I went to a Toyota dealer to do alignment on my 2012 LS 460(66000 miles) because recently the car start pulling to the right. They said it can't be aligned 100% because two bushings were broken. They quoted me to change 6 control arms. I asked why 6 as only 2 were bad. They said something which I don't understand. Lexus OEM parts(aluminium arm) $2544, labor $975, alignment $99 so total is $3618 + taxes.

I did read some threads on this forum on control arm issues but still not clear.....Questions:

-the ride is still ok, will the broken bushings hurt/damage other parts of the car if I don't replace the bushings in short run?
-Are there 8 control arms in total for the LS? one upper arm and one lower arm for each wheel?
-if I do decide to repair it, I suppose I just need to replace the two broken ones and ignore the dealer suggestion to change six control arms?
-I am in Katy/Houston, need suggestion/referral on reliable shop to do the job
-please provide link/information on where to buy the control arms if you had good experiences

Thanks.

 

a couple of thoughts

1) see how it drives with the new front end allignment only, personally I would not trust them that the bushings or control arms need replacement
for example, I have an 07 now with 120,000 miles with all original suspension, nothing yet replaced

so if it drives just fine with the allignment then keep on driving it, and some day when you feel or hear a little clunk like from the front end
that that is indication a bushing needs replacing and even then it may be only that bushing and not time for all new control arms

the point is the 8 new control arms cost around $700 online shipped to you and then just find a good indy mechanic to install for around $600
tyes that is all it costs, see how much the dealer marks up and rips you off?

 

I went to my friend's shop to jack up the car and I did see the right side bushing is broken. Can you send me the link or guide me where to buy 8 control arms for $700? So no need to use Lexus OEM control arms, instead use after market ones?

I am surprise to find out the bushing is broken at such early stage. Perhaps it is because of one bad pothole that I hit recently...

 

ABbirds, because as I said I am still on all original suspension, I have not bought or installed yet.

But when I do need to then I check for a complete 8 control arm set from places online like Rockauto.com, also do a forum search for control arms and read lots and lots
and yes I agree, might as well do all 8 now rather than one and get it over with for a long time
and remember to remind your mechanic that they need to be installed "loaded" so they are the same set as when the car sits
I presume your guy should read up maybe in the 460 shop manual or somewhere about the procedure
Also there is some talk about lubing the bushings so they do not tend to age and crack, your guy should know about this

good luck and best wishes, let us know by posting on this thread what maker and from whom you end up buying from as that would help me out too
john