Pollyktz

I got a quote to replace my rear transfer case actuary, $2550 , he said it takes 16 hours of labor! also said my front caliber seized, that's another $1400 plus the cost of new pads. I had the suv towed in because my VCS off light came on and the steering didn't feel right, kinda squirrelly. Probably not going to have this work done as its only worth about 9k. Does 16 hrs really sound reasonable for the labor or should I check somewhere else?

BlackCat81

Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeelllllllllllll no.

Pollyktz

hell no is right, but could you be a little more specific? What seems completely out of line? my son, in another state said the car wouldn't even be drivable if they needed to do what they are saying. It is drivable but weird in my mind....maybe I'm just being a crazy mom!

BlackCat81

Everything about it is crazy. It'd be cheaper to find a used transfer case to swap in. Hell, you can swap an entire engine in a GX for less than 16hrs of labor. The caliper seizing is a common issue. Purchase aftermarket calipers from Napa or Carquest, opt for ones with lifetime warranties because you'll need it if you plan on keeping it. I owned a Corvette at one point and bought a complete set of Baer (racing 2 piece rotors and pads) for less money than that. That brake job price is astronomical. Get your truck out of there ASAP. A caliper sticking will basically make the truck pull hard to one side if it's totally seized. Even if you tow it out of there to another independent shop you'll be ahead of the game. If you'd like, ask the dealer to provide you a detailed quote in writing with a parts and labor break down and I'll look it over. I'm a journeyman tech for Infiniti, and the cars are built very similar.

IanB2

I just replaced a seized front caliper for about $150 plus my labor, didn't need pads in my case. It's probably book time 2-3 hours at $100/hr, so call it $500-700 for an indy shop to do. I can't really comment on the TC issue.

BlackCat81

I charge 3hrs to do 2 rear calipers, pads, and rotors on older G35's. It's a common issue with them as well, and using aftermarket parts, it's usually around $6-700.

Pollyktz

Thanks, I thought 16 hrs was excessive. We are going to pick it up, my husband said he will drive it to a independent shop and we will see what they have to say. Should I tell them what Lexus quoted or just let them look and see what they feel needs to be done? I feel that if I give them the high quote they might come in slightly lower just to get the work. I really hate not trusting shops!

BlackCat81

I'd tell them your concerns about the car, but not tell them it was at a dealer or give them prices you were quoted.

Pollyktz

Thank you, one other thing Lexus charged me $149 for the diagnostic test, maybe I should stop by advance auto on my way to the independent shop and have them run one? Not sure if the independent charges for that, probably.

chiph9

If you paid for the diagnostic, you should get the results from it.

Have you thought about going by a Toyota dealer? Some of the parts on the GX are interchangeable with the 4Runner.

Chip H.

SC3coupe

iTrader: (4)

What is wrong with the transfer case actuator?
If it is just leaking there might be a easier way to repair the o-ring
You did say the vsc light is on, after you paid $149 diagnostics I would expect to see a writeup of what they think is wrong

Othic

Its the o-ring on the actuator that causes the leak. Theres a tsib on it. Ive done a few under warranty and customer pay. 16 hours is excessive. Mind you the correct way to do it is to R&R the transfer case and split the case open. its pretty much almost an overhaul. On my brothers GX I pulled the actuator off the shaft and replaced the o ring without removing or opening the case. Its not the right way to do it but I wasn't worried about it since it was family haha. Took less than 5 mins that way.