

Thanks. I will make a point to watch for that.

 

I tried that tool when I needed to remove the outer TRE but I couldn't get it to fit squarely on the bolt. Couldn't get the shield behind the brake to move enough, and the bolt in the tool wouldn't go completely over the top of the bolt in the TRE.