DriverCH

hi,
I have a 2013 ES350 with approx 111k miles. I have taken the car for all services to the local Lexus dealership. Recently I had an oil change and they said the car needed several things they said the rear brakes were in the red at 2 and the front were at a 4 not red but orange color. I decided to have the brakes done the rears which cost me $800.

They suggested other work- front bakes- $800
Control Arm- lower both front arm bushings have torn 1/4 on back side of bushing- they are quoting me $2,657.99
Sway Bar Bushings- both rear have "play" $387
Drive belt shows wear $280.

What the dealership does is they send you a video with the tech pointing everything out. My biggest concern is the Control Arm work- that is a lot of money.
I dont know if that really needs to be done or are they taking me to the cleaners?
I live in New England.
Thank you

rmak

I do all of my own work and it is hard to answer without seeing the car. Lexus dealerships will bone you without lube. You can get the same work done at a small repair shop for half of those prices. Even a Toyota dealership will be less expensive. Our ES 350's are basically a Toyota Camry or Avalon depending on the year.

I would say the lower control arm is just the rubber boot and not the bushing with only 111k miles. I cannot confirm without seeing. I know mine has some rubber deterioration at 90k, but the bushing is solid. You can replace the LCA's with Lexus parts a lot cheaper than that if they really do need it. Lexus LCA's are around 300.00 each from the dealership.

I would get a second opinion from another shop to do the sway bar bushings, brakes and belt. I just changed my belt and it took me 30 minutes, but I have the tools.

jgscott

iTrader: (1)

Rear Brakes for $800 is really high. Take it Toyota or find someone you trust for better prices like the previous poster said. I have been using Toyota for years now, when it's something I don't feel like doing.

tolian21

wow, I hope it included new rotors, not the resurface, you can buy OEM rotors and pads for $220, and take it to a local mechanic, will cost you anothrr $200-250 to install them. Total should be $500 max.

bc6152

As Rmak stated they should be supplying you with a free jar of Vaseline for those prices... No way front and rear brakes should cost $1600.00. Buy a set from Rock Auto and take them to your favorite TRUSTED garage.
They have high quality parts at great prices. I just had my Corvette done front and rear ... Cost: $425.00 and I supplied the brakes.

Clutchless

Those are very high prices for a brake job.
There is probably nothing wrong with your control arms, sway bar bushings or the drive belt.
The control arm bushings all get those cracks and unless you have an issue driving, they can go for years. See this thread from the RX350 forum as it has very similar control arms as both are based on the same platform. https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...20k-miles.html

You need to find a good independent mechanic with better prices and who will diagnose your issues without emptying your wallet on needless repairs. Those dealer service writers work on commission. They oversell repairs to everyone they can get away with doing it to. I know, my friend's son is a Subaru service writer. He makes a lot of money!
If you need help finding a local mechanic use this database of shops recommended by listeners of the old Car Talk radio show, then cross check any potential shops on Google or Yelp for more recent data.
https://www.cartalk.com/mechanics-files

703

Take some photos and post here of the control arms.

h2ovillecs

Just had rear brakes replaced by Jim White Lexus of Toledo for $500. This included new OEM rotors and pads.

jgscott

iTrader: (1)

Stoptech Rotors and Akebono pads are a great choice. High quality, lower price and they last longer than stock too.

LeX2K

True, I love this combo. I had one bad experience with Stoptech pads maybe a fluke but now I'm gun shy.