I'd first call the parts counter and ask THAT guy if the bushings are replaceable. He is going to know, or his parts schematic will know. Next, call an independent shop and ask what they might charge. This is not rocket science, just bloody knuckle work, so Trigger could do it. The issue is the cost of the parts. Since you describe yourself as a novice and want to know what tools might be needed, then no disrespect, but let someone else do the work, and you can stand back and watch.

 

Appreciate the response!

I'm definitely planning on calling around and I will call the parts desk like you suggested as well.

I am actively trying to learn more about cars and I want to get to the point where I am able to to do my own repairs. I just figured I'd ask if it was considered a easy or difficult job.

 

Had the same problem, repaired last month at my local indie for $250. Lift the engine a little to get to the arm hardware, remove the arms, use a press to remove and add new bushings, done.

 

Check out this thread for some pictures.
I am actually literally doing this on my 05 tonight, so Ill post back with my own findings as well once I have it done.

I got this kit from eBay for $130 http://www.ebay.com/itm/320792116922?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

Includes

2 LOWER CONTROL ARMS RIGHT & LEFT W/ BUSHINGS
2 LOWER BALL JOINTS RIGHT & LEFT
2 INNER TIE RODS RIGHT & LEFT
2 OUTER TIE RODS RIGHT & LEFT

So far the most difficult thing seems to be one of the bolts that holds the lower control arms in place is up under the lower motor mounts. Like leakyseals said, put the car on jack stands and then use your jack to lift up the motor after loosening the motor mounts to get at the bastard.

 

This bushing fails the whole front end gets messed up.

Its failing as often as the dog bone but people can't see it. Your tires will tell you, strange wear. Not the edges, a whole half of a tire will wear while the other is fine. Because the minute you round a corner, over she goes, no support. It aligns ok but that means nothing. Once you lean on it in a corner, its way off. And you will feel it, that horrible floorboard rattle near the gas pedal and center console.

 

This bushing fails the whole front end gets messed up.

OK, I'm late to this party, but what bushing is that exactly?

 

apsbainc - don't forget to take your dog bone off before raising the engine. You will bend the mounting sheet metal or tear the bushing.

 

Yep, I took all 4 motor mounts loose and raised the engine up off each side individually using a 3 ton floor jack positioned under the dif for the passenger side and the oil pan on the drivers side. The mounts are easy to extract once you raise the engine high enough to clear the three studs.
Then the bolts holding the front control arm bushing can be removed with relative ease.

 

Its the rear lower control arm bushing. The one closest to the firewall.

 

Well... Technically you do remove the engine... Just not all the way, or very far. XD

Yep, here's to saving $ ^_^

 

Ever read how to change plugs on a 2GRFE? Step 1. Remove engine.

The manual isn't good for lots of jobs.

 

Ever read how to change plugs on a 2GRFE? Step 1. Remove engine.

The manual isn't good for lots of jobs.

No tech I know has ever removed the engine to change plugs in a 2GR. They just disassemble the wiper cowl area and have at it.

3-4 hour job, max.

 

And I was agreeing with you. It's all in "the game" for dealers to make money, flat-rate techs trying to find ways to do a job faster than the book, and consumers to decide if it really takes that much work to fork over the cash :lol:

 

Go to some local small garage (family run) -> labour is negociatble. I have an 05 camry v6, i bought an Dorman lower control arm + 2 mount (left & right).
They use an jack with wood bar to lift engine a bit and it work. Driver side took 1h and passenger side 30 mins. So 1.5h was enough to complete the work and around $100, car ride smooth like an brand new lexus now.:hi:

 

I did mine when I hit the 200K mile mark. I could see that the bushings were starting to crack/tear. I purchased new Toyota control arms from Gary at Toyota of Newman for about $100 each. They took less than 2 hours to replace. For what it's worth, I don't really trust non oem bushings. They usually are not as pliable and seem to fail sooner.

To the guy that purchased the whole control arm tie rod ball joint kit... I just want to point out that you are replacing top quality parts with low quality ones... Might be good if you are looking to sell the car but a waste of $ otherwise.