Worn control arm bushing..., Can't lower my car because of it...? Options

[supaneko]

I recently purchased the necessary parts to lower my car (springs, struts). With every job like this the vehicle requires an alignment and to get the alignment, the car's suspension system was checked.

I was told that I could not have an alignment performed because a control arm bushing was worn.

I am a little frustrated because the bill for this is about $400 (parts & labor).

I was thinking of buying just the part and then taking it to a friend to perform the labor. My problem, it seems that you must purchase the entire control arm in order to replace the bushing.

Does anyone have any ideas on what I can do? Perhaps there is a better place to find the part (currently $175 from local Toyota dealer) or...?

[supaneko]

OK. So I found a replacement control arm, OEM, from (correct me if the name is wrong, please) 1st Toyota. Excellent price; about $100 cheaper than what the dealership wanted.

Thank you, search tool!

[easternpiro1]

this guy deserves 6gc rookie of the year! rookie+search button FTW! glad you found it man! toyota told me the same thing, but i remember my control arm being more than 175. its a shame the whole thing has to be replaced

[playr158]

yay newb used a search function....we'll let you stay

control arm is a fairly easy and quick replacement, just getting it to slide out is the fun bit

[supaneko]

Fairly easy you say? Geniuses at the shop told me that there was a spring in there that will pop off as I remove it.

Looks like I should run out and get a Chilton's and possibly save myself some money.

BTW, the site is called 1st Toyota Parts (for future reference ).

[playr158]

there is no spring here are pictures of the break down
L & R assemblies




disconnect your knuckle via 3 bolts/nuts


remove sway bar link

and how you do that


remove the 2 other LARGE bolts that hold it to the K frame
and you'll end up with these when you are done




see no spring