Sorry if this has been covered before, but my search didn't find anything.

Mechanic says front control arm needs to be replaced (bushings beginning to separate). He said shop manual indicates that engine and transmission need to be removed (!) in order to do this, but he says that on non-hybrid models he's been successful in just jacking the engine up a little to get access to the bolts.

Is there any community wisdom regarding this repair for a 2013 RX450h?

Thanks.

 

There are many youtube videos showing mechanics loosening the motor mounts and jacking up the engine a couple inches to replace the control arms. Look for ones on the Highlander and the RX350/450 as they are twins. The Sienna is also almost the same and I recall a video where the guy pulled it out in about 5 minutes by loosening the motor mounts. The Camry and ES350 are also almost the same. On youtube just search Highlander control arm replacement.

You may want to find a mechanic that works more often on Toyota/Lexus and has done this before.

It helps if you state the year and your mileage.

 

Is the mechanic showing you the webbing or there is a movement due to broken rubber to metal bind.

I would postpone till there is a play.

Salim

 

Thanks. He took pics. Didn't look like there's any play, but they are pretty worn. 101k miles.

 

Save your money. There is nothing wrong with your bushings. You can drive for many more years with bushings like that. Most of us have similar-looking bushings. See this prior thread and watch the youtube video link in which a Toyota Master Tech explains everything. He is known as the car care nut on youtube and has many useful tips for our vehicles.
​​​​​​https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...20k-miles.html

 

It is the webbing. New one will show that in a year or two. The key is knowing when to replace.

My suggestion is wait till at least 1 (out of 3 or 4 section) tears apart. Also try to coincide repair when you would need alignment.

Salim

 

Thanks! Great info.