Wednesday, February 29, 2012 - 01:40 pm, by: Lloyd Roberts(Lloydulation)
I ordered genuine toyota bushes from Amayama Japan. I didn't think it would make a huge difference considering my car is a 99 model with under 100k km's.
The reason I went ahead regardless was that they are relatively cheap, I can easily do the job myself and I have heard that it gives the car more of a 'new car' feel.
The old Bushes looked visually more or less perfect. I noticed that the hole for the sway bar to run through was slightly enlarged on the outside of each bush but otherwise no wear.
I installed the new bushes in 20 minutes last night and drove the car for the first time this morning. The difference is subtle but noticeable and definitely work the $80 odd in parts. The car feels more supple and I swear there's slightly less NVH entering the cabin.
This makes me suspect that a visual inspection of old bushes isn't all that's required. I get the impression an old bush can appear more or less fine and still have lost a lot of it's ability to control movement/isolate vibration etc. I'm no mechanic however.
What do you guys think and what experiences have you had with changing bushes(not necessarily sway bar ones).
Wednesday, February 29, 2012 - 03:28 pm, by: Drew Rechner(Drew1jz)
Just used pedders brand ones. They are probably urethane. I think it cost about $300 for the lca's and steering rack ones but it was a couple years ago so I dont remember too well sorry.
I fitted all myself so I didn't pay any labour charges but did get a wheel alignment straight afterwards to confirm all was in check.
Thursday, March 01, 2012 - 03:11 am, by: Dave Rose(Sand_groper)
Lloyd, yes you are right ,I changed my 97 low ks st/rack bushes for Toyota ones ,as you say they looked fine but make a difference. While i was at it I changed engine mounts (still looked new)but are 15 years old!.. huge difference. As you may know they are oil filled and i suppose over time with the heat etc oil would seep into the rubber Urethane are a bit hard and do add NVH, but good for the track.
Thursday, March 01, 2012 - 12:44 pm, by: Lloyd Roberts(Lloydulation)
Dave - Are my engine mounts also oil filled? (JZZ31) and does anyone know how much they cost/if it's a big job?
I've just ordered the steering rack bushes from castle hill toyota and am hoping that it's a pretty straight forward job. I feel like changing these bushes is restoring the cars inherent mind crusing-ness.
Thursday, March 01, 2012 - 04:07 pm, by: Dave Rose(Sand_groper)
Vincent, yes it will transmit more vibration from the rack to st/wheel and i suppose more feel on the road how much ? i am not sure ,Toyota spent a lot of time getting this right and did not use urethane ! Lloyd, your part number 12360-46020 /UZZ 12360-56031 , so we need someone on here to cut a JZZ one open .