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So I've had the infamous "clunking" noise on my front drivers side ever since I bought my baby 2 years ago. I have finally decided to take her in and get it replaced. I called the shop ahead of time and they are quoting me $400 for replacing the two front lower control arm bushings. But the Mechanic said that I might need to replace my whole control arm to fix the noise entirely and they quoted me at $1200 for that.. I am hoping that is not the case, so for the time being I am just taking it in for the LCA bushings. Couple of questions. The LCA bushings are liquid filled and in time they leak which may cause this noise? I've read other threads of members replacing them and this problem went away entirely, hoping that is the case for me. There are only 2 bushings that need to be replaced? or 4? Lastly, should I be replacing anything else that may go out soon, considering these bushings seem shot? Or have them take a look at my suspension? I have an 02 LS430 @ 60k miles. Appreciate any advice, thanks
There is only 1 bushing per arm that is replaceable. $88 per bushing via Lexus of South Atlanta. It is not common to replace the whole arm but you may need to inspect the part for damage. As far as other parts needing some love you really just have to look at them. 60k is pretty low mileage.
It can just get expensive to guess at what's clunking, so you might want to get a shop's opinion before you replace anything (but truthfully, they just make guesses many times as well)
Considering how low miles you have, I'm not sure I would start with the LCA Bushings. Mine didn't "leak" hydraulic fluid until it had over 160k miles. And even then after replacement, it was a subtle improvement in the way it felt on the road.
It's hard to diagnose noises like that over the internet, but I would just hate to see you spend $400 and it does nothing for your problem.