Outer Limits 4x4 Board

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

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

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

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?

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

just another thing to look out for

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

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