I’m looking for control arms for an 08. The dealer is going to charge around 4k for this job. Aftermarket control arms with labor from a reputable mechanic is going to be significantly cheaper.

Will this compromise safety?

Are there any particularly reputable aftermarket makers of control arms for this car?

 

Lots of threads here on that subject. Do a search. But aftermarket won't compromise safety. Proper installation by an indie shop and certain brands seem to last longer though.

 

Install is the most important factor and avoid no name or cheap Chinese parts since the ball joint ends will not be trustworthy.

 

It's pretty hard to avoid Chinese parts since most things are made there, this is a front door speaker from a 2013 LS460 premium sound system.

 

Just think of it this way, if it would not have been made in China then it would be India, Pakistan or some other low cost country and otherwise (western made) the LS would cost more than 200k! Quality control is under Lexus supervision and we don't see many speakers failing. I dont see this as a problem (build in China) but rather an advantage. For vital suspension parts however make sure you use OEM only (which could have been made in China )

 

While Striker is accurate, Gerf's explanation is helpful too. Chinese made product quality is dependent on brand specs. A quality brand of control arms will have better build quality and a higher price than a "no name" brand, both made in China. Rather than us start another brand name debate here, do a search and read about past debates. Rock Auto is one source that is popular in part because they are a reputable seller. Keep in mind that there is a re-engineered control arm part number that is superior to the original part number. Beware of old stock out there. I believe it was installed on 2013 and newer cars but fits older models. Ball joints seem to be tough to separate on the LS. So, you can buy complete part with new ball joint installed. Your call. Look at your sway bar bushings while you're doing the work. Merry Christmas.

 

That's why I said "cheap Chinese" lol

 

I know what you meant as I see your posts all the time. But someone could interpret that statement as "all Chinese is cheap". A little further explanation was intended to help others. No disrespect to all your contributions here. Merry Christmas.

 

I have GENUINE LEXUS control arms from my 2008 Lexus LS460 ( JTHBL46F985064571 ) which contain new pressed in rubber control arm bushings from TRQ.

The bushings were removed and pressed in by me and are the rubber type, NOT polyurethane. I choose these bushings in particular because they were rubber like the original factory units.

I put in my 2008 LS460 the cheapest aftermarket set of new control arms (carbon steel) and if they failed, I would be able to put my original set back in with new bushings. Within 9 months after install, I sold my LS460 of 12 years and so I have the original Lexus control arms set with new bushings to sell. Time to move these along to someone else who needs them.

You are buying GENUINE LEXUS control arms from my 2008 Lexus LS460 ( JTHBL46F985064571 ) which contain new TRQ bushings that fit Lexus LS460 2007-2017 (RWD Models):

1x Front Left Upper Forward Control Arm with new bushing & Original Ball Joint - 48630-59125

1x Front Right Upper Forward Control Arm with new bushing & Original Ball Joint - 48610-59125

1x Front Left Upper Rearward Control Arm with new bushing & Original Ball Joint - 48630-59135

1x Front Right Upper Rearward Control Arm with new bushing & Original Ball Joint - 48610-59135

1x Front Left Lower Forward Control Arm with new bushing & Original Ball Joint - 48640-59015

1x Front Right Lower Forward Control Arm with new bushing & Original Ball Joint - 48620-59015

1x Front Left Lower Control Arm with new bushings - 48640-50070

1x Front Right Lower Control Arm with new bushings - 48620-50070

$425.00 shipped to U.S., lower 48 states

 

How do these bushings feel like? I want something as close to oem but if i have to get oem i will. Just curious