1997 Lexus ES 300 Lower Control Arm Bushing and Rear Struts

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.

7 Replies

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...

I dont have the picture of front control arm, but it is available too.

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Wednesday, November 25th, 2009 AT 10:24 AM

ABSTEWART

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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

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Thursday, November 26th, 2009 AT 1:36 AM

MERLIN2021

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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.

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Thursday, November 26th, 2009 AT 4:45 AM

ABSTEWART

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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

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Saturday, November 28th, 2009 AT 9:12 AM

MERLIN2021

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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!