Bushes or suspension arms - rough cost?

[PJD 51]

Car's just failed it's MOT as both the front "bushes or suspension arms" are worn.

Booked in to get it sorted next week... anyone have any idea of what sort of bill to expect?

I wonder if I will notice any difference in the ride quality after it's done also..

[Malc 912]

I've just had mine replaced on my Mk3 Ls400 and total cost before laser realignment ( you must have that done afterwards ) was about £635 being 50% or less  of the likely cost had i had it done at Lexus  ( see my posts on here )

The Ls430 will probably be more

Malc

[PJD 51]

Yikes!!!!

[Malc 912]

you should get some quotes methinks

and to make sure they are doing what really needs doing too coz there's lots of stuff under there 

I'm assuming it's the front ?

My car has done 217k miles on the offside one and 173k on the nearside one replaced with a Blueprint one 3.5 years ago which has now failed

The original o/side one was still ok but very very tired

the drive is now amazingly different too

I bought my parts from Amayama in Japan which after carriage and UK Customs Duty and vat etc work out about 50% of Lexus UK prices. BUT took about a month to get even though it was the rapid delivery, but over Xmas

My indy is brilliant with my Lexus and about a quarter of Lexus main dealer labour prices I would think

Malc

[PJD 51]

Good advice... many thanks.  My local indy has been pretty trustworthy over the years... unfortunately I am under time pressure as not only does the MOT run out soon, my car tax is due at the end of the month (which of course I can't get without a pass)...

Yes -  will be interesting to see how the ride changes... bushes alone should tighten things up

I do love the car, I dont hugely begrudge paying out for it from time to time...

[Malc 912]

good luck with it all

Malc

[Tinonline 122]

Time is money when you need a fix. You have to pay.

With a good fix then that’s it, for years and years and miles...

some fix themselves some get the parts and get it fixed, some get it fixed upon them...

yes that’s a la Shakespeare (Twelth Night)

 

[Mikaelse 13]

I am guessing it is the controlarm bushings that are bad.  Those can be had  OEM for ca 25$ each from the US +shipping.
I am in the process of changing mine.  With two seized bolts it is not easy. I will spend a full working day total doing it. You also need tools to press out the old and in the new. 
I have done this before on another LS and made a tool. Total cost will be 100£ and a lot of work.  My opinion is that if you try to run an old LS400 on a budget
like I do it helps to have a another old car as backup to keep things less stressful.  

 

  

 

[RgrWynne 89]

It might be worth giving Paul Frost a call. I am not in any way expert , but I do know that he refurbs the various control arms, using proper original parts. I think he does it on an exchange basis. He trades on eBay as Lexussparesdirect, I have no connection with him other than myself and others use him and find him totally fair and with integrity. He tends to specialise in LS 430’s

[ilovemylexus72 4]

I have always found Daniel at lexuspartsdirect.co.uk to be quick and efficiant. Prices are ususally pretty good too!

[RgrWynne 89]

On 1/18/2019 at 2:30 PM, PJD said:

Car's just failed it's MOT as both the front "bushes or suspension arms" are worn.

Booked in to get it sorted next week... anyone have any idea of what sort of bill to expect?

I wonder if I will notice any difference in the ride quality after it's done also..

Hi Phil what did you decide? Cheers, Roger

[PJD 51]

Hi Roger,

I was up against the clock as I needed tax and couldn't get that with an MOT, so took it to my local independent... they replaced both bushes - all in £703.

It might be placebo but it does feel a little surefooted at the front.

Thanks for recommendation, - will bear him in mind in the future :)

[twolexii 6]

Hi folks, just offered £1k for ‘99/226k Green/gold/wood LS400 in Autotrader IF it passes reasonably its local Lexus free health check and IF body reasonable and no rust. Happy as a spring/summer project as my Lexii convertibles are both healthy. IF it happens, it passed its MoT late last year with a few advisories so probably a fair risk as will only do 2/3k this/next year. Did drive a very rusty LS400 last year and a fun gentleman’s land yacht:) Withdrew: I’m no DIYer:)

Edited February 13 by twolexii
Thought better off it.