Revised control arms?
02-04-15, 11:38 AM
#16
Lexus Champion
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: CA
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My wife's 09' 460 is now in the shop for all 10 bushings among 6 control arms in front-end.
I have been researched and studied for this control arm issue in past few months, and I can hear the clicking noise more frequent lately. The car was first inspected about 6 months ago, found lower driver side front arm bushing was torn, and passenger front was found the same way about a month later, and about another 2 months later the passenger front upper bushings are cracked... Just to share this problem gets worse fast!
The dealership was quoting $3900+ for all 6 arms to be replaced because each arm cost range from $380 to $440, and with 8 hours of labor plus alignment... I could not agree to such repair bill that is possibly required every 40k miles. I feel lucky because I read online posts that someone experienced the same way at 18k miles and another at 24k miles. Without thinking further I can tell the problem is the product design but not the drivers.
So I decided to go with after market bushings and taking it to a local repair shop. With my provided parts the overall cost was about $1k. It is very sad that the arms gave out so quick and my family has to suffer with this repair bill...
I have been researched and studied for this control arm issue in past few months, and I can hear the clicking noise more frequent lately. The car was first inspected about 6 months ago, found lower driver side front arm bushing was torn, and passenger front was found the same way about a month later, and about another 2 months later the passenger front upper bushings are cracked... Just to share this problem gets worse fast!
The dealership was quoting $3900+ for all 6 arms to be replaced because each arm cost range from $380 to $440, and with 8 hours of labor plus alignment... I could not agree to such repair bill that is possibly required every 40k miles. I feel lucky because I read online posts that someone experienced the same way at 18k miles and another at 24k miles. Without thinking further I can tell the problem is the product design but not the drivers.
So I decided to go with after market bushings and taking it to a local repair shop. With my provided parts the overall cost was about $1k. It is very sad that the arms gave out so quick and my family has to suffer with this repair bill...
02-16-15, 08:07 PM
#17
Part numbers run-down
I have been doing a little research between the TSIBs and the Sewell parts catalogs. Here's what I came up with. There are new lower control arm part numbers for the 2013-2014 LS as well - not part of any service bulletin as far as I can tell, but I would be tempted to try them out...
Left Side:
Upper front: 48630 LH no 1 -59085 (old) -59125 (new) $382.73 (same for 2013-14)
Upper rear: 48630 LH no 2 -59095 (old) -59135 (new) $382.73 (same for 2013-14)
Lower front: 48640 Lh no 1 -59015 (old) -59035 (new) $250.67 (-59045? 2013-14 models $252.40)
Lower rear: 48640 LH no 2 -50070 (current) $243.74 (-50130? 2013-14 models $245.46)
Right Side:
Upper Front: 48610 RH no 1 -59085 (old) -59125 (new) $382.73 (same for 2013-14)
Upper Rear: 48610 RH no 2 -59095 (old) -59135 (new) $382.73 (same for 2013-14)
Lower Front: 48620 RH no1 -59015 (old) -59035 (new) $250.67 (-59055? 2013-14 models $252.40)
Lower Rear: 48620 RH no 2 -50070 (current) $243.74 (-50131? 2013-14 models $243.74)
Left Side:
Upper front: 48630 LH no 1 -59085 (old) -59125 (new) $382.73 (same for 2013-14)
Upper rear: 48630 LH no 2 -59095 (old) -59135 (new) $382.73 (same for 2013-14)
Lower front: 48640 Lh no 1 -59015 (old) -59035 (new) $250.67 (-59045? 2013-14 models $252.40)
Lower rear: 48640 LH no 2 -50070 (current) $243.74 (-50130? 2013-14 models $245.46)
Right Side:
Upper Front: 48610 RH no 1 -59085 (old) -59125 (new) $382.73 (same for 2013-14)
Upper Rear: 48610 RH no 2 -59095 (old) -59135 (new) $382.73 (same for 2013-14)
Lower Front: 48620 RH no1 -59015 (old) -59035 (new) $250.67 (-59055? 2013-14 models $252.40)
Lower Rear: 48620 RH no 2 -50070 (current) $243.74 (-50131? 2013-14 models $243.74)
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FreddyG (07-06-22)
02-28-15, 12:59 PM
#18
No luck on first try
I bought the three arms for each side that have revised designs/part numbers (total for all 6 w/tax $2,261.35).
UNFORTUNATELY
, once I had the brakes off and was trying to remove the front lower control arm, my ball joint separator tool didn't fit. The jaws don't open wide enough to remove the ball joint. I tried whacking the crap out of it with a mini sledge hammer and some other prying methods, but to no avail. I'll be taking it in to a local shop this week to have them do it I guess. Lexus wanted ~$1500 when I got a quote.
Tool info:
I knew I'd need to separate ball joints, so I purchased this ball joint separator from Amazon.com that looks similar to the one shown in the alldatadiy.com instructions: GearWrench 3916D Universal Ball Joint Separator. This separator has a maximum 56mm jaw opening. I would guess I needed another ½" or ¾" to be close to parallel, so you may have the same problem I did if your ball joint tool doesn't have around a 70mm maximum opening. This separator worked for the tie rod end OK, but a wider jaw opening would have been better for that as well. The tool basically needs a third "pin" hole to allow the jaws to gap wider. I'm not seeing any obvious replacement candidates with a bigger jaw opening on eBay or Amazon either :-/
One other note is that it looks like if you want to replace the lower rear arm, the steering rack needs to be dropped so the control arm bolt can be removed. Not sure how hard that is, but looks pretty challenging to do in the driveway...
UNFORTUNATELY
, once I had the brakes off and was trying to remove the front lower control arm, my ball joint separator tool didn't fit. The jaws don't open wide enough to remove the ball joint. I tried whacking the crap out of it with a mini sledge hammer and some other prying methods, but to no avail. I'll be taking it in to a local shop this week to have them do it I guess. Lexus wanted ~$1500 when I got a quote. Tool info:
I knew I'd need to separate ball joints, so I purchased this ball joint separator from Amazon.com that looks similar to the one shown in the alldatadiy.com instructions: GearWrench 3916D Universal Ball Joint Separator. This separator has a maximum 56mm jaw opening. I would guess I needed another ½" or ¾" to be close to parallel, so you may have the same problem I did if your ball joint tool doesn't have around a 70mm maximum opening. This separator worked for the tie rod end OK, but a wider jaw opening would have been better for that as well. The tool basically needs a third "pin" hole to allow the jaws to gap wider. I'm not seeing any obvious replacement candidates with a bigger jaw opening on eBay or Amazon either :-/
One other note is that it looks like if you want to replace the lower rear arm, the steering rack needs to be dropped so the control arm bolt can be removed. Not sure how hard that is, but looks pretty challenging to do in the driveway...
02-28-15, 03:33 PM
#19
Lexus Test Driver
While this is premature, I got all 8 arms aftermarket for my 2010 ls460 swb for about $550, a shp (with a certified lexus mechanic) is quoting $750 for labor. Doing this in 2 weeks (when parts arrive) am in dallas area if anyone needs shop contact.
Also found a certified Lexus master mechanic (still works at lexus currently) who offered to do be able to do this as well for around the same price and has done this same "operation" often enough.
Will share more once I get this done.
Also found a certified Lexus master mechanic (still works at lexus currently) who offered to do be able to do this as well for around the same price and has done this same "operation" often enough.
Will share more once I get this done.
I bought the three arms for each side that have revised designs/part numbers (total for all 6 w/tax $2,261.35).
UNFORTUNATELY, once I had the brakes off and was trying to remove the front lower control arm, my ball joint separator tool didn't fit. The jaws don't open wide enough to remove the ball joint. I tried whacking the crap out of it with a mini sledge hammer and some other prying methods, but to no avail. I'll be taking it in to a local shop this week to have them do it I guess. Lexus wanted ~$1500 when I got a quote.
Tool info:
I knew I'd need to separate ball joints, so I purchased this ball joint separator from Amazon.com that looks similar to the one shown in the alldatadiy.com instructions: GearWrench 3916D Universal Ball Joint Separator. This separator has a maximum 56mm jaw opening. I would guess I needed another ½" or ¾" to be close to parallel, so you may have the same problem I did if your ball joint tool doesn't have around a 70mm maximum opening. This separator worked for the tie rod end OK, but a wider jaw opening would have been better for that as well. The tool basically needs a third "pin" hole to allow the jaws to gap wider. I'm not seeing any obvious replacement candidates with a bigger jaw opening on eBay or Amazon either :-/
One other note is that it looks like if you want to replace the lower rear arm, the steering rack needs to be dropped so the control arm bolt can be removed. Not sure how hard that is, but looks pretty challenging to do in the driveway...
UNFORTUNATELY
, once I had the brakes off and was trying to remove the front lower control arm, my ball joint separator tool didn't fit. The jaws don't open wide enough to remove the ball joint. I tried whacking the crap out of it with a mini sledge hammer and some other prying methods, but to no avail. I'll be taking it in to a local shop this week to have them do it I guess. Lexus wanted ~$1500 when I got a quote. Tool info:
I knew I'd need to separate ball joints, so I purchased this ball joint separator from Amazon.com that looks similar to the one shown in the alldatadiy.com instructions: GearWrench 3916D Universal Ball Joint Separator. This separator has a maximum 56mm jaw opening. I would guess I needed another ½" or ¾" to be close to parallel, so you may have the same problem I did if your ball joint tool doesn't have around a 70mm maximum opening. This separator worked for the tie rod end OK, but a wider jaw opening would have been better for that as well. The tool basically needs a third "pin" hole to allow the jaws to gap wider. I'm not seeing any obvious replacement candidates with a bigger jaw opening on eBay or Amazon either :-/
One other note is that it looks like if you want to replace the lower rear arm, the steering rack needs to be dropped so the control arm bolt can be removed. Not sure how hard that is, but looks pretty challenging to do in the driveway...
02-28-15, 04:27 PM
#20
Lexus Fanatic
While this is premature, I got all 8 arms aftermarket for my 2010 ls460 swb for about $550, a shp (with a certified lexus mechanic) is quoting $750 for labor. Doing this in 2 weeks (when parts arrive) am in dallas area if anyone needs shop contact.
Also found a certified Lexus master mechanic (still works at lexus currently) who offered to do be able to do this as well for around the same price and has done this same "operation" often enough.
Will share more once I get this done.
Also found a certified Lexus master mechanic (still works at lexus currently) who offered to do be able to do this as well for around the same price and has done this same "operation" often enough.
Will share more once I get this done.
02-28-15, 05:03 PM
#21
Lexus Test Driver
While this is premature, I got all 8 arms aftermarket for my 2010 ls460 swb for about $550, a shp (with a certified lexus mechanic) is quoting $750 for labor. Doing this in 2 weeks (when parts arrive) am in dallas area if anyone needs shop contact.
Also found a certified Lexus master mechanic (still works at lexus currently) who offered to do be able to do this as well for around the same price and has done this same "operation" often enough.
Will share more once I get this done.
Also found a certified Lexus master mechanic (still works at lexus currently) who offered to do be able to do this as well for around the same price and has done this same "operation" often enough.
Will share more once I get this done.
02-28-15, 05:21 PM
#22
Lexus Fanatic
This is a start:
Only 148 bucks for both sides upper. Lower should be similarly priced......
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Front-Upper-Control-Arm-Ball-Joint-Set-Kit-For-07-12-Lexus-LS460-LS600H-New-4-/191427247691?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3ALS460&hash=item2c91f3fe4b&vxp=mtr
Only 148 bucks for both sides upper. Lower should be similarly priced......
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Front-Upper-Control-Arm-Ball-Joint-Set-Kit-For-07-12-Lexus-LS460-LS600H-New-4-/191427247691?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3ALS460&hash=item2c91f3fe4b&vxp=mtr
Last edited by roadfrog; 02-28-15 at 05:25 PM.
03-01-15, 08:10 PM
#23
Labor quote
I had a local shop quote $330 to install 6 of the 8 arms (not sure if the lack of steering disassembly required played into it). Do you have photos of the actual aftermarket parts? I'd be interested in comparing the parts. I'll go snap some of the Lexus parts and upload them.
While this is premature, I got all 8 arms aftermarket for my 2010 ls460 swb for about $550, a shp (with a certified lexus mechanic) is quoting $750 for labor. Doing this in 2 weeks (when parts arrive) am in dallas area if anyone needs shop contact.
Also found a certified Lexus master mechanic (still works at lexus currently) who offered to do be able to do this as well for around the same price and has done this same "operation" often enough.
Will share more once I get this done.
Also found a certified Lexus master mechanic (still works at lexus currently) who offered to do be able to do this as well for around the same price and has done this same "operation" often enough.
Will share more once I get this done.
03-01-15, 08:26 PM
#24
Upper Control Arm #2 LH
Upper Control Arm #1 LH
Revised Upper Control Arm
Revised Upper Control Arm
Revised Lower Control Arm #1
Revised Lower Control Arm #1
Lower Control Arm #2 LH (look OK?)
03-02-15, 06:45 PM
#27
Lexus Test Driver
Ok so a little backstory, just got my 2010 LS460 SWB (100k miles) and the bushings were, of course, cracked. Had two options to replace just the bushings themselves (good recommended quality bushings were ~$350 plus another $80 for the bushing-removal tool or trying to find a mechanic who had a press) but for just a little more, I could get 8 new bushings. The way I reasoned it, for an extra $80 bucks, I could get all new aftermarket control arms and don't know the condition of my existing ones to risk just replacing the bushings...
So I sourced the following 8 parts
http://www.ebay.com/itm/390681965306?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT - $174
http://www.ebay.com/itm/201223484410?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT - $189
http://www.ebay.com/itm/191427247691?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT - ~$150
Total sum of parts (aftermarket parts mind you) is $515, compared to $3,407 (what Park Place Lexus had quoted here in Dallas), though a member got 6 genuine Lexus parts for around $2k via Sewell.
**I am currently awaiting for the parts to arrive and happy to take pics to show & compare**
Next step is to find a shop that will do this; it isn't an overly difficult procedure as many have said, I've received labor quotes ranging from $1300 (Park Place Lexus) to $750 (independent shop here in TX who happens to have a certified Lexus mechanic on staff) to replace all 8 control arms. Aim to have this done next week then I'll update this thread and/or create a new thread as an alternative for those who are out of warranty and don't want to pay $4k to the dealer.
Optimistically, when all said and done, this endeavor should cost around $1,250 inclusive of labor.
So I sourced the following 8 parts
http://www.ebay.com/itm/390681965306?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT - $174
http://www.ebay.com/itm/201223484410?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT - $189
http://www.ebay.com/itm/191427247691?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT - ~$150
Total sum of parts (aftermarket parts mind you) is $515, compared to $3,407 (what Park Place Lexus had quoted here in Dallas), though a member got 6 genuine Lexus parts for around $2k via Sewell.
**I am currently awaiting for the parts to arrive and happy to take pics to show & compare**
Next step is to find a shop that will do this; it isn't an overly difficult procedure as many have said, I've received labor quotes ranging from $1300 (Park Place Lexus) to $750 (independent shop here in TX who happens to have a certified Lexus mechanic on staff) to replace all 8 control arms. Aim to have this done next week then I'll update this thread and/or create a new thread as an alternative for those who are out of warranty and don't want to pay $4k to the dealer.
Optimistically, when all said and done, this endeavor should cost around $1,250 inclusive of labor.
03-08-15, 07:58 PM
#28
Got 'em installed
A local shop I trust (Benson's Wheel Alignment & Service in Webster, TX) installed the arms this week. They charged for 4 hours labor to do 6 of the 8 arms.
Dealer quote:
parts-$2928 plus tax...labor-$1525 + $99 alignment = $4,793
Sewell parts & local shop labor:
parts: $2268 w/ tax ... labor $400 + $79 alignment = $2,747
The biggest change I notice is somewhat improved steering precision. Hopefully these will last a good long time.
Dealer quote:
parts-$2928 plus tax...labor-$1525 + $99 alignment = $4,793
Sewell parts & local shop labor:
parts: $2268 w/ tax ... labor $400 + $79 alignment = $2,747
The biggest change I notice is somewhat improved steering precision. Hopefully these will last a good long time.
