My 2012 LR4 issues, need some advise.

[Georgemera1]

My 2012 LR4 has 37,000 miles on it, I use it on the weekends and vacation trips only, got it from new in 2012 and believe me I love it, that's why I keep it.
2 Years ago I got the bad experience to have the engine replaced under warranty, back then it had 18,000 miles only. All that nightmare was crazy but the car was fixed and engine replaced in about 2 weeks and half.
Never used the car off road it is basically used for our pleasure only, as for my daily work I use my F150.
Last week I got the message that the break pads were worn and brought my car to the dealer and explained them what I want done, because I probably knew what it needed since my car was serviced on another dealer 3 weeks ago and when the car was serviced they gave me a list of things that my car will need to get done in the next 6 months, they said 6 months because they are busy and I will need to make a service appointment again to get that done.
I started to listen a click by the front driver side tire when the car hits a small bump, based on that I read some information that I found online and everything was pointing to the front arms bushings, both dealers recommended the same thing to be replaced, they said I need to have it replaced both sides front control arms and bushings plus rear brake pads and new brake fluid. All will cost me $ 4,400.00. Front control arms and bushings $ 2,200.00, rear brake pads $ 1,050.00 and I assume it includes the rear rotors. Plus $ 400.00 for tire alignment and other expenses will be total $ 4,400.00.

I don't understand why the control arms and bushings can get damaged on 37,000 miles.
Is this normal to have the issue on this car whit these few miles on the car?
Is the cost fair for this service?


Thanks in advance.



George.

 

[ryanjl]

Dealer is a good place to get screwed on out-of-warranty repairs.

It is possible that this work needs to be done, but it can be done for FAR cheaper at a good independent shop. If you can work on cars yourself, the brakes are pretty easy to do. Control arms are a bit more difficult, but I had them done at an independent for about $800, all in.

 

[avslash]

That price is silly for that work.

Find an independent. Preferably one that will let you provide the parts.

The only thing I use the dealer for is an alignment, and I believe they charged $189.00 last time. $400.00 is crazy money.

Mine is at my indie right now getting new bushings/ball joints in all 8 arms, new rear knuckle bushes, new rear wheel bearings, new rear toe-link arms, stainless brake lines and a couple other things for the ballpark of $2,500.00 plus a dealer alignment.

Find somewhere else to take it.

 

[buzzracer]

Couldn't agree more, $4400 estimate is outrageous. RyanJL is correct on the brakes if you're good with some DIY. Easy, I did all four on both my 2010 and 2015 with parts for each less $600 (and that's with upgraded rotors). Hardest part was replacing the pad wear sensors since they were shot; the connectors are a little tricky to get to.
For the control arms and bushings, also agree with going to an indy. My 2010 needed fronts and parts/labor was around $900 if memory serves me right.

 

[Davidinseattle]

If you have even the slightest tech ability (like you can hang a picture straight on a wall), you can do the brakes on this thing. At 37,000 you don't need to replace the rotors, even if they are a little worn. If you are nervous about the rotors, just put a micrometer on them to make sure they are in spec.

I am tech inclined and I did my wife's LR4 Lux in under an hour for from sliding the jack under to removing the jack. Note that I did the change b4 the sensors wore through so I did not have to change them and I did not change the rotors. I did use new caliper bolts. I used OEM parts and the price was sub $500.

I took it to the dealer for it's 30k and the Advisor was like, "hey, how come you took this somewhere else for brakes?", and I told him I did them because you gave me a $2100 estimate the last time I was in here. He said, "I would have done them myself too".

Just check out some youtube videos. If you can change a tire, there a a great chance you can change the brakes. Not as easy as my porsche, but easier than a lot of domestics.

 

[namenda]

To the lazy asses out there like me, I've hired mechanics through TaskRabbit for brake jobs and relatively simple work. I provide the parts. I've had service done at my office parking lot while I'm at work. Ends up cheaper than going to an indie shop.