I have a 2007 LS 460 which has been a great car. At the 75,000 service I was surprised when the Lexus dealer told me that I needed to replace the front bushings as they were stripping.

I was surprised for two reasons: 1) he quoted me $4,500!!
2) the car has been driving great. There are no symptoms of a problem. The ride, handling, sounds are no different than in the past. No bumps and clunks etc.

So what do you suggest I do? is it dangerous not to replace the bushings? is this just a money grab?

 

well first of all, understand that the dealer charges you 4-5k but you can get the job done for 500-1k by using an indeoendant shop and aftermarket bushings or even replacement arms.

As for safety, it is not really a safety issue unless handling has been affeced. You state that the car drives fine, so I'd leave it alone.

 

I'm beginning to think that Lexus finds the bushings to be gone on every LS regardless of if they're gone or not. Like the original poster said...he doesn't hear anything and the car drives fine. I think he dealers are jumping the gun a bit to make some money. I've noticed that my car has a crack forming on the drivers side, lower control arm. I'm not going to do a thing until I start to hear or feel it...and it drives great now.

 

At last service, dealer replaced front brakes. I am beginning to feel a vibration when I lightly apply the brakes. Is this related to the alleged wear on the front bushings?

 

I suppose it could be, but what did they do to your brakes? Did they change the pads and the rotors? Or did they change the pads and cut the rotors. If they did the later, chances are you are running into a problem known as excessive lateral runout (or warped rotors). Another thing that it may be, is that sometimes the person replacing the rotors didn't clean the hub properly, which can lead to a little brake pulsation. And of course they may of just pad slapped it without even resurfacing the rotors...which may be the worst scenario.