How to rebuild rear suspension on a Lexus GS 300, GS 400, GS 430

How to rebuild rear suspension on a Lexus GS 300, GS 400, GS 430 | Similar to IS 300, SC 300

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Күн бұрын

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In today's video I will show you step-by-step how to rebuild the rear suspension on a 2004 Lexus GS 300. We will be replacing every bushing, ball joint - basically every wear component. I will also show you how to properly stabilize the suspension before tightening fasteners to ensure maximum life out of new bushings/ball joints.
The process is similar, but not exactly the same for a variety of Lexus/Toyota RWD (rear-wheel drive) vehicles, for example:
2nd gen. Lexus GS 300 (1998-2005)
2nd gen. Lexus GS 400 (1998-2005)
2nd gen. Lexus GS 430 (1998-2005)
2nd gen. Toyota Aristo (1998-2005)
1st gen. Lexus IS 300 (2001-2005)
1st gen. Lexus SC 300 (1992-2000)
IMPORTANT NOTE:
At 21:31, I state that the sway bar endlink is defective because the stud spins while tightening the nut onto it. This is incorrect, as there is a hex shaped hole in the end of the stud that you are supposed to insert a 5 mm hex socket into to hold the endlink while you tighten the nut to hold it down. Thank you @pavelbuchnevich1229 for pointing this out!
Apologies for the confusion!
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Contents:
00:00 Intro
00:47 Parts required
01:09 Jacking car up
01:56 Wheel speed sensor wire
02:10 Removing brake caliper
02:25 Removing lower control Arm #1
02:55 Removing lower control Arm #2
04:42 Removing shock absorber
05:44 Removing sway bar endlink
05:54 Removing toe control link
07:27 Removing wheel speed sensor
08:07 Removing axle nut
08:51 Removing axle shaft from differential
10:30 Removing parking brake cable from knuckle
12:01 Removing axle shaft
12:34 Removing knuckle
13:18 Knuckle bushings/wheel bearing inspection
14:17 Removing upper control arm
14:51 Installing new upper control arm
15:54 Installing knuckle
16:34 Installing axle shaft
17:26 Installing parking brake
20:15 Torqueing axle shaft bolts to spec
20:55 Installing new toe control link
21:30 Installing new sway bar endlink
21:52 Installing shock absorber
22:19 Installing new lower control arm #2
23:17 Installing new lower control arm #1
24:09 Installing axle nut
24:37 installing wheel speed sensor
25:00 Stabilizing the suspension
25:43 Torqueing bolts to spec
26:37 Wheel speed sensor wire
26:45 Suspension member brace/mud cover
26:55 Pushing back caliper pistons
28:04 Installing brake caliper
28:20 Installing wheel
28:27 Lowering car back down
28:52 Alignment
29:16 Conclusion
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Tools required:
Ratchet with 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21 mm sockets
14 mm deep socket
32 mm 12 point deep socket
10 mm hexagon socket
Swivel socket adapter
Combination wrench set
Torque wrench (up to 213 ft-lbs)
Breaker Bar
Ratchet extensions
Jack x2
Jackstand x2
Wheel chocks x2
Paint marker
Hammer
Assortment of pliers
Engine oil
Wooden plank
Small wooden block
High temperature lithium grease
Pitman arm puller
Harbor Freight brake tool set - www.harborfreight.com/7-piece...
Trunk liner clips
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Parts Required:
CMS861149 - Mevotech lower control arm #2 (L) x1
CMS861150 - Mevotech lower control arm #2 (R) x1
CMS861050 - Mevotech lower control arm #1 (L/R) x2
CMS861269 - Mevotech toe control link (L/R) x2
CMS861286 - Mevotech upper control arm (L) x1
CMS861287 - Mevotech upper control arm (R) x1
K750035 - Moog Sway bar end link (L/R) x2
You can find these part numbers on EBay by searching:
42210-22030 - Rear lower knuckle bushing x2
ET196573028AU - Rear knuckle bushing x2
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors which are beyond my control, I i.e. the creator of this channel, ‘The Auto Chap’, cannot guarantee against misuse of the information I supply in this video or anywhere on my channel. No information in this video or anywhere on my channel shall imply any warranty or guarantee a result. Any loss, including but not limited to property or injury are the sole responsibility of the user and not me.
I assume NO liability for any kind of injury, including but not limited to, property damage or injury suffered due to information in this video or anywhere on my channel.
I recommend you follow all necessary and proper safety practices while working on any project. Use the information supplied this video or anywhere on my channel AT YOUR OWN RISK.
I am NOT a professional mechanic and the information in this video is NOT a substitute for information from a qualified professional automotive repairer. The information in this video or anywhere on my channel is NOT advice. If I supply any wrong information and something breaks/malfunctions, I will NOT reimburse or pay in any way for the costs associated.

Пікірлер: 59

@pavelbuchnevich1229 Жыл бұрын

Good video on a very complex suspension setup. One thing I want to point out is that the sway bar link is not defective, it is by design for that joint attached to the bolt to move freely. To tighten the nut on the link bolt, you need to use a hex key (size 5mm) hold the bolt in place and use a wrench with open end to put the nut in. If you look at the end of that bolt, there should be a hex shape hole. All the sway bar links I have worked on are designed this way because they need to move freely. Hope that helps.

@theautochap Жыл бұрын

Ah that makes sense! Thanks for the info, I will update the video description so that everyone can see this as well. Thanks for watching! :)

@mrman8856 Жыл бұрын

I should've posted my videos. I rebuilt EVERY PART OF MY SUSPENSION! Every bushing and arm has been replaced, along with Tein Flex Z's. It's expensive but worth it. People forget sway bar, bushings, engine mounts, subframe, and differential bushings.

@phatmiike 9 ай бұрын

Awesome video🙌 so good for the GS/Lexus/Toyota community. The organized and straight to the point feel to the video is on point.

@theautochap 9 ай бұрын

Appreciate the kind words! Thank you for watching! 😀

@alexfarid5144 Ай бұрын

Great video , very informative , i replaced my rear shocks but suspension is good for now .

@TheJanis1993 3 ай бұрын

Thank you

@SunsetAlgorithm Жыл бұрын

Great video! I just rebuilt my entire front end with coilovers all around. I'll be getting around to the end soon and wanted to see what's in store. The front end is easiest out of the two, look forward to the challenge.

@theautochap Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! :)

@Pallidus_Rider Жыл бұрын

Excellent video Chap 👍😎🙏

@theautochap Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! :)

@narift Жыл бұрын

Awesome guide, thank you!

@theautochap Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for watching! :)

@RandomYoutuber1023 Жыл бұрын

Ive found that using snap ring pliers to put the hat for the parking brake shoe retainer spring is much easier. Also, the quick way to put the top tension spring is to leverage it onto the perch while bracing a flathead screwdriver. It is so simple once you see it done once. Saves a ton of time.

@theautochap Жыл бұрын

That sounds like a great suggestion, appreciate you sharing it and hope it helps someone out. Thanks for watching! :)

@yasinot Жыл бұрын

Good video man… Thank you for sharing, it helps a lot to a newbie like me..😊

@theautochap Жыл бұрын

Glad you found the video helpful and thanks for watching! :)

@turbogears900 9 ай бұрын

Good video

@theautochap 9 ай бұрын

Thank you for watching! 😀

@spaceboatt 2 ай бұрын

Great video! Curious as to how the Mevotech arms have held up over this past year? thanks

@theautochap Ай бұрын

Unfortunately I don’t have the car anymore, sorry. They drive pretty well for the 6 months I had it.

@ashlingovender7589 Жыл бұрын

Great video, do you have part numbers for the lower control arm bushings

@theautochap Жыл бұрын

Hello, I’m assuming you are asking about the bushings on LC #1, LC #2. I would recommend just replacing the entire arm as it’s easier than pressing the bushings in and also not much more expensive than buying just the bushings. If you would like to buy the bushings, I found this link which has a kit for the rear suspension: www.prothanesuspensionparts.com/18306 Unfortunately I cannot attest to the quality as I have not used their products before. Hope that helps, and thanks for watching! :)

@dchand765 3 ай бұрын

Can you tell me where is the petrol filter located on the Lexus gs 300 2008 right side driver. Thanks Is it along side beneath the driver side or inside the petrol fuel tank next to the fuel pump.

@scorchez 3 ай бұрын

I’m having mixed results with Mevotech suspension parts. What has your experience been so far?

@ursa2034 10 ай бұрын

My rear suspension squeaks like crazy. I have newer struts (about 2 years old), new control arms, and all suspension bushings lubricated. Is it likely my struts are the source of the squeaks? Thanks.

@theautochap 10 ай бұрын

Hello! If you suspect your struts are causing the squeaking sound, I’d suggest trying to listen for a sound isolated to when you’re going over bumps as that would put the struts in action. Another thing that people commonly overlook are the two bushings in the rear knuckle (I show these @ 3:21 in the video). If you’re still unable to isolate the noise, I’d suggest getting the car up on a lift and prying on different bushings to see if you can recreate the noise you hear while driving. Hope that helps! Thanks for watching! 😀

@nl___999 Жыл бұрын

Is it possible to replace the rear upper control arm without removing the axle shaft and the parking brake?

@theautochap Жыл бұрын

Hi, unfortunately not. Here is why - the axle shaft is directly below the upper control arm ball joint nut and there is no space to get a socket on, and then a pitman arm puller to separate the ball joint from the knuckle. Even if you somehow loosened the nut using a flare nut wrench (very tough due to the lack of space mind you) I suppose you could hammer the upper control arm stud to break it loose but if the axle shaft is not removed there is very little space to swing your hammer. And second, to remove the axle shaft you have to remove the parking brake cable because there isn’t enough slack to swing the knuckle upwards so that the axle shaft slides out of the knuckle. And don’t forget about the most important part, torquing the ball joint nut to spec - even if you somehow got the UCA off with the axle shaft still in place, it would be impossible to fit a torque wrench on to the ball joint nut. It’s definitely a bit of work to get the axle shaft and parking brake cable off, but it helps you get the job done properly. Hope that helps!

@DSLfuner Жыл бұрын

I disassembled the upper aluminum CA without removing the driveshaft and other parts. All you need is a wrench and a pin puller

@socalguy829 10 ай бұрын

@@DSLfuner can confirm, it's not necessary to remove driveshaft/axle shaft to remove UCA. and also driveshaft can be removed without disconnecting parking brake cable

@maliknolan5711 Жыл бұрын

DO THE FRONT SUSPENSION REBUILD🔥🔥🔥🔥

@theautochap Жыл бұрын

Unfortunately I didn’t have a chance to make a video back when I rebuilt my front suspension, but I will probably be replacing the upper control arms and shocks in the near future and will make a video for that! Thanks for watching! )

@maliknolan5711 Жыл бұрын

@thelexuschap4200 awwww mann that's so disappointing 😞 I'm trying to rebuild my front now 😫 but having a difficult time finding what's important to rebuild

@maliknolan5711 Жыл бұрын

Do you use oem parts ....if so do a me a favor and list all the parts that were used in the rebuild

@theautochap Жыл бұрын

@@maliknolan5711 I used all aftermarket parts except the lower ball joints which I used OEM parts for. If you send me an email at theautochap04@gmail.com, I can send you the list of parts that I got as I can’t post pictures here.

@maliknolan5711 Жыл бұрын

@@theautochap do you like the quality of parts that you buy ??? 😏

@dariandharrie4934 11 ай бұрын

Can the gs300 parts can work on an is300 rear

@theautochap 11 ай бұрын

Hello, Some of the parts will fit, some may not. Unfortunately I don’t know which ones are cross compatible but the process to disassemble the suspension is similar. I would suggest checking compatibility before purchasing any parts. Sorry I couldn’t be of more help. Thank you for watching! :)

@8849junior Жыл бұрын

Hi, I am going to replace my toe arm and possibly my rear upper control arm. I read your reply to the other commenter asking if it is possible to remove the UCA without removing the axle shaft and parking brake. I have a question about whether I would have to remove the shock absorber and lower control arm number 2 or just unbolt the knuckle from the UCA ball joint and leave in the shock absorber and LCA#2?

@theautochap Жыл бұрын

Hello, To remove the toe arm aka. toe control link, you don’t have to remove any other components, just unbolt the bolt and nut holding it in. Don’t forget to mark the toe angle plate to get a rough alignment when you put everything back together! If you would like to replace the rear upper control arm, you will have to remove both the shock absorber and the drive shaft. You shouldn’t have to remove lower control arm #2 however. Hope that helps! Thanks for watching! :)

@8849junior Жыл бұрын

Hello, I have a scenario regarding the toe control link. My friend was doing an alignment on my 98 gs300 and was struggling to adjust rear toe. Before he broke the camber bolt loose both toe sides were at -0.20° and after he broke the bolt both went to -2.50° and would only go as low as -2.05° The car drove ok before the alignment but after even at speeds of 30 the rear felt like it shifted side to side and on the highway was pulling left and right. Total rear toe rose from 0.05° to -4.25° and thrust angle from 0.2° to -0.1°. I went right to an alignment shop after and they were able to "mickey mouse" a fix that conditioned my car to before the alignment. I am unsure of exactly what the fix was. The shop along with my friends instructor pointed to this component and said I would need to replace it. I just really want to make sure it is this piece before I replace it and it ends up not fixing it and my car becomes undrivble to where it can't be mickey mouse fixed again and I lose the car.

@theautochap Жыл бұрын

Hello! From what you have explained, I don’t think you have done any permanent damage to your car to the point where you can’t drive it anymore. The toe control link is just a ball joint which is not too hard to replace. Unless something catastrophic happened like the upper ball joint separating from the knuckle, nothing would be damaged. Having said that - the rear end is definitely out of alignment and the only way to fix this is by getting an alignment done at a professional shop. I’m unsure as to why the shop you took it to had to do a “Mickey mouse” fix - if they had an alignment machine they would have been able to adjust the angles and get a perfect alignment. The only time were alignments cannot be performed are when the chassis is bent from a wreck or something like that, but you said the car drove properly prior the the repair. Unfortunately it’s a little hard for me to advise you more without having a look at the car. So as a first step I would suggest taking your car to another reputed shop and ask them to do an alignment. If they are not able to complete the alignment, they will tell you why and what needs to be replaced/fixed. Since the rear end is not used for steering may be able to drive it to the shop without any issues, but if you don’t feel comfortable I would suggest having it towed. Remember to ask for a flat bed and not a sling type tow truck. If you have any more questions, feel free to respond here. Hope I was able to help, and good luck! :)

@sarvinderdhesi1631 Жыл бұрын

The camber bold or the toe bolt might have gotten twisted as it was being broken loose. You can not get perfect alignment with a twisted bolt, it will need to be replaced.

@8849junior Жыл бұрын

@@theautochap You definitely helped. Im on the collision side of our college and did find body filler on my rear door and my trunk when repainting my car. I measured the under carriage with a tram gauge but the opening I needed to use as a reference points were under the lift arms so I had to use other points of reference. The frame was reading straight but I'll probably try again with the proper reading points. You saying it drove properly before the alignment definitely reinforced the idea that the frame is ok. Thank you for that. Also I shouldn't have called it a mickey mouse fix, that discredits the shops years of experience and they probably just were able to revert it. Again thank you.

@8849junior Жыл бұрын

@@sarvinderdhesi1631 thank you, ill be looking to replace the camber bolt and toe link with some adjustable ones from megan racing. I just wanted to make sure it was a mechanical piece that can be replaced vs I replace those parts, they dont fix the issue and the car ends up being out of alignment forever. The alignment shop being able to get it back in alignment and what both of you two responding to me said I feel comfortable replacing parts now.

@AsianTaurus79 4 ай бұрын

Where you located?

@hurrh.6335 Жыл бұрын

hey chap how’s the quality on the rock auto parts? they have good prices if compared to oem but again quality is where it’s at

@theautochap Жыл бұрын

Hello! I’ve had a good experience with parts from RockAuto, put around 20k miles on them with no issues at all so far. I would suggest getting OEM Toyota/Lexus parts for critical parts like the front lower ball joints. Thanks for watching! :)

@hurrh.6335 Жыл бұрын

@@theautochap hey that’s great, i was thinking of later on you can make video and give a little review them, for the lower ball joints i bought moogs, and moogs again for outer tire rods, i just have to put them on

@theautochap Жыл бұрын

@@hurrh.6335 Not sure if I’ll be doing a review video just for the suspension as it wouldn’t be enough content for a full video (if RockAuto decides to sponsor me then I might though lol). I do plan to do a driving impressions video once I get the engine and transmission back in, I’ll probably cover how the suspension feels in the video.

@hurrh.6335 Жыл бұрын

@@theautochap nice man i understand, do you have any plans for this car? i bought some coilovers for my gs, also got the tire rod and the lower ball joints, but idk if i should install those on my daily

@theautochap Жыл бұрын

@@hurrh.6335 For the GS I’m doing a restoration project if you will, started with suspension, paint and now the drive train. Pretty close to the end of the project at which I’ll hope to have a reliable and clean GS as a daily for a long time. I’m sorry I don’t think I understood your question. Were you asking if you should install the parts on your GS or another car of yours?

@turbogears900 9 ай бұрын

Is there any on the front of the car

@theautochap 9 ай бұрын

Unfortunately not, only the rear as I already finished the front suspension before I started this channel.

@turbogears900 9 ай бұрын

@@theautochap ok