tclk

With 58k miles, I just paid over $1700 to replace the starter. This is after 10% off with my savings card the dealer issued last year. The part was $700 and labor about $1200. Th car was towed in late saturday so I'm sure is was looked at first thing Monday morning. And the car was ready by 4pm. Anyone had starter replaced?

AznRacer

iTrader: (2)

I did 09 at 80k

LXurious

Ouch... Never thought of that ever going bad

roadfrog

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Quality-Built-19044-07-09-Lexus-LS-Nippondenso-Clockwise-Starter-Motor-/310844250108?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A2008%7CMake%3ALexus%7CModel%3ALS460&hash=item485fc2d7fc&vxp=mtr
If mine goes bad I'll replace it with this one above. Only 138 dollars for a reman Nippondenso. Not sure about labour involved, but a Diy should'nt be too difficult......

I just can't bring myself to paying those kinds of prices you were quoted.

Is it something you're comfortable in attempting to do yourself?

Aristo300

You've never thought a starter could go bad?

To the OP, that's a lot of money for such a simple wear item.

Remi

If it's like the UZ-FE, the starter is in the middle of the V, under the intake manifold - it's not hard to replace, you just have to take apart everything above it, so it takes a long time (which costs $$$)

thomastan

per my technician, you car should never need a new starter unless you had your engine remove...maybe on the head block recall that most member have done. He states that they would have to remove your starter when the engine is remove from car to do the recall and if they don't install the starter correctly...the starter will have a short life. This happen to me...my starter die on me about 4 month after the recall was done. I didn't get it replace by the dealer...luckily my father in law has a shop. We took it out and it is very difficult to get too. It took us about 4 to 5 hours to remove it. Lots of bolts they are well hidden in very tight place to reach. Special tools are required. I had it rebuilt for $150 at a local starter rebuilt nearby. Put it back was a lot difficult than taking it out. After two days of work...the car crank it like it was alive again...no hesitation at all.

roadfrog

There are Youtube vids on how to do it. It's a 4-6 hour job, but fairly straight forwrd depending on your comfort level.

yowps3

This is why I like Manual cars.

You can push start them. No need for a starter motor!

LXurious

On a flagship push to start vehicle with less than 150k on it? Nope it would be the last thing on my mind and I would be very pissed.

roadfrog

I must be missing something. I thought replacing a starter was a fairly common thing in most vehicles. Isn't that why most shops and parts stores have machines to bench test them. A starter in a Lexus is pretty much the same as one in a Tundra or whatever. So regardless of what you pay for a vehicle (push start or not), failure rates should be fairly universal...no?

Aristo300

LXurious, see below or above, whichever is convenient.

It is a "common" made electrical part. There's nothing fancy about the flagship's starter.

lgm

Hi, Could you please tell me the link of the video on youtube? My technician don't know how to remove the starter to replace it on my car... Please help... Thanks!!!!

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

It all depends where the starter is located. On may older, inline 4 or 6 cylinder engines, it is located outside the engine and is easily accessible (1-1.5 hours to replace). Apparently on our V8 engine, it is located inside the Vee which means everything above it has to come out. Still, $1200 in labor is horrendous.

I guess you have to pay to play!

shrikelex

+1, on my 280Z I could have the old starter out and replaced in 10 minutes, located on right of engine. I have 107 on my 08LS and the dealer replaced it at 80k with the battery before I bought it. Definitely sounds expensive, 1200 for labor-Much rather have 1200 in Vegas, much more fun