spinout180

So I have 63,000 miles on my 2002 SC430 and have been reading the TSB that replaces the rear bushings. I went over to Lexus of Portland yesterday to talk to them about getting my bushings replaced. They told me that it was only a warranty issue and since my car is past the factory bumper-to-bumper warranty it was not applicable.

Anyone know the truth on this?

INHOCJP

Technically, they are correct.

However, many dealers will perform the work as a "goodwill" gesture even if your car is out of warranty. Really depends on how helpful the dealership wants to be. Are there any other dealerships nearby? You other option is to call Lexus customer service and see if they can help. They are usually try their best to keep the customer happy. Good luck.

Gojirra99

Yes, I think he's out of luck, but it won't hurt trying as you suggested . . .

RMR

Spin,

Does the TSB affect only 2002?

RMR

tfischer

This TSB came out, as I recall, within the first 12 months of the car's introduction (which was in April '01, I think). Shortly thereafter, the new bushings were put on all newly made cars. As I recall, the deal was that if you asked the dealer for them for them or made a non-specific complaint about harsh bumps, the dealer would make the change per the TSB. I had it done, and it made a little difference, but it's not a big deal.

Since they had to keep the car overnight and pull out the whole back end to do the job, it wasn't something they wanted to to for every car, since it was not safety related, was fairly labor intensive, and offered only a slight improvement in ride quality. I doubt that a dealer would want to go that far on a car that's out of warranty. Since the owner had no problems with the ride for over 4 years during the first 60,000 miles, I doubt that he would notice the difference.

If your car was made in late '02 or in 2003, you probably have the newer type bushings, but I do not know how to tell for sure, other than to check the posts on this board and see when that TSB was issued. That was about the same time, obviously, that they made the change in the factory.

RMR

Thanks,

I have a 2003, but I could not really find the details of the TSB on the Forum, so I thought someone may know. The only real clunk I have is the roof clunk when closed when going over driveway curbs and what not so I think there is no bushing issue with my car.

Thanks,
RMR

1NICESC430

If I'm not mistaken, the first bushing replacement was also problematic and a second replacement became available. I was a little too quick to have mine replaced so I have the first replacement set. I've heard that awful *clunk* only twice, both after having hit a serious bump.

Roofless

RMR

Thanks Roofless!

I can sure use this.

RMR