Upper Control Arms

volvo2lexus · February 17, 2011

Slowly getting bits and pieces done on my 400. :)

Now I know that at some point the UCA's will need to be done but can anyone advise me - what are the symptoms that show the upper control arms need replacing?

(I can get some from the US at much cheaper prices than the Lexus dealer and was wondering whether to get them done anyway). Car is a Nov 98 400.

Malc · February 17, 2011

Hi, I think that I mighht wait for an MOT advisory before getting them done.

Malc

steve2006 · February 17, 2011

You can't really tell just by looking at them unless it is obvious the rubber inserts are completely shot or the gaitor on the ball joint is torn.

Typical symptoms consist of a knocking/clonking noise over poor road surfaces ( most of the UK road network!) but there are also other causes like bottom ball joints, anti roll bar bushes,suspension top mounts and possible vague handling.

If they don't get mentioned at MOT time leave them be.

sir john · February 19, 2011

If its the upper from contol arm you are talking about it easy to test them. jack up the front corner and use a pulling/pushing heave hoe at 12/6 o`clock and 3/9 o`clock.

If they are knackered you will see the ball joint rocking about.

replacing then is a 15 monute a side job.

PS; go on you tube and search for a Deals on Wheels 4 parter where the mechanic does it.

Ruud · February 19, 2011

If its the upper from contol arm you are talking about it easy to test them. Jack up the front corner and use a pulling/pushing heave hoe at 12/6 o`clock and 3/9 o`clock.

If they are knackered you will see the ball joint rocking about.

replacing then is a 15 monute a side job.

PS; go on you tube and search for a Deals on Wheels 4 parter where the mechanic does it.

Would that be Wheeler Dealers? :)

sir john · February 19, 2011

If its the upper from contol arm you are talking about it easy to test them. Jack up the front corner and use a pulling/pushing heave hoe at 12/6 o`clock and 3/9 o`clock.

If they are knackered you will see the ball joint rocking about.

replacing then is a 15 monute a side job.

PS; go on you tube and search for a Deals on Wheels 4 parter where the mechanic does it.

Would that be Wheeler Dealers? :)

probably. Its a while since i watched them on you tube and i havent had a TV for about 20 years...really.

steve2006 · February 19, 2011

If its the upper from contol arm you are talking about it easy to test them. Jack up the front corner and use a pulling/pushing heave hoe at 12/6 o`clock and 3/9 o`clock.

If they are knackered you will see the ball joint rocking about.

replacing then is a 15 monute a side job.

PS; go on you tube and search for a Deals on Wheels 4 parter where the mechanic does it.

Would that be Wheeler Dealers? :)

probably. Its a while since i watched them on you tube and i havent had a TV for about 20 years...really.

You haven't missed much and saved yourself over £2000 in licence fees!

sir john · February 20, 2011

If its the upper from contol arm you are talking about it easy to test them. Jack up the front corner and use a pulling/pushing heave hoe at 12/6 o`clock and 3/9 o`clock.

If they are knackered you will see the ball joint rocking about.

replacing then is a 15 monute a side job.

PS; go on you tube and search for a Deals on Wheels 4 parter where the mechanic does it.

Would that be Wheeler Dealers? :)

probably. Its a while since i watched them on you tube and i havent had a TV for about 20 years...really.

You haven't missed much and saved yourself over £2000 in licence fees!

I refuse to get one. Mainly because i dont think it will take off. a bit like the electric guitar and the internet.

volvo2lexus · February 21, 2011

Thanks chaps. It went a little off topic there but some useful info. :P.

I checked out the youtube stuff - v handy.

I had a look under the car with my garage and the rubbers seem to be fine, no splits or excessive movement. They felt whoever inspected it previously for MOT was being very very picky. This may explain why the ball joints came up as an advisory on an MOT a couple of years ago but not last years one. So even between MOT testers there is some variance.

Malc · February 21, 2011

That's lucky then ........... good to know that not all MOT Testerts are too picky and that as expected, your LS will live on and long with little trouble !