Help!! - I am having trouble with idler arm bush replacement

[mattyd]

I purchased a set of bushes from Repco this morning. Aparently for my V6 1995 4Runner. I was told by a tyrepower store that I needed to fix the idler arm before a wheel alignment could be done.

Now the bushes I bought are a nice red, but they are visably thicker than the ones I pulled out (which incedently didn't look too bad, just thin). Using a trolley jack i have managed to get the shaft through the bottom bush, but I can't push the top bush down onto the shaft to install the washer and nut.

Do I have the wrong bushes?

If I have the right ones, is there a trick I am missing ???

Matt

[ausyota]

Sounds like you have the wromg bushes.
The bushes are pretty thin from new.
When you pull the old ones out they always look good but it only takes a little wear to make the arm sloppy.
I would go to a toyota dealer and get genuine bushes (from memory they wernt that expensive $20 maybe).
After replacing the bushes in mane twice I realised that the arms rod was ever so slightly banana shaped. Had to chuck a newy on.
Oh the joys of Lux IFS

[UZJ40]

if you want the correct ones, go to your local toyota dealer.

[mattyd]

I thought they were a bit tight. I was up till 11-30pm trying to squeeze the top one on. I even got out the dremel to shave some of the insides and outsides to make it fit easier, but no luck. In the end I reinstalled the best looking of the two old bushes in the top slot and gave up for the night.

I tell you what also, I jacked the front end up, and tried moving the wheels, and the arm must have made a difference, because the movement feels considerably TIGHTER than before. Not sure about the actual sloppyness, but i know that it is harder to move the wheels left to right. So I will have to get the correct bushes for sure.

I dropped into an autobahn and they didn't have any real ones in stock to show me, and my local Toyota dealer says that apparently the bushes are not available as a spare part through them. But they were happy to sell me an idler arm brand new for $120, which I feel is reasonable.

But I now have a question.....

If I were to buy NEW idler arm, and install it and keep the other for a spare, will the idler arm still be used in the steering setup for a SAS? ie, will both then become redundant?

[plowy]

also with the original toyota bushes there is 2 different types as well

just another thing to look out for

[NiftyNev]

Bushes are available from Toyota. They are a white nylon. Two sizes are available. Quote Model and Frame number for the correct ones. If the ball joint end is worn then the whole Idler Arm is replaced.

Nev

[mattyd]

How can you tell if the ball joint end is worn?

I guess what I mean is, what should I be looking out for to make the decision about buying a new arm or not, and what do i have to do to test and see if the ball joint is worn?

Matt