Bushes and Arms

[Ian S]

Can I ask for advice about ‘bushes’ and ‘arms’.

I have recently received my 2008 2.4 L hybrid, which has driven about 62,000 miles and drives well.

I have had it serviced and been advised that there are issues with the suspension bushes, particularly at the back. I have been advised to replace the front lower arms, rear axle bushes and lower arm bushes (apologies that I don’t even know what these are..)

I was a bit surprised at the size of the quote £1435 for parts and labour, although I do have a lot of confidence in the garage.

I don’t know much about the issues of suspension or what the significance of worn bushes is.

Does anyone have any comments which might help me? For example: what might happen if I don’t deal with this? Does this quote sound reasonable for this amount of work? Does anyone have links to relevant videos?

Many thanks

Ian

[Rojie]

Hello again Ian,

 

I can't advise you on your suspension issues.

 

I do know that Alphies can suffer from rear end issues but I I have no experience in that area.

I am a bit surprised how costly your quote is.

I am sure others who have had this work done will advise you accordingly.

The rear end on my Alphie was done prior to purchase so I have no idea about costs.

 

Picasso may be able to give an authorative comment on your quote. Perhaps if he doesn't comment here you can send him a PM.

[wjvh]

Common problem with Alphies, they’re heavy vehicles designed for well built Japanese roads, not the obstacle courses that we have over here. Price is high, I think, I assume that includes purchasing OE/Toyota parts which will add a lot to it. I believe the rear bushes are a bit of a sod to remove & fit too so that’s gonna bump up the estimated number of hours. If you don’t get these fixed then shocks and vibrations will transfer through the chassis and other suspension components and the ride will feel rough and you may end up having to replace / fix more stuff HOWEVER the tolerance on these things is quite high and unless I could actually feel the problem myself or if The issue was going to be an MOT problem then I’d put it off for another day or year or two.

[Picasso]

Hello the quote you been given is well over the top 2 front arms with ball joints about £150 a pair rear axle bushes £85.00 a pair should be say 3 hours labour should be no more than £300 labour I would say your garage charging you genuine toyota parts and would change your garage sounds like they don't want to do the job over pricing you .

[starider]

Hi, it's a shame that a comprehensive workshop/repair manual is not yet available. I have tried to contact JPNZ in New Zealand, but have so far had no reply. If a translated manual was available it would prevent garages over charging for repairs, simply because there are enough Alphard owners on these forums with a good expert  knowledge to accurately assess how much time is needed to have done or to do most mechanical repairs.

It must be understood that there is nothing special about the Alphard's suspension,engine,running gear,brakes etc. although the elecronics,electrical system is a different animal.

So of course the main requirement is a good W/Shop manual!!

 

[Rojie]

10 hours ago, starider said:

Hi, it's a shame that a comprehensive workshop/repair manual is not yet available. I have tried to contact JPNZ in New Zealand, but have so far had no reply. If a translated manual was available it would prevent garages over charging for repairs, simply because there are enough Alphard owners on these forums with a good expert  knowledge to accurately assess how much time is needed to have done or to do most mechanical repairs.

It must be understood that there is nothing special about the Alphard's suspension,engine,running gear,brakes etc. although the elecronics,electrical system is a different animal.

So of course the main requirement is a good W/Shop manual!!

 

 

JPNZ are due to publish one next year.

 

 

[starider]

Fingers crossed!

[Ian S]

Thanks so much everyone.

That is really helpful.

The garage gave the same sort of explanation - poor suspension will ultimately lead to other problems and further damage.

I will have a think about this cost over Christmas.

If anyone knows an Alphard specialist garage - please let me know as that may be an option if not too far away.

Many thanks

Ian

 

[Rojie]

Ian,

 

I bought my machine from Uxbridge, and, I believe, the rear end was overhauled prior to sale.

 

If you need to know a contact send me a PM.

 

I feel sure they can do it, whether they will want to is another matter.

They are an importer / dealer mainly interested in selling vehicles; but you never know...

[Vellfire1]

I have used Toyotek in Lincoln.

They can do the bushes.....

[starider]

Hi,I enclose details of a company who I used for my Suzuki 4x4s suspension parts. I have checked with them and they are able to supply Alphard suspension parts. They will need reg.no. model and Vin.no.  If anyone contacts them mention you are in the Alphard Owners Club and they will give the best price possible.

www.spring-loaded.co.uk/www.viamoto.co.uk           01409 211663  Tim Office.   07761700770  Mike Mobile.

[dezufo]

On 12/9/2021 at 11:02 AM, Rojie said:

 

JPNZ are due to publish one next year.

 

 

Would that be for the Series 10

[Rojie]

24 minutes ago, dezufo said:

Would that be for the Series 10

I'm sorry, but I don't know.

 

Picasso might.

[Ian S]

Thanks Starider, I have been in touch with Mike. He will come back to me with prices. Many thanks, Ian