2008 Ls460L, Bad Lower Control Arm Bushings

[M.Yasir]

Welcome to the forum Lloyd

My best guess It appears that somebody have fitted the whole arm from some other vehicle

Thanks

[aw4golf]

 I bought a used 2012 RX450h (with 94,018 miles & now have 97452 miles) and my trusted mechanic said his 'book' shows 17 hours labor to replace both front control arms due to having to lower the 'sub' frame first then raise the trans and engine to get to the arms to replace the arms.  He showed me that the right front wheel moves when he slowly backed it up and braked. The wheel moved forward (didn't stop like the body did).  I go to him because he never upcharges for parts that you don't need. This appears to be the first RX450h he has done because he had to check on the labor hours. His labor rate is $110/hr.

Anyone know if there is a quicker way he could use to do this repair to reduce all that labor cost?

[Scotty C]

On 4/28/2014 at 8:57 AM, dcfish said:

Press out the old bushings and press in the new ones...

http://www.clublexus.com/forums/attachments/suspension-and-brakes/146405d1246086762-prothane-front-control-arm-bushing-53-0626092344.jpg

http://www.clublexus.com/forums/attachments/ls400/41062d1068764402-90-94-ls400-front-control-arm-bushings-available-pb131970.jpg

http://www.clublexus.com/forums/attachments/ls460-ls460l-and-ls600h/311972d1389967040-07-ls460-upper-and-lower-control-arm-bushings-replacement-20140115_133425.jpg

Thanks for the opinion/guidance.  I have been getting some "push back" from a few mechanics that replacing the bushings on perfectly good control arms (IMO) can "mangle" or damage the arms.  I agree with you.  How difficult is it to replace them for a skilled mechanic?

Also, rubber vs. urethane.  Does urethane result in a stiffer/harder ride?  Does it have greater longevity?  

All the parts look like Lexus OEM, yes.  Cost?

BTW, I just replaced rotors, calipers, pads, and inner/outer tie rods on my son's Honda Pilot--I am capable and versed.

[Igpoe]

On 1/8/2013 at 9:25 PM, James Horning said:

I can't believe this. A loyal customer , IS300 a IS 250 and a LS 460 L and we are COMPLAINING of parts and labor prices??

Parts prices are governed by Lexus and yes a profit is made, too keep people employed and dealerships open. Shop labor rates are governed by Lexus and by the average repair rate in your area. The warranty labor rate is also governed by Lexus. All dealership technicians are paid flat rate it's not by choice it's been this way for 50 years plus. The time quoted is also governed by a pricing guide followed by all repair centers adjustments are made for diagnosis and age of vehicle. Do you think it's " easy " to go in Monday drive your car around determine the noise and hope that you'll get time for your labor ??

All of us good guys are almost gone , moving on, new kids don't like to work hard , good luck getting precious fixed then.

This is very hard to accurately diagnose even with chassis ear being used , if you have air suspension the shocks have been known to make noise ( L-SB-0138-11) or the suspension ( L-SB -0021-12) and yes your vehicle is out of warranty. Really how much more is a manufacturer liable for ??

Sit down with your dealers manager and specialist, confirm what will be repaired and why , have them show you so you can accurately understand the complexity s of this suspension and all the areas that a " noise" can originate from. The service bulletins above are a reference I no way does it me it will fix any car, it is a possibility that it would apply to your concern.

Giving the tech ample time to do his job and a complete set of instructions on how to recreate your noise help minimize misdiagnosis.

Sorry for the rant, but I fix cars, I am professional and a raving perfectionist i treat your car like its my own, but it always comes down to price, that's out of my control.