Front Shock Absorbers and bottom Shock Rubbers - Can they be replaced?

[rob_macca67 Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close rob_macca67]

Gents....

Just got our 150's back from it's 100k Service. I had the following EXTRA ITEMS done with this service - Auto Transmission; Transfer Case; Power Steering Fluids changed; under Bonnet Fuel Filter replaced; Alternator replaced under warranty. We also had a bad squeak in the Front Suspension, but Toyota said it was coming from my Aftermarket Front lower Shock Rubber Mounts and that it would be up to me to rectify.... I had a look and the RHS is starting to tear, but the LHS lower shock rubber still looks OK. Even with this, I still not convinced that this is the cause of squeak..... but I was told that u can't replace these bottom Shock Rubbers on the Front of the 150's as they basically carry all the vehicle weight and it's better off just replacing with NEW Coil over Shocks..... What are people's experiences in this ??

IS it worth replacing the the bottom Rubbers (shocks are about 90k old and have done some hard miles) or do I bite the bullet and buy NEW ones for the Front ??

Then there's the question as to what do I go for ?? I currently have Lovells Shocks and they were sold to me as being rebuild-able, but I'm thinking just buy new...... TJM or Bilsteins maybe ???

[ZORDO Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close ZORDO]

Yes you can replace the bushes.
Lovell's do supply replacement bushes
Cheers

[Davros Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Davros]

The squeak you mention is the bottom of the strut coming into contact with the bottom mount because the bush has collapsed.

The bottom bushes chewing out are a common problem, especially if you have stiffer springs and are not carrying extra weight up front. The bushes also chew out if your shock has failed/seized.

[rob_macca67 Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close rob_macca67]

Thanks for the info Davros.... I guess I've gotten a fairly good life out of the bushes anyhow.... they are probably due for replacement....

The squeak you mention is the bottom of the strut coming into contact with the bottom mount because the bush has collapsed.

The bottom bushes chewing out are a common problem, especially if you have stiffer springs and are not carrying extra weight up front. The bushes also chew out if your shock has failed/seized.

Hey John..... PM sent

Yes you can replace the bushes.
Lovell's do supply replacement bushes
Cheers

[Richoson Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Richoson]

Hi Rob

My OME's had worn with same symptons plus wheel alignments couldn't get the steering wheel which drives me crazy! I had the rubbers replaced both sides (80K of mostly gravel and off road) by ARB, $325.00 including 4 wheel alignment. The shock needs to come off and the old rubbers pressed out and new ones pressed in, driving like new again.

Richo.

[rob_macca67 Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close rob_macca67]

Thanks for that Richo.... I might have to look into getting the bushes replaced..... but unsure with the kms I've done on these shocks.... there's no signs of them failing/fading yet. Would hate to put $$ towards replacing the Rubbers then be up for new shocks not far down the road.....

Richo, How's your Shocks going/performing since the new rubbers???

The squeak you mention is the bottom of the strut coming into contact with the bottom mount because the bush has collapsed.

The bottom bushes chewing out are a common problem, especially if you have stiffer springs and are not carrying extra weight up front. The bushes also chew out if your shock has failed/seized.

Hi Rob

My OME's had worn with same symptons plus wheel alignments couldn't get the steering wheel which drives me crazy! I had the rubbers replaced both sides (80K of mostly gravel and off road) by ARB, $325.00 including 4 wheel alignment. The shock needs to come off and the old rubbers pressed out and new ones pressed in, driving like new again.

Richo.

[Guest Close Guest]

I've heard that the genuine Toyota bushes are better than aftermarket ones.

[ZORDO Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close ZORDO]

I've heard that the genuine Toyota bushes are better than aftermarket ones.

Yes I agree the genuine bushes seems to last longer, Although it is a poor design considering all the weight of the front end rests on these two bushes.
The bushes should twice the size.
Same thing with Navara, triton, Hilux & now the BT50 & Ranger have joined the Strut club
Cheers