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Control Arm and Ball Joint replacement for my 2013 LS460 48k miles
Hello everyoneI recently acquired a 2013 LS 460 with an odometer reading of approximately 48,000 miles. I took it to the local Lexus dealership for a comprehensive multipoint inspection, and they recommended replacing the control arm and ball joint. I have attached the relevant details and pricing information. The dealership gave me a quote for $3000. Do you guys recommend to go head with the replacement at this moment considering the mileage is relatively low for a Toyota/Lexus product.
Recommend you read FAQ at top left of page. Or just scroll down on this page for a similar thread. Control arms and ball joints wear out on this heavy car. Lexus dealer charges much more than an independent shop using aftermarket parts. If records don't show brake fluid change, you're overdue. Coolant exchange is due as well.
Surprised that the dealer did not recommend replacing the rest of the eight control arms on the front end.
The dealer wants to replace all eight front control arms on my LS460 in 2014 when it has about 55k miles.
Just to clarify, the LS460 is known to wear out control arms. Some arms wear faster, that's what a mechanic determines for you. Other brands of cars with control arms have a similar wear issue because it's the nature of the suspension type.
He mentions not to replace them unless it’s really bad.
I got all eight CAs replaced at an indy shop at 55k miles (in 2015), also replaced sway bar links, brake rotors and pads during this same visit. At that time, the labor cost was $25 for each CA replacement. $50 for each wheel's brake rotor and pads replacement.
I used after market control arms from rockauto and ebay, all eight cost ~550$. The lower front control arm (aluminum) that has the struts pushing on it, is the one that tends to go bad quickly. These two on my LS460 were replaced again in 2022 at 110k miles (this time i used mevotech made from Turkey, about $110 each). If i could go back i would use the strengthened OEM for those two control arms. they are $250 each at lexus dealer's website. I forgot their part number. They were mentioned in a post in this forum. hope someone could help listing their part numbers.
He mentions not to replace them unless it’s really bad.
Thanks for pointed out AMD's video. He said:
1. not to replace control arms when there is a small crack on the CA bushing, it will take years for the crack to develop
2. replace CA only when the rubber bushing is gone causing lots of wheel movements
3. toyota ball joint almost never need replacement.
I got all eight CAs replaced at an indy shop at 55k miles (in 2015), also replaced sway bar links, brake rotors and pads during this same visit. At that time, the labor cost was $25 for each CA replacement. $50 for each wheel's brake rotor and pads replacement.
I used after market control arms from rockauto and ebay, all eight cost ~550$. The lower front control arm (aluminum) that has the struts pushing on it, is the one that tends to go bad quickly. These two on my LS460 were replaced again in 2022 at 110k miles (this time i used mevotech made from Turkey, about $110 each). If i could go back i would use the strengthened OEM for those two control arms. they are $250 each at lexus dealer's website. I forgot their part number. They were mentioned in a post in this forum. hope someone could help listing their part numbers.
Here is some useful info and part #s regarding the revised lower rearward arms for RWD models. It's been 2 years but only about 10k miles since I replaced all 8 arms and all has been good so far. Will inspect the revised arms as well as the FIGS poly bushings I pressed in for the 4 upper arms, when I change my oil & filter within the next month or so.
Car Care Nut's advice is generalized to Toyota/Lexus products. Even when he features a specific model, the advice is sometimes generalized. He also answers questions in a yes/no fashion when the answer may be more complex than that. A 5200 lb car is going to wear items differently than a 3200 lb car. I recommend that you do some google searching of this forum and read a lot. Remember, you're getting answers from members who's knowledge may be limited. Including my own. I recall people here have used poly bushings and reported squeaking and/or early wear. With the amount of labor it takes to replace suspension parts, it's generally considered wise to use the best quality parts available as well as replace good parts while it's disassembled. A simple/basic test for front arms is to hit the brakes abruptly at 30-40 mph. There will be a clunk in the front end if it's worn badly. Fortunately, there's no urgency to fix it. judging from the photos, the bushings aren't severely worn. Dealers make the bulk of their profit in repairs, not in sales and often suggest repairs to that end.
I have similar small crack on the upper control - I don’t think it’s bad enough to replace as shown in your photo - as for ball joint replace it with oem -
quick tip - I use this stuff on all bushings seasonally- throw this product in a spray bottle and spray all rubber bushings and rubber areas - this rejuvenates the rubber seals and or bushings which allow them to last much much longer - Scotty Kilmer put me on this
02-12-23, 07:28 PM
Control Arm and Ball Joint replacement for my 2013 LS460 48k miles
