I recently had Lexus locate and repair an extremely annoying creaking coming from the rear window area. While doing their overall inspection the tech (who I know and trust) mentioned I needed to replace the front caster rubber mounts which equates to a $500+ job through Lexus. My car has no symptoms, noises, or play coming from the front end and all tires are wearing evenly. Anyone ever change these bushings? Is it really all that urgent if they are worn? I heard it's a pain to remove and replace as the bushings need to be pressed out and in. Thanks all.

 

I've done it. Yes, the bushings need to be pressed in and out but I used a local repair shop that did it for about $25. The bushings were just under $70 each. On a scale of 1-10 I rate the job as a 3 and only because you have to jack up the car and put it on stands.

Did they say why you need to replace them? They're fluid filled so you might see it leaking. Early model '01 ones were recalled or at least a TSB was issued on them at some point I believe.

 

Yeap, cheap and satisfying repair... Dont let lexus do it tho - 500 is a straight rip off...
Not recalled but TSB'ed indeed. Make sure when you get new bushings that they have ***12 as last digits of part no.

 

Can someone take a picture of them. Where are they located? Near the control arm? Might be time to change mine.

 

I assume you will need an alignment after as well. I'll have my local shop look at them this weekend while he changes my rear brakes and ask his opinion. All I was told from Lexus was that they were worn.