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Just had my front control arms replaced

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Old Jul 30, 2015 | 03:34 PM
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Default Just had my front control arms replaced

2010 460 with 71k miles with a CPO warranty. I've only owned it for two months and other than a clunk when braking hard, I had no indications.
I just drove back 100 miles from my nearest Lexus dealer today.
The car drove/felt so different. Huge improvement. I also got a 3 MPG highway fuel improvement. It's too soon to tell for sure but it appears that my city mpg has gone up 3 MPG as well. I did run a bottle of Dura Lube Severe Fuel System Cleaner through the gas before bringing it to Lexus. Can't say for sure which brought my mileage up. But I'm happy with the results.

Last edited by swfla; Jul 31, 2015 at 01:05 PM.
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Old Jul 31, 2015 | 04:17 AM
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Had my 2007 control arms replaced under CPO at 99,500 miles. A $4,000 warranty claim!
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Old Jul 31, 2015 | 04:40 AM
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I'm surprised this happened to a 2010 with only 71K. I thought the problem was restricted to 2007 and some early 2008 models.
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Old Jul 31, 2015 | 05:15 AM
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I read here that 2011 was when Lexus started using re-engineered arms. So even early 2011 models can have the issue. Of course that doesn't make it a fact but worth keeping it in mind if you own or are considering a purchase.
Service writer said it's rare for rears to go bad. I thought that odd because it's the same materials as front. He sad they don't get the abuse that fronts receive.
I'll bring my car back just before my warranty runs out to inspect the rears, just in case.
Who knows, this may turn into a recall with so many years affected but not come to light yet.
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Old Jul 31, 2015 | 05:41 AM
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Having a warranty is a peace of mind.
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Old Jul 31, 2015 | 08:01 AM
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Originally Posted by dlbuckls10
Having a warranty is a peace of mind.
But a costly one. Personally, (and just my opinion), I get better peace of mind saving the thousands of dollars in living without a warranty. As stated many times throughout CL, this repair is less than 800 dollars and half that if you do it yourself.

I get a bit of a thump or feeling of grabby brakes when I first apply my brakes, so I may be n need of front bushings. I'll probably do them myself by replacing the complete arms which can be had for a few hundred dollars.
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Old Jul 31, 2015 | 08:11 AM
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Originally Posted by roadfrog
But a costly one. Personally, (and just my opinion), I get better peace of mind saving the thousands of dollars in living without a warranty. As stated many times throughout CL, this repair is less than 800 dollars and half that if you do it yourself.
Couldn't agree more.
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Old Jul 31, 2015 | 09:14 AM
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Though my DIY days are behind me due to range of motion issues, I'll still do what I can, like air filters, MAF cleaning, etc. I've gotten pretty good at finding quality work for reasonable prices thanks in part to this forum's members. I even got the Lexus dealer to do a price match for coolant change, saving me $25. All I had to do was ask! Another member who lives in my town recommended an independent repair shop to me.
Those of you who like to DIY, my hat's off to you.
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Old Jul 31, 2015 | 12:19 PM
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From what I understand, it's pretty straightforward.
The most complicated thing that needs to be do.e is removing the shock/strut column because there isn't quite enough room to remove the inner are bolts on the UCA's. Once it's out of the way, it's pretty straightforward.
I would have honestly taken this route, bit because Lexus is offering me the OEM revised arms, and I pay labor, in my case it makes the most sense to let Lexus do it.
I'll definitely be reporting back once mine are replaced.
swfl, glad to hear about your driving improvements!
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Old Jul 31, 2015 | 01:05 PM
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Thanks Crowe14. I hope your experience is positive as well. Be sure to keep all records of payment credit card/check and copy current registration and title. If Lexus ever turns this into a recall, you'll have the records to get fully reimbursed. I just went through this for an RX 330 I used to own. A check for $900 from Lexus is on it's way to me for the cracked dashboard repair that became a recall a few months ago.
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Old Aug 1, 2015 | 02:29 PM
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Been hearing a noise, so I go to take a look and I find this. Can I have the ball joint changed out in this arm or will I have to replace the arm?
Attached Thumbnails Just had my front control arms replaced-20150801_124649.jpg  

Last edited by derpie; Aug 1, 2015 at 02:38 PM. Reason: spell checked
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Old Aug 1, 2015 | 03:27 PM
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You can buy just the bushings but the threaded stud is likely bent. EBay has very affordable replacement arms. You'll most likely find all four arms on each side with bad bushings. Go to FAQ at the ls460 forum for complete info.
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Old Aug 1, 2015 | 03:32 PM
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Originally Posted by swfla
You can buy just the bushings but the threaded stud is likely bent. EBay has very affordable replacement arms. You'll most likely find all four arms on each side with bad bushings. Go to FAQ at the ls460 forum for complete info.
Ok wonderful , would you recommend an alignment afterward when I change the arm or arms ?
the other side looked ok btw
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Old Aug 1, 2015 | 04:01 PM
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Yes you must align. As the FAQ says (did you read?) this is a know issue and unless your car is 2011 1/2 or newer. It's very likely they're all bad. The bushing material is inferior. You can' tell by just looking. You were wise to come to this forum. Now do some research/reading here, you'll be glad you did.
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Old Aug 1, 2015 | 04:50 PM
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Originally Posted by swfla
Yes you must align. As the FAQ says (did you read?) this is a know issue and unless your car is 2011 1/2 or newer. It's very likely they're all bad. The bushing material is inferior. You can' tell by just looking. You were wise to come to this forum. Now do some research/reading here, you'll be glad you did.
Yes sir , I'm going to replace all of bushing front and back , however I wasn't sure If I could just replace the ball joint or as it seems now arm for now. If the joints aren't replaceable in the arms I will replace the arms only, instead of buying bushings which will be already installed in the arms.
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