LCA and Motor Mounts

[MaximaGuy]

Replacing the motor mounts and LCA on my old Highlander

Choosing aftermarket for LCA (Mevotech from RockAuto) since they don't really don't see much wear
OEM motor mounts

Let me know if going with OEM LCA is needed or can I get by with Mevotech

 

[The Critic]

Do NOT install anything from Mevotech. Or even Moog R-Line.

For those LCA, you can install the Moog Spherical Bushings. Part #K200912. I have installed them on several Siennas and RX330s with good results. If you prefer to replace the entire arm, I would only buy it from dealer.

On the motor mounts, the only mounts that go bad are the lower front mount (by the radiator) and the dogbone mount on top. Again, only use mounts from the dealer. If the dog bone mount is torn, you MUST replace the lower front engine mount (the one by the radiator); the dogbone mount only tears because there is movement from the front mount.

 

[Trav]

+1 Anything Mevotech is garbage, the Moog Spherical Bushings are great and a big improvement over OE for longevity. Personally I would rebuild the OE arms, you know they fit and take an alignment properly,use all OE mounts.

 

[WyrTwister]

What does LCA mean ? Lower Control Arm ?

Thanks ,

 

[Trav]

Yes Lower Control Arm

 

[MaximaGuy]

Thank you Critic, Trav for your valuable feedback.

I have OEM upper and raditator mounts, OEM shocks and mounts and the the behavior experienced is slight lateral movement (when going over treadles) and swaying left and right as slow speeds. The only thing that could move it laterally would be the LCAs (someone suggested tired springs as well)

My installer thinks pushing bushings into stamped metal may not always go right and could destroy the LCA and he is apprehensive to go down that path.

I will order the OEM LCA, LBJ and mounts. He quoted me the book time of 11 hrs and I told him it shouldn't take that long, taking the vehicle in for an inspection to find out the final price for replacement.

 

[MaximaGuy]

BTW my installer is a genius with his hands and has so many health issues, kind of a loaner with dogs and whatnot.

Great guy and always help him out when we work on the vehicle.

 

[Trav]

You don't press on the sheet metal, there is a welded in reinforcing tube where the bushing sits and that the part you press against with a tube under it. The bushing usually come out pretty easy but if he doesn't want to do it what can you do, go with OE.

 

[The Critic]

5-6 hours would be reasonable to generous for the job.

The arms can be done in about 2 hours, maybe 1-1.5 for both mounts.

 

[MaximaGuy]

The LCAs are quite expensive and shall insist my installer to push the K200912 into the existing LCAs.
Thanks Critic, yes 5-6hrs is reasonable time to get the job done