Lower Control Arm Replacement

[schasey]

Yesterday I brought my 2007 RX400h into a local Lexus dealership for routine 40k maintenance. When I picked up my car the service manager said that the front lower control arms are torn (his words) and recommended that I get them replaced. He quoted a price of slightly more than $1,500 including alignment of all four wheels.

I typically don't mind paying premium prices for having my car service at Lexus dealer, but them seems over the top to me. Can someone more experienced than I in such matters (which is likely all of you) advise as to whether or not that's a "fair" price?

[RX400h]

I know this article concerns an LS model but it contains lots of good info regarding control arms and worn bushings.

http://www.lextreme.com/bushing.html

$1500 seems very excessive and this is something that I believe most local shops can do for less dinero.

[lenore]

First of all, that is highly unusual that those bushings are torn. my 99 RX300 bushings never tore but got hard and brittle. After I change the control arms the ride improved substantially (like when new) however a 2007 with bad bushings? maybe if the car was on the rack a lot and the suspension was hanging which does appear to put maximum movement on those bushings. Replacing the control arms is not an easy task...I know I did it. You have to disconnect the hub assembly from the A arms as well as the ball joints. THe attachments to the frame can be a real pain. I know the control arms on the RX300 are around $300 apiece and plus labor and you are probably looking at that price...you might check an independent or Toyota and get a second opinion as well as a quote. The bushings are not very replaceable, some have tried on the RX300 and they failed immediately or soon afterwards...Good luck Control arm on the RX400 Is a lot cheaper only $188 per side.

[schasey]

Thanks folks, very much.