Bad motor mounts...urgent to change?
 

This is for a 02 with 95k miles. I took it to the mechanic for some repairs and he said that my motor mounts need to be changed. I have read that the mounts are due for a change around this time but the car drives fine with no noticeable issues. There is a slight buzz from inside the car when the car is stopped at a red light but goes away when you drive or put the car in Park. I don't know if this is related. My questions are,

-The mechanic wants $600 to change them. On sewell, 2 mounts cost $300. Is $300 labor fair?
-What about the transmission mount, is it easy to do at the same time, should they charge additional labor to do the trans mount? Should I even replace the trans mount?
-I plan to keep the car for 2-3 more years and put on 5k city miles/year. Do I need to change my mounts?
-Are these the right parts?
http://lexus.sewellparts.com/accesso...2002/4508.html

Thanks for the help.

Hi sshu, I too have the 02 ls, mileage 140,000, and was told that I needed mounts when I had it saw for possible bushings. My quote was near that, but the parts would be included. I've read a number of posts, so I've been budgeting for both. Its more of a maintenance issue than a repair. I have noticed some level of unease that may be that of the engine and suspension.

you dont have to change the mounts.you car will make some noises but will not effect it otherwise.other then keeping the engine in place they absorb the engines virbration.
i have seen them break before but that happens very rarely.
.

I just took my 02 LS to Park Place Plano today to have the timing belt/water pump service done. I was told I need motor mounts as well. Thing is, the car is silky smooth. I think the guys in service do this as a preventative thing. I'm already spending $1400 for timing belt and water pump and was told I need an idler pulley as well. I will just have to address the motor mounts later. BTW, 150,000 miles and this is the only timing belt service done to this car ever.....whatcha think about that..:D

The LS used to run forever with old TB's.. then they changed the design so that if the TB breaks your engine is killed. Bad change IMO.

Engine mounts are a wearable rubber parts on any car and can be expected to wear out. Sure they may not be broken yet but they are definitely worn. From what I've read replacement starting at 100k miles is to be expected if you want to keep you car running smooth. You may not notice a problem now but after you replace them I bet you'll notice it running smoother. The trans mount is cheap and easy and definitely should be changed at the same time.

i will change mine at a 100k mile mark and change them in my other cars as well.rubber will fail and needs to be replaced.

When you say the old belts, what year did they change to the ones that dont last as long?

I have a 2005

also a important point since most people don't flush the coolant when they do the job they remove the radiator and flush the system its important that its done as preventative

I replaced my rear mount and even though the original was not cracked or particularly worn the new one was definitely more firm and movement during shifting has been reduced. The rear can be done very easily. About 10 min up on a lift. I will tackle the two front at some point. Lot more labor on those. I also don't recommend going aftermarket on motor mounts.

There are three total.

The two front.

http://www.lexussouthatlantaparts.co...sembly=1175169

And the one rear.

http://www.lexussouthatlantaparts.co...ssembly=785711

gsrell - he TB material has not changed. What did change was the design of the engine. LS400 engines from 90 to 94 were non-interference, meaning that if the timing belt broke, the engine stopped but no major damage was done.
From 95 on (including all LS430s), if the belt broke, open valves would run into the pistons causing extensive (and expensive) damage. The change was made to improve the efficiency of the engine.
The belt is very tough - mine looked almost new at 150K miles, but it will fail someday. A bit more common is for the water pump or idler pulley bearing to seize taking out the timing belt - no big deal with the 90-94 (except for being stranded), but causing extensive damage to the interference-design engines.