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So the shop inspected my control arm bushings recently and said it needed to be replaced in the near future. However, replacing the control arms require removing the motor mounts/engine so it would cost around $2200 to replace including parts and labor. I have already replaced the lower ball joints, outer tie rods, and sway bar end links. However, my budget isn’t enough to fix the control arms as a whole. With the pictures attached below, how much longer do you think I can hold out with the old control arms?
Looks like normal wear. Those are tiny cracks, there are no major tears. That is how they look with some age.
If it drives okay then leave it alone and save your money. When you have a real steering or handling issue, go to a different shop for inspection. I would not trust those guys.
I don't think the engine needs to be removed to replace the lower control arms. It is not that difficult if a mechanic is experienced working on Toyotas. There is a youtube video of a guy doing it in minutes. It helps to know which motor mounts to loosen to get some wiggle room.
Gotchu. What is a reasonable price range to replace these arms? After reviewing what the shop would charge me, the $2200 includes motor oil, trans oil, oil filters, which. tells me they are literally trying to remove the entire engine!!! Which is ridiculous.
I have no idea and such prices vary depending where you live. You should find a Toyota specialist repair shop and get a quote if you want to spend money on this when you don't need it now.
Use Yelp or Google to search for reviews of local independent Toyota specialists.
Okay gotcha. Do you recommend that I change out my lower ball joints first then and wait on the control arms? I have not replaced my ball joints but the left one is seeping grease already.
Keep an eye and if it develops play, replace it. The OEM are sealed and do not have a grease nipple, so there is not much you can do about it. I love the design as one end is attached by nuts and bolt.
I have similar (possibly slightly worse) wear on my control arm bushings, and was also quoted a similar amount when Lexus noted it as an advisory. My undertstanding is that is that it's perfectly normal wear and that they could last years before they need replacing. Since being notified I sprayed them with AT-205 (I guess a silicone/rubber safe lubricant would do the same) and no mention was made at my last service.
Agreed -- normal bushing wear at this point. Save your money and just keep driving. Inspect the bushings at every tire rotation and if you see nothing worse than your current small cracks, no need to do anything about it.
Cost to replace both front control arms - 2010 RX350H?
During a recent Lexus inspection, the dealer recommended both control arms be replaced due to what looks like pretty good cracking in the photo - wondering what others have paid to repair this outside of dealerships. Thanks
Over a thousand dollars. And you almost certainly probablly don't need them. As pointed out in the prior posts in this thread, cracking is normal. How many miles are on your RX? The control arms should last 200,000 miles or more.
Unless you have driving issues or tire issues related to the control arm bushings, save your money. If not confident, take your car to a reputable independent shop for evaluation. Dealers are notorious for selling repairs that are not needed. The service writers work on commission. The service department is the main profit center for a car dealer.
Thanks @Clutchless My RX has 122k - the photos the dealer sent me looked pretty bad - but I think I'll take your recommendations. - Now I have to do the same thing for spark plugs as they recommend I replace them too...
Spark plugs are a routine maintenance item that the Lexus maintenance schedule calls for right around your mileage. Having said that, some members have gone well over 150,000 on the original spark plugs with no issues and they apparently did not look too bad when eventually replaced. Bottom line is you can wait on the spark plugs if it is a budget concern and you can certainly shop around at indpendent shops for a better price than the dealer. This same engine is used in so many different Toyota and Lexus vehicles that every shop knows how to do it. It is expensive because the rear bank is hard to access requiring removal of other stuff that is in the way. It may be a good idea to also replace the rear bank coil packs at the same time the spark plugs are done just because they are hard to get at.
Lower Control Arm Bushings Cracking
