I think I need to replace the passenger door actuator on my 13 GS (lock sticks sometimes, especially stays unlocked). I have been looking for the part, and I see prices ranging from about $25 to $125; of course, my local Lexus stealership wants over $300. Is there any real difference between a $25 or $35 part and a $125 one? Also, any ideas for reasonably priced original Lexus/Toyota sourcing? Thanks!

 

Salvaged and refurbished parts will be at the lower end. Third party parts will be in the middle. OEM parts will be pricey.

I replaced an actuator or two in my 2GS, always used salvaged parts, and I never had a repeat failure.

If you're able to do the work and aren't scared of potentially having to redo it down the road, go for the cheap part.
If you need to have someone else do it, go for third party or OEM.

Many times, what fails is the electric motor, which is only about $10. That's most likely what was replaced in the refurbished units.
Folks have chosen to do that repair themselves, though it's tricky: motors come with a wide variety of shaft lengths, and it can be difficult to find an exact match.

 

I would go with a more reputable part. I had a cheap replacement once and the sound of the actuator was so loud and cheap. Feels like I'm in a 90s Corolla.

 

Rockauto has them, Aisin ones look good.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...actuator,13257

 

I have replaced the ones in my 2GS twice already. I bought a cheaper set I found on eBay and they did not last anywhere near as long as the original. But also it was an older car and I didn't want to put too much money into. I'd probably get the AISIN ones that the person above me posted which should be OEM. AISIN produces a lot of OEM parts for Lexus and Toyota.

But yeah what the other guy said too. If you're doing it yourself I'd be okay with the cheaper ones just in case you need to redo it you can. If paying someone to do it might as well get the better ones so you don't have to pay them a second time to do it again.

 

I will be doing it myself. I ordered the Aisin for about $120. Not really interested in doing the job too often if I don't need to. Thanks for all the feedback!

 

any chance its a bad motor? I replaced the motor for the lock actuator on my buddies 2007 ls460 last weekend. It too about an hour from start to finish and an $8 motor.

 

Was the part you replaced a salvage part? The only actuator motor I can find consists of the whole assembly. The least expensive I can find costs about $25 new. I bought the Aisin for $125. Not interested in doing the job twice if I don’t have to.

 

Changed the actuator this AM. Took about 45 minutes, going slow. I did NOT have to remove the window guide; I just unbolted and held it aside when I pulled the old unit out and installed the new one. I was concerned that I couldn't see what what the top part of the guide was attached to, but it didn't matter. The Aisin part was an identical match to the original. Difference in prices for this part is amazing. Amazon (from where I purchased it) $125. Local Autozone, $256. Lexus, $350. All for the same part. Thanks for all the suggestions!

 

I've installed multiple Aisin units for 12/13 Camry's and they still work. Identical to OEM.

 

his actuator is OEM, i just took it apart and changed the motor that controls the lock. if you didnt throw away your old one, any chance you can gain access to the motor, and measure it. im sure most of us will find that info useful.

 

Not sure what you mean by measure. The values printed on the motor, on 3 lines respectively, are PAN14, EE12BC, 1223KA. Tough to get apart without wrecking the housing and disrupting the springs and levers. Glad I bought an OEM replacement.