2007 GX470 Service/Repair Guidance (1 Viewer)

[RQC]

Hi everyone!

I purchased my 2007 GX470 back in December with ~216,000mi for $8,250.

The old girl is about to hit 220k, so I took her in for her 5,000mi service (I guess its also due for its 30,000mi service).

I went to a reputable (from what I can tell) shop here in South Florida. However, I am an admitted novice when it comes to cars. So, I am turning to you guys for a bit of support.

My main goal here is to toss their report out here on the internet (you may see it in other forums in which I frequent) with the following in mind:

• to see what is absolutely mission critical
• guidance on what i should expect to pay, especially if anyone can chime in on how many hours shops generally bill for the different service items
• what kind of shop rate I should expect from a good shop (I’m on the eastern coast of South Florida for reference)
• if there are other options or ways of addressing these issues brought up by the shop (for example: springs instead of airbags; just doing a lift instead of some of the other repairs, ordering my own parts, remanufactured parts etc).

As I know it will be mentioned, I’m aware many people here are very adept and comfortable doing their own work. I very much am not, haha. So I’m going to leave all of this to the pros (unless it’s comically easy and you live in SoFlo and want to walk me through it - haha).

In my mind, the most critical items are (* below):

• Brakes - estimated cost - $770.03
• Wheel Bearing - $931.45
• Rear Suspension/Air Bags - $1,703

I will post all the info/pics they gave me in hopes of facilitating discussion and learning as much as I can. Hopefully, it benefits others as well!

Thanks in advance!

*it looks like Reddit wont let me post images inline - so I have attached a link to an Imgur album



IMGUR ALBUM HERE

In Album:

• First, you will find the invoice for the 5k mile + A/C Service (which I did): Total: $456.18
• Next, you will find estimates for the items I have not done:
  • 30,000mi Service - (cost: $429)
  • Radiator Hoses, Thermostat, and Coolant - (cost $994.95)
  • *Brakes - (cost $770)
  • Front Suspension - (cost $2,110.86)
  • * Rear Air Bags (Rear Suspension) - (cost $1,703)
    • They came back to me and said that they could do springs for $1,100
  • TCASE/ DIFF - (cost - $443.84)
  • *Wheel Bearing (cost $931)
    • See photos in Front Suspension Category
  • Finally, additional images/info provided by the shop

 

[HomersCanyonero]

Wait on the rear suspension until you do more research. Most of us have replaced the rear suspension from factory air springs/bags to metal coils. But don’t touch dat until you know what you want there.

Front brakes have two items that you might need to replace. One is the brake pads and Akebono ceramic pads are like $60 for the set for the front. If you need rotors, that’s another $120 and I got them at Lexus on sales. So, that’s $180 in parts for front including shipping and tax.

Rear is similar $50 for Akebono ceramic brake pads and $100 for the pair of rotors. So, that’s $150 in parts for the rear.

That’s just an example in parts that I get myself for my 2003 GX470.

I pay about $150 for labor to do both front and rear rotors and pads. So, that’s under $500 total for all 4 brakes and rotors.

And I think resurfacing/turning rotors is out of style now because rotors are too thin nowadays and they cost less than the resurfacing.

Fix wheel bearing. Not sure of the cost, but fix that.

Baseline your fluids like coolant, brake fluid, power steering, transfer case, differentials, transmission, etc to make sure you know where you at.

Clean engine to remove all grease and see if there’s any new leaks.

Make sure your cooling system is top shape including water pump, timing belt, pulleys, fan, radiator, cap, thermostat, coolant.

Anyways that’s my opinion.

 

[RQC]

Wait on the rear suspension until you do more research. Most of us have replaced the rear suspension from factory air springs/bags to metal coils. But don’t touch dat until you know what you want there.

Front brakes have two items that you might need to replace. One is the brake pads and Akebono ceramic pads are like $60 for the set for the front. If you need rotors, that’s another $120 and I got them at Lexus on sales. So, that’s $180 in parts for front including shipping and tax.

Rear is similar $50 for Akebono ceramic brake pads and $100 for the pair of rotors. So, that’s $150 in parts for the rear.

That’s just an example in parts that I get myself for my 2003 GX470.

I pay about $150 for labor to do both front and rear rotors and pads. So, that’s under $500 total for all 4 brakes and rotors.

And I think resurfacing/turning rotors is out of style now because rotors are too thin nowadays and they cost less than the resurfacing.

Fix wheel bearing. Not sure of the cost, but fix that.

Baseline your fluids like coolant, brake fluid, power steering, transfer case, differentials, transmission, etc to make sure you know where you at.

Clean engine to remove all grease and see if there’s any new leaks.

Make sure your cooling system is top shape including water pump, timing belt, pulleys, fan, radiator, cap, thermostat, coolant.

Anyways that’s my opinion.

Thank you - thats very helpful!

I think I need to find another shop - If anyone has any recommendations near Fort Lauderdale I would be most appreciative!

 

[HomersCanyonero]

Thank you - thats very helpful!

I think I need to find another shop - If anyone has any recommendations near Fort Lauderdale I would be most appreciative!

Oh my prices are for Los Angeles California and with a reasonably priced shop.

And I also believe that my mechanic gives me a break on prices because I show up with all the right parts, so he doesn’t have to take time to order parts which can be time consuming.

But that’s just a guess…

 

[dovetails]

All of the issues/maintenance seem to be what you'd normally find.

Crankshaft seal replacement definitely seems on the higher end.

What are you willing to learn to do on your own? Replacing brakes and rotors can be done in the driveway if you are willing to take the time to learn it, but it's up to you.

I'm sure others will chime in. Many people have helped me with the exact stuff you're asking about on here.

 

[Hornd]

I am unsure your Mechanical Ability but removing and Replacing the Springs is Pretty Straight forward if your decent with Tools.
Replace them with the Moog Springs ($90) and Bilstein Shocks from Rock Auto ($200 for pair). Takes 1 Day. You can leave or Remove Compresser and Assembly.
Pull the Fuse and Relay and Replace switch with Cubby and your Golden.