Trying to buy 2017 LX570 - Struts and Rack and Pinon Concerns? - Advice Requested (8 Viewers)

[FJ40 Jon]

We recently left Africa where we lived for 2 years and had a ZX 200 RHD from Japan. I loved it. Given the features, I am looking to buy a LX570 now in the US and came across this one.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/7b8a3836-42d4-4ab4-aebb-3ef3c513d762/

However, when I had it inspected at nearby Toyota Dealership they said all 4 struts needed replacement and the rack and pinon was leaking and should also be fully replaced. They also commented on the rust which was pretty minimal surface rust in my mind. Grand total for the work was around 5k. The dealership that is selling the car took it back to their shop and said only 1 strut needed replacement due to slight leakage. They also said that the rack and pinon was fine and that only some oil had spilled on it, likely from the last oil change.

I am looking for one with low miles (<70k ish), years 2016-2021, and around $50k.

See photos from the shop / dealer here.

2017 LX570 - Oakland · Aug 18 – 19 📸

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I would appreciate thoughts and advice! Thanks!

 

[wngrog]

Not sure how "all 4 struts" can be worn out at 53,000 miles. Especially since it has no struts at all. The front has two coilovers.

The rust looks surface to me too

 

[FJ40 Jon]

What about the rack and pinion leaking.

The dealer claim it's from a messy oil change. Is that possible? Explained in that video and photos...

Can they leak at 50k?

Seems off....

 

[wngrog]

What about the rack and pinion leaking.

The dealer claim it's from a messy oil change. Is that possible? Explained in that video and photos...

Can they leak at 50k?

Seems off....

I believe it would be from an oil change. Seems logical.

I've got 155k of hard miles on mine and the rack is fine

 

[FJ40 Jon]

I called them and the dealership said only one shock was leaking, so they would recommend replacing all of them. Just the dealership looking for money.

Did you upgrade to Bilsteins? Or would you recommend letting them OEM for Lexus ride quality?

 

[shajbot]

If it's an LX570 it's a hydraulic shocks--I'd only recommend OEM replacement. I'd also be weary of this claim since they claimed the rack and pinion leaking due to a messy oil change...you're talking about lowering the subframe type of job because of that diagnosis. I have 170mi on my shocks all bone dry--just another data point for you.

 

[AZLX570]

If you're are even the slightest of handy, get under it and take a swab of the "leaking" rack and see if it's engine oil or PS fluid - easy to determine. Same with the shocks (see if they are leaking). I assume you have the capability if you're on this forum.

If the shocks are actually leaking as well as the power steering, run away. Highly doubt they are, sounds like the Toyota dealership is bad. But be wary and if you're really unsure, take it to another shop (ideally an independent specialist).

Rust is basically nonexistent on that LX. I would leave it alone after you purchase and if you live in a salty climate use Fluid Film.

 

[Taco Supremo]

I called them and the dealership said only one shock was leaking, so they would recommend replacing all of them. Just the dealership looking for money.

Did you upgrade to Bilsteins? Or would you recommend letting them OEM for Lexus ride quality?

Leaking or weeping? If they're just weeping, the AHC shocks are fine and I'd be very surprised if they're leaking onto the tire or ground at 72k miles..save your money if that's the case. They can weep for years and function just fine.

 

[FJ40 Jon]

If you're are even the slightest of handy, get under it and take a swab of the "leaking" rack and see if it's engine oil or PS fluid - easy to determine. Same with the shocks (see if they are leaking). I assume you have the capability if you're on this forum.

If the shocks are actually leaking as well as the power steering, run away. Highly doubt they are, sounds like the Toyota dealership is bad. But be wary and if you're really unsure, take it to another shop (ideally an independent specialist).

Rust is basically nonexistent on that LX. I would leave it alone after you purchase and if you live in a salty climate use Fluid Film.

Thanks!

I'm not physically where the truck is located so might need to fly out there to sort it out.

Take a swab....? Besides color and smell is there a way I can confirm it's not steering fluid and spilled engine oil without being there?

Maybe need to take it to another shop?

 

[Sandroad]

I see on the Carfax an accident report with minor damage to the front and left front. Although unlikely, I suppose it's possible there was steering rack damage and/or suspension damage. Sadly, I would not trust a dealer to do a PPI. Around here, they are getting pretty bad about recommending high profit work that isn't needed. I like your idea about getting a second opinion on the rack at another shop.

 

[AZLX570]

Thanks!

I'm not physically where the truck is located so might need to fly out there to sort it out.

Take a swab....? Besides color and smell is there a way I can confirm it's not steering fluid and spilled engine oil without being there?

Maybe need to take it to another shop?

Ah, didn't realize that you weren't where the truck is. Yeah, would just go with the color/smell test.

And yes, probably would take it to another shop if you don't want to take the dealer's word for it. Or possibly try and find someone on this forum in NorCal to look at it for you.

 

[FJ40 Jon]

Ah, didn't realize that you weren't where the truck is. Yeah, would just go with the color/smell test.

And yes, probably would take it to another shop if you don't want to take the dealer's word for it. Or possibly try and find someone on this forum in NorCal to look at it for you.

Good idea!

Do you know anyone in the Oakland / Dublin / San Fran area who might be close to this shop and have a look?

How could I ask someone to do that? Chitchat page?