My 04 LS has been making a creaking noise when parking or stopping: dealer inspected and in need of bushings for $688 and they recommended new control arm(s?) for $1200.00. Needless to say I am posting to hear if any of my LS430 brothers have had a similar experience at hopefully a much lower cost.
I have 114,000 miles and my Platinum Lexus Warranty finally expired a month ago. I asked for a very thorough inspection about 90 days ago so a little disappointed this popped up so quickly.

 

Lower control arm bushings, yes, control arms, not very likely.

 

I just replaced my control arm bushings with 113k miles. They were cracked and had leaked all of the oil out of them. Bushings cost about $75 each (you need 2). Lexus calls them lower control arm bushing #2. Others call them caster bushings. You need a press to remove and reinstall the bushings from the housings. I did both sides in an hour so a shop should charge around $100 for labor if you supply the bushings.

 

I would go back to Lexus first as there is no way these bushings suddenly wore out. They should have discovered the issue during your inspection. You can argue that the bushings failed while still under warranty because they did.

 

Lexus OE Bushing Part # 48655-50012. You need two, one for each lower control arm. These typically need to be replaced, depending upon road conditions driven on, at 100K miles and above.

 

Thank you. That made my day! I started thinking "well great. Now that the warranty is gone I'll have to deliver pizzas out of this sucker to maintain it properly." I am guessing I can drive this car out of warranty and budget around $2000 a year for unexpected repairs on a 12 year old car. Don't know if that's realistic but thanks again for your reply!

 

Thanks for your reply. This is the second time I've asked for a full inspection and they missed something. I am wondering if there is less profit to make repairs under warranty? Between my ex wife and I, we've purchased five cars from this dealer over the past 15 years and safe to say this is the end of the road. They don't care.

 

Thanks for the reference! Glad there's a better way to go🙂

 

Sorry to intrude on this post, having the same problem. Do these bushings leak when they go bad? Mine do not have any leaks.

 

They leak when they first start cracking but eventually all of the oil leaks out. Mine were cracked and dry at 113k so they had been cracked for a long time.

 

Ok got it, makes sense, thanks very much.

 

These bushings are a normal replacement part. I would only replace the large 3" diameter one's.
Not hard, I usually do it in an hour or two.

Need a press. I used a piece of 3" steel tubing (not pipe) as an arbor. The bushings are just a bit larger than 3".

Not a dealer issue. Can't expect the dealer to do preventative maintenance otherwise he would be required to replace partially won parts.

 

I know my brakes give off a squeaking type noise when there is no grease on the pins and shims.

 

My car does the same thing. Now. Been doing it since about 110k. Doesn't help that it's slammed lol

 

Correct. My lCAB were cracked the day I purchased my car over 6 years ago at 98,000 miles. Now at 124,000 miles and all the oil leaking out, the ride is still silky smooth with no clunks , creaking or unusual noises. Steering is straight as an arrow. I don't believe that lower control arm bushings need to be replaced as often as Lexus or independent shops mention. I'm going good and not planning on any replacement. Go spend the money if you like........