"But that was lava, Mr. Lahey, not s....."

 

Maybe, I've just seen it in every LS460/A8/S/7 so far but perhaps something will buck the trend. The problem I've seen from partial replacement is that the new, harder rubber parts tend to allow forces to follow the path of least resistance and load up the remaining old parts.

 

14 years old 170k miles. I'll keep the originals until I hear or feel obvious problems. If I can get another year or two out of them I'll be happy.

 

I happened to read a comment reply in another post here, that also mentioned air shock issues. I'd post the link but I can't remember which post I read it in.
Anyway the commenter explained there are two alternatives to deleting the air suspension. The first way is to buy the ready-made conversion kit that comes with all the parts i.e. new struts etc. This kit cost around $1,000, plus labor cost if any.

But he also said you can simply unplug the controller to disable the air shock functions instead, and drive the car as normal. If my 2017 LS had the air suspension system, which it doesn't, I know I'd try the free fix first and see if it works or not.

 

FYI - I just received a quote from the mechanic. To do the complete job including: upper & lower front control arms, CV axles, air shocks, and tie rod ends is $1311 labor. It makes the most sense to do it all at once since things like axles and shocks practically have to be removed to do the control arms anyway. I'll do it! Now to find and order good parts.

 

Are you able to buy a half shaft for the passenger side of the car? lots of people have problems removing the inner section of those. Are you having a problem with the axles or are the boots open?

 

Boots not open. It is just a mechanic recommendation to replace the axles at this point. No leaks. The car is 14 years old with 170k miles. They won't last forever.

 

Your car is an awd right? personally I wouldn't go there unless there is an issue with the axles.

 

Do not replace them. He is milking money out of you if the boots are not failed/bearings are good.

EDIT: To put it another way I have the original CV axles in my 317k mile Jeep and my LS430 had originals at 270k when we sold it. The RXs had originals at 240/220/190k respectively

If there is no problem with the axles do not replace them

 

David, welcome to the forum. If you posted here to learn from members who have a great deal of LS460 knowledge, you’re on the right track. But if you came here to share your ideas of how to go about repairing and maintaining the LS460 with limited knowledge about this car, you’d be well served to do more listening and research. Best wishes with your LS.

 

Agree. If it ain't broke, don't fix it until it is.

 

8/8/2024 Update from OP:

It is done! $1813.78 labor and approximately $1200 in parts. All parts were ordered from Amazon. Work was done at Auto Pro on Loop Road in Asheville NC.

• Replaced R&L CV axles & tie rod ends ($255.70)
• 8-piece front control arm kit ($391)
• R&L Air Shocks ($531)
• 4-wheel alignment (about $100 in the labor cost - it took them almost 2 hours)

The mechanic commented that a couple of the control arms had burrs on the metal which took some work to make them fit. $95 of the labor is for that additional work.

I've driven it about 12 miles so far and it seems perfect. It feels very solid and drives like the high end luxury car that it is. I'll be driving it 1850 miles over the next three days to go back home. I'll update this thread periodically. Assume all is well with the car if you don't hear from me for a while. Winter will be here in Wyoming before you know it. This car will be a daily driver through all kinds of winter slush. It has Very Low ground clearance. I had a BMW with low ground clearance. I'll not be the first out of the neighborhood when there's more than 6" unplowed snow on the streets.

$3000 is a lot of money to put into a 14 year old car. I have $12k into it. It is a very good car for $12k.

 

3k isnt much. Purchase price =/= maintenance costs expected. This is still a top luxury sedan with an original MSRP at the top of the lexus market and maintenance costs to match.

Good luck and enjoy the car.