Has anyone had the driver’s side control arm replaced yet?

I was on a Toyota site and apparently the 2013-2018 Avalon (same as the ES350) requires the engine and transmission removed to replace the lower control arm on the driver’s side. So, I was just wondering if anyone has had this done yet...and if anyone has seen a solution around that?

The issue is the transmission mount on the driver’s side. Not a lot of videos/info out there about it, but I imagine the cradle can be lowered, while removing an engine mount and gaining access to that transmission mount? But has anyone had to do this yet? Dealers are saying the entire engine and transmission must come out...10 hours labor...close to $2,000. I’m coming off a Lexus LS460 and I was thinking that my control arm problems were behind me.😂😂😂

 

First I have heard this. As a mechanic, it is really hard to imagine having to take out the engine/trans for a front end wear item. Sometimes certain items just have to be studied to see if there is an alternate method to the manufacturers instructions. Now I want to look at it, and will next time I change oil.

Not sure the ES 350 will have any unnecessary wear like the LS. The ES 350 is a lot lighter vehicle and has a better track record of front end wear items.

 

I haven't heard of this, but I will probably be replacing mine sometime in July and I'll post pics and write up of the process.

 

It is very hard to imagine removing an entire engine and transmission for a simple control arm replacement, but I have seen some crazy things in the industry - but I just can’t imagine a super reliable vehicle like the ES350 having a procedure like this.

I have replaced the control arms on my LS460 (twice), and it’s a very simple repair despite what people think of it and despite the amount of labor the dealership bills you for. It’s a two hour job MAX...and that’s for all 6 control arms.

I have replaced control arms on highlanders and Camry’s before - and although they are not fun - I just can’t imagine that tranny mount on the drivers side being unremovable without taking out the engine. So, I’m wondering if anyone has actually had to do it yet.

 

Excellent! Looking forward to it.

 

There are videos on YT for the Camry dealing with this issue: seems there may be an engine mount and/or transmission mount that needs to be disconnected but certainly not to the extent of removing the engine/tranny combo from the car! Just do a search for "Changing control arm on Avalon".

 

Does not look like an engine pull to me. Maybe loosen or remove a mount. Maybe lift the engine a little. The book does say to remove engine LOL

 

Hmm, makes me wonder if it is worth just replacing that engine mount while we are in there?

 

If the book says that, that's why they're quoting it as such ... lol. A little ingenuity would go a long way, but the book method would be more profitable for them.

If you're lifting the engine up or supporting it properly, can't hurt replacing items that are near the end of their life.

 

It is not uncommon on cars with subframes, to used an engine support when doing some tasks. I have done same on one of my cars when I replaced subframe bushings. In the diagram in the earlier posts, it mentions "when not using an engine support bridge".