2004 Lexus RX 330 front left and right lower control arm bushing is tearing

amplified wrote: ↑ If the motor, transmission and body are still in good shape i'd probably go ahead and fix it. What would you replace it with? Since you dont drive much does it make more financial sense to use a car share?

Are you still carrying collision and comprehensive insurance? Might be at least worthwhile to drop the comprehensive.

mxthor3 wrote: ↑ This vid might help you understand the job itself.

Fantastical wrote: ↑ Thanks. Yes, this appears to be the more efficient method without lifting the engine.

Got 2 quotes - Lexus Dealer at $1,700 + taxes vs. non-dealer shop at $1,300 + taxes

The difference isn't too big.....since it seems to be a relatively technical job, would going to the Lexus dealer be better in this case? as i probably get some perks such as free car wash and a nice Lexus loaner

UrbanPoet wrote: ↑ Is it possible to change just the bushings?
One time my control arms were still good. But they were able to press them out and replace the bushings. Depends on if the control arms are still good, and if there are replacement bushings available for your model/make/year.

Fantastical wrote: ↑ As per title, I need to replace the front left and right lower control arm including the bushing.

Got a few quotes...it will be at least $1,500 + tax even at a non-dealer shop.

It doesn't seem to be an easy job...some shops said it takes 10+ hours to lift the engine and do the replacement and quote me $3k+.....
I google online, and there seems to be a more efficient way to replace the control arms, and that's why some shop provide a much lower quote at around $1,500 + tax

This is the most expensive maintenance i have encountered for this vehicle.
At this age, is it worthwhile to do it? This vehicle has been performing well with minimal maintenance so far.

I drive minimally at 5,000 km per year....90% city driving....

mxthor3 wrote: ↑This vid might help you understand the job itself.

100Pacer wrote: ↑ If you source the parts yourself and have an independent mechanic install them you should save quite a bit. BMW quoted me a little over $1,000 for 2 upper front & 2 lower front control arms for my 5 series but I was able to source all 4 online for $400 (manufactured by Lemforder which is the OE supplier). My independent mechanic charged me 4 hours labour.

Fantastical wrote: ↑ As per title, I need to replace the front left and right lower control arm including the bushing.

Got a few quotes...it will be at least $1,500 + tax even at a non-dealer shop.

It doesn't seem to be an easy job...some shops said it takes 10+ hours to lift the engine and do the replacement and quote me $3k+.....
I google online, and there seems to be a more efficient way to replace the control arms, and that's why some shop provide a much lower quote at around $1,500 + tax

This is the most expensive maintenance i have encountered for this vehicle.
At this age, is it worthwhile to do it? This vehicle has been performing well with minimal maintenance so far.

I drive minimally at 5,000 km per year....90% city driving....

UrbanPoet wrote: ↑ Is it possible to change just the bushings?
One time my control arms were still good. But they were able to press them out and replace the bushings. Depends on if the control arms are still good, and if there are replacement bushings available for your model/make/year.

Fantastical wrote: ↑Thanks. Yes, this appears to be the more efficient method without lifting the engine.

Got 2 quotes - Lexus Dealer at $1,700 + taxes vs. non-dealer shop at $1,300 + taxes

The difference isn't too big.....since it seems to be a relatively technical job, would going to the Lexus dealer be better in this case? as i probably get some perks such as free car wash and a nice Lexus loaner

UrbanPoet wrote: ↑Is it possible to change just the bushings?
One time my control arms were still good. But they were able to press them out and replace the bushings. Depends on if the control arms are still good, and if there are replacement bushings available for your model/make/year.

BDSL wrote: ↑ There is another cheaper solution. You can inject a little bit of polyurethane into the bushing and let it cure.
This might be a temporary solution that will make your bushing last a few more years.

Back in my earlier days when I tracked my vehicle, I had some engine mounts filled with polyurethane to eliminate too much engine rotations.

Most garages might not want to do this.

Fantastical wrote: ↑Yes, but it makes more sense to replace the entire control arm as it is mostly labour to get to the control arm bushing.

engineered wrote: ↑ From that video it doesn't look like a special or "technical" job. The guy did it in his garage on jack stands. Looks like it took him 30min per side at most.
Either way, make sure you get an alignment after it's done. That's another $80.


You can get them, but they're more expensive than the whole arm from rockauto. May as well replace the whole thing. It's also less work for a DIY'er since you may need a press to push the bushings out.


This is a great idea, especially given the limited use of the vehicle. OP can do this themselves and long as they can jack up the car and remove the wheel.

UrbanPoet wrote: ↑ You know what… when i did this , it was for an 2001 IS300 that died @ 415,000km.
They recommended keeping the control arms because of better handling and feel with the oem control arms. Thats why they suggested just a bushing replacement. A lot of the times the control arm is good, but the bushings are worn out.

mxthor3 wrote: ↑ This vid might help you understand the job itself.

ES_Revenge wrote: ↑ I don't get why this is an 8hr job and why it costs between $1300-1700 to do? If replacing the control arm(s) entirely, the new ones will have new bushings already fit so no need to worry about having to press them out/in. I guess the arms may be expensive too though.

Also, might as well replace the ball joints at the same time--on a 2004 they are almost certainly worn out too. Edit: Oh wait I guess the ball joints are included in the arms as well.