deepdish

Hello,

I've been reading ClubLexus occasionally since 2007 when I bought my Lexus, and this is my first post seeking advice. Any help is appreciated. I don't know much about auto repair.

I have a 2001 GS430 with 176K miles, runs great and I love it. Bought it for $13K in 2007 with 126K miles and the only problems I had since then were replacing the throttle body and the radiator a few years ago. I'm in Los Angeles.

I just took it to a reliable mechanic and was wondering if I should move forward on the following repairs, or if you have any advice. Prices include parts and labor.

Strut rod for front lower control arm - large broken bushing broken on both sides - $685

Valve cover gaskets leaking - top part of engine - new cam plugs, new gaskets, new tube seals - $750

2 broken engine mounts - $560

ABS control unit - leaking brake fluid - around $3000

Airbag lamp is on solid - (would need to go to a specialist)
*****
The mechanic mentioned that none of these repairs are an emergency. He thinks the engine mounts have already been broken a long time. I've had the brake fluid leak for over a year, can just add some brake fluid and the red brake light turns off. Mechanic says to keep adding fluid when the lamp comes on every few weeks.

My questions are:
1) Should I replace the front struts completely?

2) Should I bother to go to another mechanic who can diagnose the airbag issue?

3) Should I have the engine mounts replaced?

4) Should I spend the $750 on the valve cover gaskets or just wait awhile since it's not urgent?

Your expertise would really help me, Thanks!

- Joe in Los Angeles

Sampak

Valve cover gasket itself should not be (or I wouldn't pay over) $750!!! I know it's an involved process on the 1/2UZ engine but that's mostly from having to get things out of the way first, and then removing valve cover and replacing the valve cover gasket along with the 8 spark plug seals (the only 'iffy' part about it, due to how they are attached to the valve cover itself). It's probably causing oil leakage as well as the cam seals -- items I need done on my '98 GS400 as well. I plan to do it myself but I'll ask for a quote from this shop who's doing the timing belt tomorrow.

As for $3000 for the ABS control unit -- Holy shatballs -- that's up to you, I'd get a quote from Lexus and/or another mechanic for a better idae.

Engine mount replacement -- definitely a good idea for the long run as broken/busted mount inserts cause the engine to flex under power which may further ruin the remaining good mounts = bigger bill. Plus the engine will constantly clunk under torque due to loose/busted mounts whenever you shift into gear or step on the gas etc., kind of annoying in itself.

Struts -- it's possible to get a buddy or even do it yourself -- but since you're not confident or used to this kind of work I'd suggest getting quotes from another mechanic or finding out how much he's charging for parts and labor -- find the parts yourself (OEM is best -- if even used in good condition) at the least. $685+ is about right but knowing how simple it can be I wouldn't pay that much or do it myself).

deepdish

Thanks for the feedback, that's helpful.
Regarding the struts, I spoke to the mechanic and the $685 is simply for the lower control arm and the broken bushing. This does not even include new front struts which would be another $700 or more. Ouch.

I should probably bring the car to another reliable mechanic and get another set of prices.

Sampak

Ok so this is for the front suspension lower control arm (with the notorious ball joint wearing out issue), those are typical replacements and issues with the 2nd gen GS. If that's for 1 arm only, then depending on how costly the part itself is, it seems typical but again, I'd do it myself over 2-3 hours (probably 3 times slower than a professional but hey) than pay someone for something that involves lots of bolts and no real technical challenge.

As for doing the shocks alone, $700 is what I was quoted for doing 2 front shocks on my Altima coupe by the Nissan dealer so I'm not surprised if it's around that for the Lexus GS. If the problem is taken care of by the control arms, then leave it be unless it's a safety/gradual worsening $$$ issue.

If it sounds like I'm cheap or trying to discourage you -- that's not my intent but I think my new found 'frugality' PLUS some cheapness may be showing as I have found that so many things we pay $300-500 for are nothing but $200-$300 jobs if one does it themselves and it's mind blowingly simple other than the time it takes just due to the work flow and personal level of (in)experience.

I have $3,000 of 'stuff' in my '98 GS I am supposed to get done. I might only throw $1500 away at a shop, and do the rest of the $1500 for $500 and call it a day myself. I am a little OCPD when it comes to maintenance items and cannot leave it be, even to the dismay of my wallet and wife, so I can see your dilemma.

My advice is just go at this step be step, no reason or rush (unless otherwise) to drop it all at once.

deepdish

Hi Sampak,

Thanks again for the advice. I'll do the the strut control arm/bushing and then an alignment. Then after that I'll do the engine mounts.

I might call a specialist to see how much it costs to diagnose an airbag warning lamp as well, but it might be really expensive.

Have a nice evening

- Joe