I have an 07 Camry the dealer called me while my car was in because the rear was squeaking. THey said TOyota is replacing the bushings for free. WHat do bushings do and can they cause a shake at high speeds?

 

In this case a bushing is part that includes something made of a material similar to rubber. It allows flexing of a joint where two parts meet.

The wheel on the rear suspension moves up and down with bumps, etc. In order to have it move a flexible joint is needed. A rubber material is used as part of the joint to allow flexibility and quiet movement.

The joint can at times start squeaking, which may not be serious, just annoying. If the bushing is worn out it might cause shaking but a 2007 should not have that many miles on it, bushings should last at least 100K miles.

Does the steering wheel shake also, is the shake worse when you apply the brake? Typically if a car shakes between certain speeds such as 50-65 MPH but is OK at other speeds this is a tire problem such as out of balance.

 

THanks, the dealer said Toyota actually put out a notice or TSB from people complaining of squeeking, they are paying and installing new bushings.

 

Sounds good. In most case it is just a noise problem not a safety issue.