Not sure if this should be here or in the tires/suspension section but I'll take my chances. Have my wife's 2012 TL with 43,000 miles into the local independent for brakes. The guy pointed out that they found some very minor leaking at the front liquid-filled bushings--I was not even aware there were liquid-filled bushings. I am from the days where there were grease fittings on bushings and you merely just injected more grease when needed. Anyway, he said it was not all that serious but could lead to problems down the road. He also said that Acura did not sell bushings but you had to buy the entire control arm/bushing assembly at $1,000 each?!?!? although he said there was an aftermarket option that was much less.

Does anyone have any experience or advice about this issue?

Thanks

 

Looks like your Tech may be correct, regarding the availability of OEM replacement bushings, as well as the lower control arms listing for $1K, each. If indeed, the bushings need replaced, ROCKAUTO sells them, for about $10 each.

 

OEM front lower control arms are $700 a piece if that's what he is referring to. $1000 installed wouldn't be a terrible deal at all. That said, if it's just leaking and not causing any noise or other issues then I would wait until it's noticeable or until 100k miles. That's when you will want to start to think about refreshing suspension components, ball joints, shocks, tie rods, etc.

 

Front lower control arms, actually LIST for $1K each, but can be purchased, via O/L vendors, "ie" DelrayAcuraOEMParts.com for $700 + Shipping! The $1K, Dealer list price, DOES NOT include installation.

 

This is total Rube Goldberg design where you can't replace the $10 part but instead have to unnecessarily buy the $700+ part that includes the $10 part--ridiculous.

 

Rockauto.com has the control arms from $119 to $168

 

I'm no expert, but it looks to me like if you have some time and the right tools (maybe a hydraulic press?) you can replace just the bushing, once you get the control arm off. A lot of amateur/DIY types probably don't have the right equipment, though.

I seem to recall having similar sourcing issues with other Hondas. I bet because it's quicker to swap off, it probably saves time (and therefore money) when doing warranty repairs.