Problems In Front And Rear Suspension Area

[PK_Lex]

Hello. I bumped into this site as I was doing research on the Internet to find solutions to problems I'm having. First off, its an excellent site and I think I'm gonna get hooked on this real fast.

OK, now about my problem. I have a 94 LS400 B) . I've had it since 96 and have managed to put in 220k miles on it. It looks and runs great. I started to notice that it makes some funny sounds when it hits pot holes and I suspected that there might be something wrong with the suspension. So I took it to the dealer to have them look at it and they came up with an exhaustive list of things it needs with outragious price quote :o . Basically it needs the following:

1. Front brake pads

2. Front strut bar bushings

3. Upper lateral arm

4. Ball joints cracked

5. Rear bearing Infields

I'm a car enthusiast and can do little bit of work such as replace air filter :) , but I don't think I'll be able to do any of the work they recommended myself.

Are there any online places where I can get cheaper parts? Also, if anyone's from Maryland, Washington DC or Northern Virginia area...do you know of any shops that are good at working with lexus? Otherwise I'll just go to the local shops in my area and see what estimate they will give.

I know that owning a lexus means you pay the price to maintain it...but I can't justify paying for repairs that are coming out to be more than price of the car...so if you can guide me in this matter, I would really appreciate it.

Thanks.

[silvermate]

suspension problems are very common with older LS's. you can do the brake maintence easily on your own..

some of the suspension work can be tricky as well on some procedures you need specialialty tools that can be rented....

i would check a independent shop for quotes on susupension work.....you can check our workshop/tutorial section as well and see what you can find for help if you are going to try DIY.

Below are some online links for cheaper lexus parts you can look at.

http://www.lexpartsonline.com/

http://www.irontoad.com/l_home.htm

http://lexuspartsmall.com/

http://www.taprecycling.net/

[PK_Lex]

Thanks silvermate!

I'll go through all of them to look for parts i need.

[PK_Lex]

I just thought that there might be a few people who are not registered at this site and therefore cannot reply. You guys can email me at pathwary@hotmail.com

[95LS400Bob]

You gotta learn to do it all yourself or have a very big bank balance. The parts alone are expensive enough. There are enough people and information here to get you through all of it.

Brake pads simple

Strut bars is probably where most of noise is coming from. 3 bolts.

Haven't had to do the rest.

[PK_Lex]

You're right. Best way is to be able to do it yourself.

I might just order brake pads online and try replacing them myself. Shouldn't be too tough.