My GX is with 153k miles.

Front driver side shock started sagging few weeks back. I asked Lexus dealer to quote for repair/replacement. Technician found that front driver side is leaking as well coil is weak. They recommended both fronts to be replaced.

Parts :
48510-60121 2 units
48131-6B500 1 unit
48131-6A560 1 unit

Quote; parts $1000, labor $1000. I could get all above parts for $600. Here is my question;

• Does replacement of both front shocks need 8 hours job?
• Can I just replace only the broken one and leave the other for later?
• Can this be done at other places such as Good Year Tire etc provided they accept parts from me?

Thanks for your input.......

 

You generally should replace suspension parts in pairs so that the alignment and drive feel gets maintained. Also - they were made at the same time, so it won't be surprising that they wear out at about the same time.

Yes you can order the parts online and get any Toyota or 4x4 specialist shop to install them for you. The exception would be that if you were covered under some kind of warranty, then you'd want Lexus to do it (doesn't sound like it in this case). Speaking of warranty - you'll only get the part warranty if sold by a dealer, and then they'll probably give you a hassle over not being installed there. If you're OK with effectively no warranty, get your mechanic to do it.

Chip H.

 

Thanks chip, appreciate the input.

Where I am confused was whether front is air or non air suspension. If it is air, I don't mind bit of a premium and have Lexus dealer install it.

Quite frankly, this is the major repair on this GX since I own it (12 years). Otherwise very reliable vehicle.

 

The front on the GX is traditional coil springs (the LX is the one with four-way air).
The shocks have remotely adjustable valving via the comfort..sport switch on the console.

While the mechanic is in there .. have them inspect the condition of the half-shafts (CV joints) and the ball joints. Cheaper on labor costs to get it all done at the same time since they'll be "in the neighborhood" and may have to remove some of those parts anyway.

Chip H.

 

Thanks Chip. I am inquiring labor from non-dealers. If the savings are good, will go with non-dealer.

While in TX, I always used one particular Toyota dealership. Here in NJ, I didn't see hourly rate difference between Toyota and Lexus. However in general parts from Toyota is less expensive than Lexus. However I get from online which is even more cheaper than Toyota dealerships.

 

Let's know where you get the parts and how is the outcome.

 

Sure, will update. It will be few weeks before I repair this............

 

For the cost you listed I would be tempted to go after market and it would be less of a cost. 8 hours of labor seems like a bit much, but it did take my son and I some time to put in the replacement Toytec coilovers due to rust and tight space on top of the strut. Also if the front is worn, so is the rear-leaking or not.

 

When you take your car to the Dealer, they all go by BOOK time--so the book says 8 hours and thats what they charge you, even though they can get it done in 2-3 hours or so--they will still charge you the full book time of 8 hours! Go to a mom/pop shop or other non dealer source and they will charge you per hour and they kinda know how long it will take them to do it--thats why its allot cheaper most of the time

 

Update:
Ordered the parts from discountpartsmonster.com. They came to the cheapest shipped. Even though they are in FL, they did add sales tax to NJ address. Billing shows its from Hollywood Toyota, FL. May be its their internet shop. Any how I ordered these few days before hurricane. Waited more than a week post hurricane and cancelled the order.

Next best is from acurapartsclub.com. Yes, they sell Lexus/Toyota parts as well. Shipped $660 for above mentioned parts.

Used local auto shop to do the work. Labor cost is $360 + $85 wheel alignment. Total $445 + tax. It took about 3 hours to complete the work. Before suspension replacement, driving became bit harsh. Turning steering wasn't smooth and bit of vibration feel on highways. Now it drives good.

 

Thanks for the update.