Tie Bar Bushes

[chrisfs]

I have a LS400 1999 Mk IV with the Dynamic Handling Pack, 98k miles. I have said in other posts that the ride is not all it could be and when it went in for the service today I asked them to look at the front suspension.

They tell me both tie bar bushes need replacing and are quoting a fitted price of £367 each side!

Can anyone please comment if that seems a fair price, or suggestions for where else (Woking/Guidlford area) I could look to get it done? I don't mind paying a little extra to have Lexus do it, and to not have the hassle of taking it somewhere else.

Also does their diagnosis seem plausible? I don't know anything about these things. I had expected to hear the springs might need replacing though, are tie bar bushes something else?

Thanks for any help! I have to make a decision fairly quickly, unfortunately.

Chris

[chris vince]

Hi Chris,

Give Colin at Powerhouse in Camberley a ring, they are Lexus / Toyota independent specialists and have been for a number of years now, you should also be able to get heavily discounted independently supplied parts.

Regards,

Chris Vince

[chrisfs]

Thanks very much Chris, I will call them.

Anyone else any thoughts on the price I should be aiming at?

Chris

[JellyBean]

A similarly independent Toyota/Lexus garage charged me £256 last year.

[chrisfs]

Thanks Jelly (may I call you Jelly?). Useful to know!

I take it that was per side.

I have now spoken to Colin (very helpful chap) and he is on the case.

[andyman1966]

A similarly independent Toyota/Lexus garage charged me £256 last year.

where in norfolk did you have it done was it Roys???

[maneesh]

Consider importing the parts from the USA yourself (Sewells in Texas), and get an independent like Powerhouse to fit them. Parts are way cheaper from the USA...

[JellyBean]

Yes it was Roys Motor Company. And the £256 was for BOTH sides.

[chrisfs]

Thanks for the input, guys. I have more information now, via a written quote. It says "Replace both front tie bars due to worn bushes" then quotes for a 01B09A strut bar and a N/STK strut bar, whatever they are. Only one of each, it looks like, which confuses me (that's easily done though).

But all the money turns out to be in the labour, 80% of the price! I'm sure our Colin will be able to do much better than that!