LS460 replace 8 front control arms (Houston TX)
#31
For the upper control arms, they changed the bushing fill/shape completely; I posted some pics a while back - it's significantly/obviously different. I had Benson's in Clear Lake change mine out and I have no complaints. I think it ended up being around $400 labor. Since I only changed out 6 of the 8 arms, you could expect to pay a little more.
Pic's & part number info:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...ol-arms-2.html
Pic's & part number info:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...ol-arms-2.html
#32
and it is close to where I live, will check it out, thanks,
#33
Seems like I have the same issue on my LS I haven't had the time yet to get under there and check, but is it normally just the fronts that go out or rears also?
Definitely seems like something Lexus should have issued a recall on such widespread common issue.
Definitely seems like something Lexus should have issued a recall on such widespread common issue.
#34
As a person who has done a lot of research on the subject and actually changed my control arms on my back, in my garage, without air tools or a lift, I can confidently say that the LS460 control arm "issue" is the most overblown subject on the entire internet (and I would include aliens and time travel in that conversation).
Any somewhat capable mechanic should easily be able to replace all 8 control arms on this vehicle. Easily. There is absolutely no need to take the vehicle to Lexus for this situation, aftermarket parts are readily available for a fraction of the cost and the repair itself is easy. And replacing all 8 control arms is not always necessary, the uppers are the ones that take the most abuse.
If you do decide to replace all 8 control arms - which is essentially replacing almost every part of your front end - you should be able to have this repair done at an independent shop for somewhere around $1,000 bucks. So for 1 grand you will have yourself an entirely new front end, and considering you most likely made it to 100,000 miles at this point, it's not a bad place to be. Again, we are talking about replacing 8 control arms here - if you walked into a local garage with any other car and told them you wanted to replace every control arm and ball joint in your front end, most of them would think...yes!! This guy is nuts, thank you baby Jesus. Understandably you may actually need all 8 arms, but chances are you don't. I know when I was pulling mine off I began to think...ok, now this one doesn't look bad...this one either...am I wasting my time and money here? Hell I still have my old arms, a friend of mine told me to sell some of them on eBay because they don't look bad. So do yourself a favor, at least entertain the thought of having a local shop do the repair...and believe me there are plenty of people that are capable of tackling this job on their own as well.
Now if we're talking about the brake actuator...that's a different can of nuts.
Any somewhat capable mechanic should easily be able to replace all 8 control arms on this vehicle. Easily. There is absolutely no need to take the vehicle to Lexus for this situation, aftermarket parts are readily available for a fraction of the cost and the repair itself is easy. And replacing all 8 control arms is not always necessary, the uppers are the ones that take the most abuse.
If you do decide to replace all 8 control arms - which is essentially replacing almost every part of your front end - you should be able to have this repair done at an independent shop for somewhere around $1,000 bucks. So for 1 grand you will have yourself an entirely new front end, and considering you most likely made it to 100,000 miles at this point, it's not a bad place to be. Again, we are talking about replacing 8 control arms here - if you walked into a local garage with any other car and told them you wanted to replace every control arm and ball joint in your front end, most of them would think...yes!! This guy is nuts, thank you baby Jesus. Understandably you may actually need all 8 arms, but chances are you don't. I know when I was pulling mine off I began to think...ok, now this one doesn't look bad...this one either...am I wasting my time and money here? Hell I still have my old arms, a friend of mine told me to sell some of them on eBay because they don't look bad. So do yourself a favor, at least entertain the thought of having a local shop do the repair...and believe me there are plenty of people that are capable of tackling this job on their own as well.
Now if we're talking about the brake actuator...that's a different can of nuts.
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#35
the 2009 LS460 makes a clunk noise when start moving or coming to a stop.
Lexus dealer checked and said the two front lower control arms need replacement.
dealer quote is $4600 for the lower control arms (both side, 4 pieces, parts and labor).
Called a well-regarded independent Lexus shop in Houston and they recommend replacing all upper and lower control arms. The price is $4200 for all eight control arm pieces (OEM parts) parts and labor.
Did some research in this forum. I've ordered all eight pieces of control arms: 4 upper + 4 lower. total cost is $510 from ebay (160+200+150).
Question 1: besides the arms, what other parts do I need, e.g. bolts & nuts?
Next will go find a reputable shop to replace the arms
Question 2: Could someone recommend a shop in Houston for this work? What's a reasonable price to replace all the 8 control arms?
Thanks a lot.
Lexus dealer checked and said the two front lower control arms need replacement.
dealer quote is $4600 for the lower control arms (both side, 4 pieces, parts and labor).
Called a well-regarded independent Lexus shop in Houston and they recommend replacing all upper and lower control arms. The price is $4200 for all eight control arm pieces (OEM parts) parts and labor.
Did some research in this forum. I've ordered all eight pieces of control arms: 4 upper + 4 lower. total cost is $510 from ebay (160+200+150).
Question 1: besides the arms, what other parts do I need, e.g. bolts & nuts?
Next will go find a reputable shop to replace the arms
Question 2: Could someone recommend a shop in Houston for this work? What's a reasonable price to replace all the 8 control arms?
Thanks a lot.
#36
Definitely seems like something Lexus should have issued a recall on such widespread common issue.
#38
When I was contemplating which route to go regarding my UCA's on my LS, I was strongly considering FIGS, as they offered high quality lube-packed poly bushings.
Before continuing, I would like to say that the guys over at FIGS are fantastic and will answer ANY questions you may have about their products and are very knowledgeable.
The reason I decided against poly bushings, was that FIGS indicated that "IF" over time, the bushings begin to creek/squeal, then they would need to be re-greased, and the only way to do that, is to remove the arm, re-grease it, then re-install the arm.
But they also told me that they have yet to have anyone who had Super Pro bushings installed complain of any issues or creeking noises.
That just didn't sound attractive to me, so I went ahead and had Lexus install their revised OEM UCA's, but only to find out from their Master Mechanic that the revised OEM bushings are in fact high-density poly.
Go figure.
#39
I too have been fortunate so far with my 08. I can't say that I'm noticing any problem with the front end. The car drives straight and I don't hear the clunks. With that said, I'm sure down the road as with all used cars, I'll have some repairs. In fact, the crack on my drivers door arm rest is the biggest issue. It's all good!
#41
Originally Posted by CRowe14
Funny you make this statement.
When I was contemplating which route to go regarding my UCA's on my LS, I was strongly considering FIGS, as they offered high quality lube-packed poly bushings.
Before continuing, I would like to say that the guys over at FIGS are fantastic and will answer ANY questions you may have about their products and are very knowledgeable.
The reason I decided against poly bushings, was that FIGS indicated that "IF" over time, the bushings begin to creek/squeal, then they would need to be re-greased, and the only way to do that, is to remove the arm, re-grease it, then re-install the arm.
But they also told me that they have yet to have anyone who had Super Pro bushings installed complain of any issues or creeking noises.
That just didn't sound attractive to me, so I went ahead and had Lexus install their revised OEM UCA's, but only to find out from their Master Mechanic that the revised OEM bushings are in fact high-density poly.
Go figure.
When I was contemplating which route to go regarding my UCA's on my LS, I was strongly considering FIGS, as they offered high quality lube-packed poly bushings.
Before continuing, I would like to say that the guys over at FIGS are fantastic and will answer ANY questions you may have about their products and are very knowledgeable.
The reason I decided against poly bushings, was that FIGS indicated that "IF" over time, the bushings begin to creek/squeal, then they would need to be re-greased, and the only way to do that, is to remove the arm, re-grease it, then re-install the arm.
But they also told me that they have yet to have anyone who had Super Pro bushings installed complain of any issues or creeking noises.
That just didn't sound attractive to me, so I went ahead and had Lexus install their revised OEM UCA's, but only to find out from their Master Mechanic that the revised OEM bushings are in fact high-density poly.
Go figure.
It's all about being careful to grease all of the bushing during install..I put a 100k on my GS w no creaks.
#42
Many people cry "RECALL"! not understanding that recalls are only done due to safety concerns. Recalls are not ordered because of a perceived inferiority of parts of a car (paint peeling, poor craftsmanship, etc). Now, if you want to talk about a "courtesy repair" or warranty extension, etc, then that would be up to Lexus. And as Doublebase stated, this issue is wildly over blown. I have over 100k miles on my 08 and have no control arm issues, but if I did, I'd tackle it easily as a DIY in the manner he explained. If the repairs cost me 600 bucks, I'd be pleased that this is the only significant issue I've had with my LS.
Last edited by SupraTurbo; 02-25-16 at 07:45 PM.
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Citysunset (06-16-20)
#43
I honestly don't know what the difference is between the poly in Lexus OEM bushings versus, say Super Pro bushings (it has to be the material, construction and greasing method), but I do wonder at what point these bushings will wear/creek, especially for vehicles that are in geographic regions where air moisture/rain and snow are variables.
I will say though, that's great you've been able to put 100k on them with no issues.
That's a confidence builder regarding the part for sure.
#45
If you are in Houston, my friend that helped me do my bushings just this week works at Craig's Automotive Repair Service.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/craigs-auto-...ervice-houston
They are a very very good shop, and obviously, they know how to work on these cars.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/craigs-auto-...ervice-houston
They are a very very good shop, and obviously, they know how to work on these cars.