Lexus IS 250/350/F Lower Control Arm Bushing Upgrade Install

"How To" video showing the replacement of a stock second generation IS F lower control arm rear bushing and replaced with a high-performance polyurethane bushing. Replacement of the bushings with the high-performance ones gives better braking, better handling performance and helps to reduce inner tire wear. Video also applies to IS 250 and IS 350 LCA bushing replacement as well. The work is done on the ground using jack stands and hand tools.

[@CheaperEngineer]

Thanks for sharing this video. I appreciate the step-by-step discussion and detail. Did this install last weekend and could not be happier with the results.

[@cpfb68]

I’m glad it helped!! I plan to post more repair/service projects soon!

[@gnic76]

That was helpful information, especially the bolt sizes and torque settings. Thanks! I was expecting to have to take the lower arm and suspension apart, as a different vid showed. Very glad I didn't have to do that. Just did this job with my kid on his Lexus. Almost takes longer to get it jacked up and wheel off than changing the bushings. Thanks again.

[@cpfb68]

Glad the vid helped! Good luck with the car!

[@Caseydelcastillo]

Best instructional video ever

[@jessjeff3888]

Great video. Well done. I appreciate you teaching us for free.

[@cpfb68]

Thanks! I glad it helped. That’s what I was hoping to do! Good luck!

[@Sooflojoe]

Good informative video. However you also need to pre-load the bushings prior to tightening them.

[@paulheil4280]

Funny how it was fighting him tightening the bolt when he was supposed to be loosening it lol wonder why it was so hard lmao

[@beau8302]

Yea, he covered it up good though. Went straight from tightening to loosening and said , "ugh, there it goes", like it was finally loosening up.

[@beau8302]

Ha, he just said, "that bolt is torqued down to 150ft/lb so that why it's so hard to take off". Yea, that's it.

[@roddyrich2335]

The rr racing bushing looks like a better design. It has a huge steel washer fixed onto the engine side of the bushing. They claim the bushing further reduces movement/flexion that these aftermarket bushings don’t.

[@cpfb68]

That’s a personal decision as I did look at both the RR Racing and Figs. I went with Figs as I didn’t plan to track my F. The RR Racing were geared more toward Track running. I have had these on my car for going on four years and I can assure you, the Figs are doing an excellent job of eliminating the inside tire wear and any flex during breaking. Again, personal preference.

[@cpfb68]

@@BoilersRock my F is 2011

[@gns257]

Do you only replace the front bushings? not the rear sets ? thinking about doing this.

[@cpfb68]

For the IS F and the 2nd Gen IS as a whole, it’s a known issue with the LCA bushing being fluid filled and hard acceleration and braking. If you feel your rear suspension bushings need replacement, go for it! If they aren’t broken up or you don’t feel like the rear is loose, there isn’t a reason to replace them. Just my &0.02

[@tommydukes1979]

Did this solve the inner tire wear? What about the rear tires? Im looking to buy a 2015 is250 and Im trying to figure out all the issues with the car so i can fix them as soon as I buy one. Thanks!

[@cpfb68]

So, solve 100%, no. Make a whole lot better, yes! I put these on when I first got the car just over three years ago. Besides the handling and braking being so incredibly better, I have been replacing rears twice for every one pair in the front (funny how an F burns up rears so fast!) I’m about to buy four new tires now as the rears are VERY due and the fronts aren’t evenly worn (inner wear) but they aren’t so bad that the inners are to the belts. When I had my 10’, I cooked a front pair from new to belts showing in the inner in 5K miles. I’ve gotten easily 20K on these fronts and more likely 30K. This should be the first modification of every second gen IS owner

[@danielbudimir8519]

Why figs..you ever try rr racing bushings...they have a large washer for more stability

[@cpfb68]

Daniel Budimir I chose FIGS over RR only because they were straight bolt on and no adjustments needed. I look at RR equipment for track. I’m a daily driver and needed good quality and wanted simple. I think they both make a great product. The RR’s have to be set with a shim for preloading. It’s just a personal preference. It like someone asking why I used Toyota WS fluid for this service instead of AMSOIL?!?! They both are great products. I don’t plan to race (well, at least not on a track) my F.

[@danielbudimir8519]

@@cpfb68 thanks for the info

[@DG-kk5pm]

DEAR VIEWERS. DO NOT Buy Cheap After Market Bushings under $100 . I bought a pair and the rubber was softer than my originals with almost 10 years of use. Because the rubber is sort of stiff its hard to tell but it doesnt drive as good now with these replacements. The left and right are exactly the same shape? but if you search oem parts they have different part numbers. Maybe different stiffness idk? but DO NOT BUT the Standard Rubber Ones. NOT Worth It. Its not gonna blow your car up but its Absolutely a waste of time and money. I feel very strong about this.

[@ftnppg1272]

Did you ever solve the problem? Did you get new bushings?

[@DG-kk5pm]

@@ftnppg1272 Put the old ones back on.. havent tried new upgrades tho

[@jason3298]

I upgraded mine to the Lexus RCF bushings. $120 for the pair through Lexus and you don't have to worry about the upkeep with urethane ones or the cost. The RCF ones are almost as stiff and significantly improved the feel and eliminated the inner tire wear.

[@toXic_viRus01]

@@jason3298 these fit on 2is?

[@jason3298]

@@toXic_viRus01 yes on rwd. not sure if awd is different. i ordered part numbers 48075-24010 and 48076-24010. If you search there are several others that use them as well so you can see what they have to say about them also.

[@UnknownUser-zw9od]

Have you ever experience a scrapping sound after installing these, going over a bump? Did my alignment in the morning the noise went away, then at night time the scrapping came back 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@cpfb68]

I haven’t heard anything after butting these in. I’ve had them for almost 30K miles with zero issues. Are you on a stock suspension?

[@UnknownUser-zw9od]

cpfb68 yea, I’m riding on stock suspension. I’m here just scratching my head. Thanks for responding

[@cpfb68]

Is the scraping sound coming from the front suspension? Did you lube up the bushings and bolts when you put them in?

[@UnknownUser-zw9od]

cpfb68 no.. the kit didn’t come with any, was super excited to just slap them on. I might just redo em’ what lube should I use? I might also put some red lock tight on the bolts as well. Sounds like the front, what I realize is that when the weather is colder (night time) I hear it more instead of hot days

[@cpfb68]

That’s strange. My Figs kit came with a tube of special thick grease made for the poly bushing. Contact Figs and ask if they provide the grease anymore and if not, what kind of grease should you use. It’s possible you are hearing the poly bushing squeaking which can sound like scraping. It can be loud if you have no grease.

[@RLTPDX]

where did u buy those? link please

[@cpfb68]

Figs Engineering. They sell all kinds of performance parts for the IS F www.shopfigs.com/v3/CAT-LEXUS-2IS-3GS-ISF/G2ISHP-FRLCA-SP3491K-90-IN-BRKT

[@storybrookmartin4367]

I cant find the Figs for sell....

[@cpfb68]

Here is their website. shopfigs.com/v5/. You can look up the bushings based on the car you have. You can also contact them to ask which type of bushings are best for your application (daily driver, track car, etc.)

[@storybrookmartin4367]

@@cpfb68 Thank You Very much!

[@cpfb68]

Not a problem! Good luck with your upgrades!

[@RIEKSONE]

For all those who are wondering this also applies to the GS as well

[@moshsiete1134]

Thank you!!

[@captainsparklezx13]

Thanks for the amazing install video! I did this today and I noticed right away how much sloppiness it removed from the steering. And under heavy braking the car doesn’t go all over the road. Just one question though, is the loctite necessary?

[@cpfb68]

I didn't use it on my install as it wasn't listed in the FIGS instructions and has held up with no issues for over 8 years. Thanks!

[@krazzielaosboi]

Glad I have a impact wrench lol

[@danielsantamaria9548]

Pretty sure you aren't supposed to torque those bolts down with your car off the ground though... You can ruin the bushing pretty quick

[@zerrodefex]

Not an issue with poly bushings as they're not under preload like rubber ones. However since you're removing that subframe bolt there really ought to be another jack under the subframe to support it during this work.

[@seanmurphy1510]

@@zerrodefex where is the best spot in the sub frame?

[@johngilbert-wh6ry]

I just used this video to change overmy LCA Bushings and found it was great, easy to follow and extremely well worth using.

[@cpfb68]

Thanks for the reply! Glad it helped. Hope your ride is much smoother.

[@xdejablu3x]

Nice video man. I got to replace my OEM ones on my IS-F because they are beat to hell with 152K miles on them. Is the car generally safe to use jack stands like that? I never felt comfortable doing so.

[@cpfb68]

Thanks! I’ve been using jack stands on my cars for years. Had a 65’ mustang, 69 442 and worked on many other heavy old cars. Just make sure the stands you get are rated for the tonnage above your car’s weight. I have 1.5 and 3 ton jack stands. Never had a problem.

[@xdejablu3x]

@@cpfb68 Thanks for the insight. I had no problems using Jack stands for my previous cars but everyone talks about how heavy the IS-F is and the pinch welds are weak from the factory. No one wants to end up like that infamous GS-F owner who tried to lift the front passenger side and the floor jack slipped.

[@cpfb68]

xdejablu3x Totally understand. I have jack stands from Harbor Freight that have spaces in them for the pinch welds so there is no pressure on them. I also purchased jack stand covers that put soft plastic between the Chinese steel of the stand and the car. Haven’t had any issues. You can put the jack stands on the frame in the front and the control arms in the rear if you are still nervous. I have seen the vid of the guy crushing his GS-F. I just don’t think he placed the jack right. I jack my car up on the frame in the front and the diff in the rear. I set the car on the stands on the pinch welds and no issues.

[@xdejablu3x]

@@cpfb68 Thanks for the insight. By the way, have you replaced the lower ball joints on these yet? On my 2010 they are pretty much deteriorating and I've never done one with two boots on them.

[@cpfb68]

xdejablu3x nope. Haven’t had the need to....yet...I’m sure I’ll have to at some point. I’ll probably shoot that work too and upload it.

[@BoilersRock]

I have a 2020 IS350 F and was able to replace my bushings just today. Your video made it pretty straight forward but in fact, my car doesn't have the bottom covers as yours does so it ended up being even easier. Thanks for posting this clip

[@cpfb68]

Not a problem and I'm glad it helped! Take good car of her and she will return the favor for many years. My 11' F still runs like the day I got her five years ago.

[@shonbahadur9292]

Where did you order your bushing from?

[@ericmg7563]

Thanks for posting the video! Very helpful! My car is 2009 IS 350, can I use the same torque as you mentioned in the video? 155 ft-p(22mm bolt), 85 ft-p(22mm bolt), 63 ft-p(17mm bolt) and 7 ft-p (14mm bolt) respectively?

[@cpfb68]

Hey Eric, thanks for the comment! I’m not sure if the torque specs transfer to the 350. Please look in my post in the text section for the link to the website that sells shop manuals. It’s a little over $20 and well worth it! Good luck!

[@ericmg7563]

@@cpfb68 Much appreciate! will do.

[@RileyNewcomb]

Okay, I was recommended your video, and thank you for uploading, my ISF has 124k and I just peeked underneath after watching your video, and it looks like this will be my next upgrade. Current ones don’t look bad, possibly replaced at some point in its life. But I will use this video as my guide! Thank you!

[@cpfb68]

Riley Newcomb Thanks! It was a great upgrade. Everyone with an F should change these out to either the Figs or the RR-Racing LCA bushings. Let me know if you have any questions. I plan to put a few new vids up soon for minor trans service, MAF and throttle body cleaning and spark plug replacement. Good luck!

[@is4life862]

Nice video! It's been 11 months now. How does the ISF ride? Also Is the ride firmer than stock?

[@cpfb68]

IS 4LIFE Thanks for the comment! The car rides so much better than with the stock LCA bushings. Breaking is very firm and the front tire wear seems to be normal. It really changes the handling at high speed and cornering to be so much tighter. Highly recommended on change em out!

[@smilinjoe23]

do you have to take everything off to regrease it every so often? and alignment as well?

[@cpfb68]

smilinjoe23 no, not with the Figs. The kit comes with the bushings and a tube of grease that was made specifically for these poly bushings. I greased up the inside of the bushings and the pin it sits on and torqued it all up and done. It’s been over two years so far and zero noise. As far as alignment, nope. Just don’t hit curbs! They have been one of the best upgrades I’ve done!

[@xiongbeezo1983]

Nice Video, Im experiencing a little steering wander when switch lanes at higher speed (speed limit of course..lol). Did the install help with that. Btw my Figs are going to be here next weekend.

[@cpfb68]

Bee Xiong I didn’t have that issue before the install. What year is your F? How many miles on the Odometer? Has there been any suspension mods done? If it’s all stock and low miles, I suggest you have a shop check the front end for bushing wear and make sure you get an alignment after you put the Figs on! I have a bunch of miles (10K+) on my Figs and the car really is so much better.

[@Sooflojoe]

The wander is coming from the bushings in your steering rack.

[@alannguyen5050]

Have your bushings began to squeak? Mine have so im bsck here to take them off and regrease them.

[@cpfb68]

I haven’t had any noise from my Figs bushings at all. They have been in for 3+ years and have been perfect.

[@alannguyen5050]

​@@cpfb68That's great to hear!! Hope the ISF has continued to be a beast for you!

[@pikdiesel]

I am having issues with inner tire wear in the REAR ties of my 2015 IS250 F sport. Will this bushing upgrade effect/change any problems with the rear tires. I am assuming not, but wanted to see if you have any knowledge on this. Thank you.

[@cpfb68]

As assumed, no it won’t. It’s only the front that it will correct. When was your last alignment?

[@pikdiesel]

@@cpfb68 Several years ago when the last set of tire were put on.

[@cpfb68]

You might want to consider a new alignment from a shop you trust that can evaluate suspension issues. If you have hit a pothole, curb, etc. it may have thrown out your alignment causing inner wear issues.

[@tiburon69]

What happen if doesn’t have the cone shape that goes inside of the arm control . Would that work fine or is a had made bushing . I got this pair of bushings all it has is “90934 imprinted in to the rubber part of the bushings

[@cpfb68]

I’m not really sure what your describing. What brand bushing did you purchase?

[@BigMouthBilly]

does it apply for the lexus is300h 2013 and up model ?

[@cpfb68]

You can go on the FIGS website and see if they make LCA bushings for that model. I’m not sure. If they do make one, the install and pre-load process should be the same.

[@33ad1]

Thanks for the video. Very good detail. Please improve the sound quality. Please include the year models in the title.

[@cpfb68]

Sorry about the sound. It was my first video and working I the hot summer with a fan on. It should cover all 2nd Generation ISs

[@jefflam4605]

What did you use to apply to the screw??? And the white clear stuff.

[@cpfb68]

It was grease that was included with the Figs kit. It’s to lube the bushing so it doesn’t squeak.

[@darrenrodas6899]

Is this process the same for 2019 Lexus is base awd?

[@cpfb68]

To be honest I have no idea if it’s different. I’m assuming the lower control arm is different being a FWD. Your best bet is to email Figs Engineering and ask if their LCA Bushings will fit an IS 250 AWD. I also recommend buying one of the online service manuals (Chilton online or eManuals) to see how it’s done

[@jake2772]

Do you need to a Jack stand for this or will ramps work?

[@cpfb68]

You need jack stands because you have to take the wheels off and pull the lower control arm to put the bushing in.

[@rafas.8053]

Awesome Job my friend I just did mine today on is350 only difference used RC-F bushings got rid of clunking at low speed when I applied brakes

[@cpfb68]

Excellent! Glad the bud helped to get it done. Good for me to know as I’m looking for a 350 for my son. Will probably do this upgrade after we find one

[@hightidelowtide6380]

I want to go Rcf on my 14 is250. Do you have the part numbers?

[@cpfb68]

@@hightidelowtide6380 sorry, I don’t. Go to the Figs Engineering website and have a chat with them about applications for your car. As an alternative, RR Racing also has LCA bushings. I haven’t used RR’s equipment but have many fellow F owners that have. Both pieces of replacement equipment are very good quality. Good luck!

[@ketchupheadd]

impact gun would be helpful in this situation

[@cpfb68]

It would....if I had one...I work with what I got!

[@ultimatejoe71617]

Is alignment required after this upgrade?

[@cpfb68]

Highly recomended. You shoud do it as you have changed the angle of the front end.

[@andyyin519]

Great video! Super informative and well spoken sir! Will be doing this soon as I notice that the inside of my front tires are starting to show towing out on is IS200t... not trying to replace them every so often. Hah.

[@cpfb68]

Thanks Andy. Hope this helps out. It wasn’t too hard to do and really made a difference in the ride and the longevity of the tires. Let me know if you have any questions.

[@pthetech-guy7548]

Please did u experienced any harsher ride, . I bought rr racing usrs for my isf-f and thing drives harsher, it took the Lexus ride quality away.

[@cpfb68]

I wouldn’t call it harsher. Yes the stock bushings are fluid filled and provide a much softer response. The Poly Bushings (regardless if RR or Figs) provide better response in steering, cornering and braking. Harsher is a word you can use but I call it response. I can feel the road now…at 100+MPH in a turn, you need this response. Also, if you keep the original bushings, you will have premature inner tire wear from the bushings being so soft. It is a known design issue

[@pthetech-guy7548]

@@cpfb68 I was going to order rcf bushing and give it a shot . I mostly drive in the city and I don’t race/auto crossing. I heard rcf bushing is much harder than isf oem bushing

[@cpfb68]

I can say, I have the Figs (obviously) and only drive my F as a daily. I’m not brave enough to track this car as I don’t want to hurt it. Someday I’ll get a second one to play with. Using these Poly bushings as a daily have been a great upgrade. I am very happy with the response I get now as compared with the stock bushings. It was the first and best upgrade for me!

[@jlove3270]

Great video, Thank You! Following your channel!

[@cpfb68]

I hope it helped!

[@swish4388]

This go on just the regular is 250 ?

[@cpfb68]

I'm not 100% sure as I have never worked on a 250 but you can do one of two things to be sure. 1) go under your 250 and look at the LCA and compare to the one in my video to see if they look the same 2) reach out to Figs Engineering and ask if their LCA Bushings fit IS 250s.. Good Luck!

[@Yohane350]

My kit did not come with grease

[@cpfb68]

contact Figs to see if they stopped including the packet of grease. if so, ask what grease they suggest to use.

[@Buccafurno]

Just got my FIGS in the mail. Thanks for the video.

[@cpfb68]

Hopefully my video helps out!

[@PeeWeeGx]

Hey bud. How well have these bushings held up since installing? Inner tire wear, NVH, steering, braking, etc?

[@cpfb68]

Danny Tran The bushings look exactly like the day I put them in. They have really corrected the inner tire wear and have given the car a whole new feeling on breaking and steering. I really recommend them! I’m a daily driver of my F so it’s getting lots of miles and challenges in Atlanta traffic. It’s not track miles but the highway miles really put these to the test. One of the best, easy upgrades for your car!

[@PeeWeeGx]

Ty!! Ordered them last night and will be installing using this video.

[@cpfb68]

Danny Tran let me know if you have any questions!

[@neilquinn]

@@cpfb68 How many miles are you getting out of your tires now with the new LCA's? I heard stock ones usually wore tires out in ~ 15k miles!

[@cpfb68]

Neil Quinn Yes!! Before I had changed them i got 12k on my fronts and had to change them. I swapped in the new Figgs LCAs and the tires about a week apart. I’m at 30k and all is wearing fine! I’m really happy I changed these!!

[@dannyturner7967]

Can everything be torqued down while the wheel is off the ground

[@cpfb68]

Per the Figs instructions, you need to put the load on the parts when you torque the bolts so, no. Lower the car to the ground and then torque everything to spec.

[@dannyturner7967]

@@cpfb68 these cars sit very low to the ground so how easy is it to accomplish that??

[@cpfb68]

Well…really a PITA. I was able to put the car down but still had the jack under it with some of the weight on it. It’s been 3 years and all is just fine

[@ssj22vuofficial]

Do you have to torque it down with the wheels on the ground or it doesnt matter?

[@cpfb68]

Yes, you should pre-load the bushings before torquing down the bolt but read the instructions that accompany the bushings. The RRRacing and FIGS are very different setups. In my opinion, the RR’s can be for everyday but are more designed for track and the FIGS can track but seem for more everyday. They have slightly different installs.

[@ssj22vuofficial]

@@cpfb68 I'm planning to install the oem GSF bushings, so it should be ok to torque with the wheels lifted?

[@cpfb68]

I believe even with stock you need to preload the bushing. To be sure, spend the $20 for the manual and you’ll have it for any work you need forever.! Links to the manual are in the description under the video.

[@ssj22vuofficial]

@@cpfb68 Thanks!

[@alannguyen5050]

Hey thanks for uploading this is such detail. I just ordered my figs bushings just like yours and will install them over the weekend using your video. Does yours come with a lifetime warranty?

[@cpfb68]

I don’t know if they have lifetime or not. I’m sure if you email Figs they can tell you. Their response time is amazing.

[@alannguyen5050]

@@cpfb68 thank you so much, your video is so helpful!

[@alannguyen5050]

@@cpfb68 Hey I emailed Figs and they are lifetime warranty!!

[@GRfourfun]

Great video, thank you for this.

[@cpfb68]

Not a problem! Hope it helped!

[@liquidh5226]

I heard 2IS can use RCF's LCA bushing. Is that true?

[@cpfb68]

I have seen some post both the RC and GS used in the 2IS. I haven’t done it nor seen any vids or images of the use. I know both the RC and GS are stiffer than the orig 2IS but I’m really happy with the Figs LCA Poly bushings. Do some research on KZbin or join a FB F forum and ask. You will get an answer! Sorry I don’t know. Good luck!

[@liquidh5226]

@@cpfb68 I have ordered RCF LCA bushings for my 2IS. I will update here if it fits. Thanks for your response, great video!

[@cpfb68]

Awesome! Good luck with the install and let me know after you get them in how it handles!

[@hightidelowtide6380]

​@liquidh5226 do you have the part numbers for the rcf?

[@liquidh5226]

@@hightidelowtide6380 let me find it and get back to you

[@chiluu2504]

Hi, I'm doing the install tomorrow, one quick question though. Can I use the ram instead of the jack stand in order to take them out? Thanks.

[@cpfb68]

Hi, nit sure if you mean drive up ramps instead of ram. If you do mean ramps, I’m not sure you can disconnect the lower control arm with the full weight of the car on it. I wouldn’t recommend it at all.

[@chiluu2504]

@@cpfb68 Thank you for taking your time to response to me. Yes I meant "ramps". I'll put my car on the jack stands per your recommendation and follow your video while I"m doing the lca replacement.

[@cpfb68]

Chi Luu Not a problem!! Let me know how it goes!! We gotta keep our Fs on the road!!

[@chiluu2504]

@@cpfb68 Success. Your video helped tremendously. Feel like driving a new car. Thanks again.

[@cpfb68]

Chi Luu Congrats! Glad it helped!

[@909boyz9]

Blue for flue, red for patriot and there she blows..