I'm need to replace both left and right front lower control arms for my 1997 Camry 4-Cyl. I have researched the price and the different brands available. Without buying an OEM part for $271, does anyone have any recommendation on what's a better brand for a replacement. The ones I've seen are: Dorman, Raybestos, Mevotech, Beck/Arnley, and Deeza. I'm hoping for one that's made in the US or Japan. Appreciate any help. Thanks.
mykotse

 

Would assume all these brands make some of their parts in China.

You can also buy replacement bushings for the arm.

 

Thanks. The Dorman is made in Taiwan and I read somewhere the Deeza is made in Turkey. In my research I read in a few places that Moog seems to be a good brand. However at RockAuto, they are $300+. Even more expensive than OEM. I found the Moog bushing kit at Amazon. I will post my experience after I install them.

 

Moog would be fine.

 

The installation went very well. As a result, I'd like to share my expereince so others can benefit.

How to replace the front lower control arm bushing for a 1997 Camry

If your control arm bushings are shot, there are two options to get this fixed:
Option 1
· Replace the control arm assembly. The assembly is readily available from your local auto supply store, for example BAP Imports, NAPA, Autozone, or order online from Amazon.com or RockAuto.com
· There are many brands and price will vary. Based on my research online, it seems like Moog and Deeza would be the better brands compared to the others.
o OEM Toyota – $271 (Dealer price)
o Moog – made in Mexico - $279 (Amazon)
o Deeza – made in Turkey - $74 (Amazon)
o Dorman – made in Taiwan - $74 (RockAuto.com)
o Beck/Arnley with Balljoint - $108 (RockAuto.com)

Option 2
· Replace the bushings only. They are readily available from the same source under Option 1. I decided on the Moog (Part # K90041) and found the kit (2 bushings) on Amazon.com for $31.32 with free shipping.

• Remove the control arm. There are a total of 6 bolts. 3 attached to the ball-joint and the other 3 to the frame. The bolts are very tight so it is best to use an impact wrench. When the arm is removed, the brake disc attach to the strut will NOT drop to the floor so you don’t have to worry about supporting this.
• If you are going for Option 2, find a local auto machine shop, or auto supply store that will press out (hydraulic) the old bushings and press in the new ones. I called my local auto supply store – NAPA told me where to go. I paid $10 per bushing and there are 2 each per control arm. It cost me a total of $102.64 for Option 2. The dealer wanted $900+ to do the work.
• Re-attached the new or rebuilt control arm. The torque for the 3 bolts that attach to the ball-joint is 94 ft.lb. The other 3 bolts (where the bushings are) that attach to the frame is 152 ft.lb. I have to say, the hardest part of the job is getting the bolts torqued to 152 ft.lb. and making sure your socket does slip. Make sure the socket is seated well on the bolt and you’re using a good torque wrench.

 

Great write up!

 

Does anyone know if this same procedure can be used for a 2005 Camry? Thanks. Good write up.

 

your better off going to the dealer and getting just the bushings unless your control arms are bent. they would run you less then $100 for all four.

 

The 2005 has the same suspension design.

 

In my research I read in a few places that Moog seems to be a good brand. However at RockAuto, they are $300+. Even more expensive than OEM. I found the Moog bushing kit at Amazon.