[Tacoma'03Pilot]

Can I still drive in this until I can get it to the shop?

If you mean "will it be OK this weekend, I'm dropping it off on Tuesday", then yes, almost certainly.

As you've noticed, it affects your steering and will contribute to tire wear. Even though you could probably get away with driving it like that for quite a while, you'll eventually chew up the tires, too.

Replace the whole control arm. If it were me and I planned to keep the car, I'd do the whole front suspension on both sides while you're at it. At 10 years, you got your money's worth, even if your mileage is low. Bite the bullet now, do one alignment, and drive it another 10.

 

[DakotaB]

If you mean "will it be OK this weekend, I'm dropping it off on Tuesday", then yes, almost certainly.

As you've noticed, it affects your steering and will contribute to tire wear. Even though you could probably get away with driving it like that for quite a while, you'll eventually chew up the tires, too.

Replace the whole control arm. If it were me and I planned to keep the car, I'd do the whole front suspension on both sides while you're at it. At 10 years, you got your money's worth, even if your mileage is low. Bite the bullet now, do one alignment, and drive it another 10.

Ugh I’m second owner and still owe on the car. Or I would do alll suspension but for now I’ll do it as it needs it 🥲

 

[morfdq]

You can replace that compliance bushing but you have to take out the lower control arm. If you’re doing that I’d just replace the whole LCA that comes with the compliance bushing. You can buy the entire LCA from rock auto for about 250. To have a mechanic do it you’re looking at 1k for both sides.

 

[DakotaB]

You can replace that compliance bushing but you have to take out the lower control arm. If you’re doing that I’d just replace the whole LCA that comes with the compliance bushing. You can buy the entire LCA from rock auto for about 250. To have a mechanic do it you’re looking at 1k for both sides.

My local mechanic is doing both for 1100

 

[RAL]

The cost of car repairs, like everything else, has skyrocketed. You are however better off getting it done before destroying your tires. And the condition of the roads certainly doesn’t help with front end wear - the cars take a beating daily.