LS 460 Rear strut replacement tutorial
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 365
From: New Hampshire
If it wasn't for the unseasonable cold weather of late, I would have tackled it all. But even doing my brakes over the last day or so was a challenge. My wife kept bringing out hot tea for me and shaking her head at my resolve. But I've also come into some money from my Dads will. I used to work on his car all the time and I know he would like to see someone do work on my car for me for a change! LOL. So...I'm gonna splurge. He would have liked that.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 5,371
Likes: 526
From: BC Canada
I appreciate it! I always teased him for being so cheap. Turns out his being cheap really ended up taking care of us. So yeah....Kal Tire here in Chilliwack will be doing the work for me on Wednesday. Two struts all eight control arms, ball joints and sway bar links. About 7-900 dollars.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,502
Likes: 66
From: IN
OMG!! You're doing that much suspension work on an LS!!??
No way, that's absurd!
If I were you, I'd be looking at getting rid of it and begin your search for another vehicle.
These control arm issues on the LS' is ridiculous...
So I guess you going to shell out all of that $$ and still keep the car??
What a waste!
No way, that's absurd!
If I were you, I'd be looking at getting rid of it and begin your search for another vehicle.
These control arm issues on the LS' is ridiculous...
So I guess you going to shell out all of that $$ and still keep the car??
What a waste!
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 5,371
Likes: 526
From: BC Canada
OMG!! You're doing that much suspension work on an LS!!??
No way, that's absurd!
If I were you, I'd be looking at getting rid of it and begin your search for another vehicle.
These control arm issues on the LS' is ridiculous...
So I guess you going to shell out all of that $$ and still keep the car??
What a waste!
No way, that's absurd!
If I were you, I'd be looking at getting rid of it and begin your search for another vehicle.
These control arm issues on the LS' is ridiculous...
So I guess you going to shell out all of that $$ and still keep the car??
What a waste!
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 32
From: Massachusetts
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 39
Likes: 66
From: Florida
Roadfrog,
Sorry for your pain. I live in Fl. and the car was here most of it's life, so no rust. I am from New England originally. I remember frozen bolts well. Don't miss it, Traded for the sunshine.
Update:
I replaced the right rear with a used assembly, and it failed after 80 miles. Back to square 1. The place was excellent about refunding my money, it was back in 15 minutes. Went out and purchased brand new rear cartridges. Rented a spring compressor and did both sides. The driver side was the same procedure, but with a second bracket on the lower control arm that had to be removed. Also a 10 mm. Went smooth and quick, under 3 hours to do both sides. I didn't do another document, as there was no real difference.
One note though: To make it easier, I lightly sanded the inside of the new cartridge where it slides on to the lower control arm and placed grease on the arm itself. To install the strut, I placed the top in first and tightened the nuts. then I jacked the bottom of the strut until it met the shaft and pulled it on and whacked it with a rubber mallet and it slid right on.
Best of luck.
Sorry for your pain. I live in Fl. and the car was here most of it's life, so no rust. I am from New England originally. I remember frozen bolts well. Don't miss it, Traded for the sunshine.
Update:
I replaced the right rear with a used assembly, and it failed after 80 miles. Back to square 1. The place was excellent about refunding my money, it was back in 15 minutes. Went out and purchased brand new rear cartridges. Rented a spring compressor and did both sides. The driver side was the same procedure, but with a second bracket on the lower control arm that had to be removed. Also a 10 mm. Went smooth and quick, under 3 hours to do both sides. I didn't do another document, as there was no real difference.
One note though: To make it easier, I lightly sanded the inside of the new cartridge where it slides on to the lower control arm and placed grease on the arm itself. To install the strut, I placed the top in first and tightened the nuts. then I jacked the bottom of the strut until it met the shaft and pulled it on and whacked it with a rubber mallet and it slid right on.
Best of luck.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 5,371
Likes: 526
From: BC Canada
Roadfrog,
Sorry for your pain. I live in Fl. and the car was here most of it's life, so no rust. I am from New England originally. I remember frozen bolts well. Don't miss it, Traded for the sunshine.
Update:
I replaced the right rear with a used assembly, and it failed after 80 miles. Back to square 1. The place was excellent about refunding my money, it was back in 15 minutes. Went out and purchased brand new rear cartridges. Rented a spring compressor and did both sides. The driver side was the same procedure, but with a second bracket on the lower control arm that had to be removed. Also a 10 mm. Went smooth and quick, under 3 hours to do both sides. I didn't do another document, as there was no real difference.
One note though: To make it easier, I lightly sanded the inside of the new cartridge where it slides on to the lower control arm and placed grease on the arm itself. To install the strut, I placed the top in first and tightened the nuts. then I jacked the bottom of the strut until it met the shaft and pulled it on and whacked it with a rubber mallet and it slid right on.
Best of luck.
Sorry for your pain. I live in Fl. and the car was here most of it's life, so no rust. I am from New England originally. I remember frozen bolts well. Don't miss it, Traded for the sunshine.
Update:
I replaced the right rear with a used assembly, and it failed after 80 miles. Back to square 1. The place was excellent about refunding my money, it was back in 15 minutes. Went out and purchased brand new rear cartridges. Rented a spring compressor and did both sides. The driver side was the same procedure, but with a second bracket on the lower control arm that had to be removed. Also a 10 mm. Went smooth and quick, under 3 hours to do both sides. I didn't do another document, as there was no real difference.
One note though: To make it easier, I lightly sanded the inside of the new cartridge where it slides on to the lower control arm and placed grease on the arm itself. To install the strut, I placed the top in first and tightened the nuts. then I jacked the bottom of the strut until it met the shaft and pulled it on and whacked it with a rubber mallet and it slid right on.
Best of luck.
Pole Position
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,669
Likes: 223
From: DE
i got quoted 870$ from the same mechanic who charged me 220 for coilovers for my gs400 about 12 years ago. i was expecting about 500 or so
Appointment made. Tuesday. They quoted me 5-7 hours which includes replacing ball joints, struts and ALL of the front control arms. I'm supplying all the parts. I figure all in, I'll be out about 1600 dollars - which is great considering what Lexus would have charged me. With the new rear shocks done and all four brakes I did yesterday, she'll feel like a new car.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 5,371
Likes: 526
From: BC Canada
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 5,371
Likes: 526
From: BC Canada
Rookie
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 39
Likes: 8
From: Ga
I appreciate it! I always teased him for being so cheap. Turns out his being cheap really ended up taking care of us. So yeah....Kal Tire here in Chilliwack will be doing the work for me on Wednesday. Two struts all eight control arms, ball joints and sway bar links. About 7-900 dollars.