ae111 bz-r levin superstrut help. Remove? keep?

[chillii]

Hi Guys,

I noticed today that my superstrut suspension on my levin seems to be on its way out. (ie, bad knocking sounds, car feelsl ike its on tram tracks, bad wobble when you turn the wheel). My mechanic has told me one of the ball joints appears to be completely destroyed.

I was wondering if anyone has experience removing the superstrut or handling this problem. As the parts are hard and expensive to find.

What would be the best solution? Is it easy to remove the superstrut set up and run converntional suspension set-up. Or should I try to source parts?

Any help or advice is much appreciated.

Thanks in advance
I will continue to search for info in the mean time.

[gixer]

I have an AE111 and been through the replacement of camber control arms, they are easy to get BUT cost a mint(especially the lower control arm, the small camber control arm isn't too bad) The suspension itself is easy to work on, though the balljoints in the hubs can be difficult to remove.

The first you know the superslut is on the way out is creaks from the front suspension. The tyres will then wear excessively on the inner edge due to the huge toe change from the worn joints.

[chillii]

I have an AE111 and been through the replacement of camber control arms, they are easy to get BUT cost a mint(especially the lower control arm, the small camber control arm isn't too bad) The suspension itself is easy to work on, though the balljoints in the hubs can be difficult to remove.

The first you know the superslut is on the way out is creaks from the front suspension. The tyres will then wear excessively on the inner edge due to the huge toe change from the worn joints.

Thanks for the info. Did you just source parts through toyota?

Did you need to find product codes?

Thanks

[gixer]

Yeah thru toyota, cost heaps, you'll cry!

RH lower arm 1(lower control arm) 48605-19015
LH lower control arm 48606-19015

RH/LH camber control arm(small arm from Lower control arm to shocker) 48066-12020, you need 2 of these, one each side.

[chillii]

bumma. I'll have a look.

Do you know if it would be easy to remove the super strut and go for the average sussy set up?

[TERRA Operative]

Here are the part numbers and prices as of 6 months ago or so for the AE101. I assume they are the same part numbers for AE111.

Front upper ball joint assembly
RH: 43310-19025 - $100
LH: 43310-19025 - $100

Lower Arm Sub Assembly
RH: 48605-12200 - $600
LH: 48606-12190 - $600

Front Arm Sub Assembly
RH: 48068-19155 - $530
LH: 48069-19135 - $510

I got the lot from a contact in Japan, for Japan trade price. I ended up paying about $1200 all up including shipping when the dollar was almost worth Y100.

It's expensive, but the handling improvement over macpherson strut is worth it IMO.

[chillii]

Thanks for the info.

Apparently I need 48066-12020 (RH)

from this diagram:
http://www.toyodiy.com/parts/p_J_199...CFVF_4802.html

Do you know if this is the expensive one or the cheaper one?
The number on the Diagram is 48066A.

Thanks for all the fast replies.. much appreciated

Ill be calling some toyota places when im not at work

[TERRA Operative]

I'm not sure, I bought it as an assembly with the longer arm it bolts to.

Don't forget to try squeezing Toyota for a trade discount.

[gixer]

48066-12020 is the cheaper part this part is the small arm that goes from the lower control arm to the arm off the shock, it is called Arm sub assy, camber.

You are lucky as this is the common part that fails, unfortunately for me, I replaced the shocks/springs with after market ones and bought these before doing the job(I was putting new ones on regardless) anyway when I get it all apart, the lower control arm on one side was worn BIG BUCKS

[Gavatron]

Cha Ching. More bucks for me

[gixer]

Bloody superslut!

[Instigator]

I'm not really up on the superstruts but I have a complete C56 gearbox & struts left over from my halfcut if you were could and wanted to go that route might be a cheaper option...

[chillii]

Thats a relief. So now I just need to find a toyota parts place that can get it in ...

I'll try for a trade discount (never usually works for me, but ill give it a go!)

Thanks for the offer too on that last post. I'll try to fix my suspension first! Makes me think I should get a cheaper run around car. I dont wanna kill my suspension again!

[chillii]

I received a price from Toyota in Melton (quite far.. about 2 hours from me) on the part for $220. does this seem a little high? And do you think I should be able to get this from a local dealer? Just thought I'd check before I go to pay for it !

[TERRA Operative]

Have a ring around. You won't know the prices unless you ask.