Are my LCA bushings shot? (Video)

So Im getting ready to install an Icon Stage 4 kits and am trying to diagnose a clanking sound when I hit dips. I want to make sure any issues are covered under warranty before I put the lift on. I notice the LCA moves in the video. Ive seen this in other videos so just wondering if the lateral/vertical movement at the pivoting point is too excessive or if its normal.

 

Lose cam tabs probably​

 

Looks perfectly normal to me. The LCA cams only tighten the pivot axle and should never cinch down lateral movement of the LCA on the pivot axle. There are many creeks, pops and moans from these IFS front ends. Sway bar is a common culprit since it stores the energy in a torsional fashion and will make noise if the mounts are loose or not replaced on their proper sides. Control arm (LCA and UCA) bushings are also a common culprit (use anti-seize, like it's your trademark when you are in their installing the lift). Brake pads when worn will also made pops and clicks adjusting from forward and reverse (if you back into or out of your driveway and then pull out in the opposite direction, they will click when they get past roughly 10k miles). This will pop in the morning when you leave and first apply the brakes. Some have mentioned on here in reference to body mounts by the radiator, but I think this was only for third gen. Finally, spring seat will pop and creak over time depending upon the environment where you live. Some say fluid film, others use Teflon spray. Whether it is arid high desert or humid southeast, I have plenty of creaks and moans that are a PITA to diagnose where. It seems like I get the time to chase them down only after it rains hard enough that they go away and all is quiet.

Anywho, LCA looks fine.

 

Thanks for your insight. Curious as to how one gets an accurate alignment if this much lateral movement at the LCA pivot point is normal? Wouldnt that much play affect the caster readings?

 

I am no expert, but I understand the caster to be adjusted between the upper and lower ball joint. The stock UCA at rest, will not allow for adjustment and keeps caster at 0*. Some aftermarket a built offset or adjustable (SPC LR for me as an example). The caster is "dialed in" with the adjustment of the rectangle washer. The lower ball joint remains stationary and becomes the fulcrum for caster at rest. The play of the LCA where it mounts to the frame and pivots off the cam bolts keeps in from binding and would obviously deviate from a caster reading at rest. However, your alignment is done stationary where your LCA rest and not dynamically taking into account the bump like you videoed. The variable I think you are questioning is "does the LCA always come back to rest at the some point?" My answer is, I believe so.

 

I also just noticed to hit the bump going in different directions. All your alignment adjustments are based off forward movement of the vehicle and different rules of physics apply when the force is applied in the opposite direction. This will cause the LCA to act differently. I have 4* caster on my wheel which would translate to -4* when cycling the suspension in reverse. This could also be the factor of seeing the play in the video.

 

You're LCA bushings are bad. They should be replaced before you do anything else.

 

That's what I'm afraid of. Thing is they are rubber and movement is expected. I just don't know how much movement is too much. I'm hoping they aren't shot as I only have 37k on the truck.

 

Any tech during an alignment will tell you if they are shot. I figured a ‘15 wouldn’t have enough abuse with stock suspension to ruin them. Let us know, what you find.

 

Taking it to the stealership tomorrow. If it's bad then I guess the lift install will have to wait because even if they confirm the part failed pre-modification they won't do the repair once parts come in if I start the install. Stupid I know...

 

Check your swaybar bushings. I had a clunk when going over bumps and it turned out I had a little play in them.

 

Yeah those seem fine. Now I'm more or less trying to find out if the Lower arm play near the alignment cams is normal.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/fs-lca-bushing.524019/

 

So just got word from the dealer and apparently that kind of movement is normal. The bushings are supposed to flex. As long as they are not wallowed out or cracked then they are fine.

 

Not to mention, you will get steering vibration and wobble with worn LCAs.

 

Yeah if you have a steering vibration or wobble, and also check if you’re wheel does this:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=83Pw3V8pMeI

This is all the current symptoms on my truck with bad UCA and LCA bushings