I recently took my 2006 xA to a shop for 60,000 mile service. The mechanic said that within 5,000 miles it will need new front brake pads and stabilizer pins. When I asked "what's a stabilizer pin" he showed me a diagram and pointed to a small piece running vertically between the sway bar and control arm (I think). He said it's actually the rubber bushings that are at the ends of the pins that wear out, and that there is no problem other than a bumpier ride if they are not replaced.

I'm in RI; prices quoted were $152 for the pads and $120 for the pins.

Does this make sense? I do not do any off-road or otherwise abusive driving with my car. It's all stock, no modifications.

I ask because I'm having a problem finding a trustworthy mechanic; this is the fourth shop I've gone to since moving here.

 

you can get replacement bushings from an autoparts store for around 8-12$... about 30 min labor if you have a socket wranch, a jack, and a long screw driver / pry bar..
its super easy, if you search for "Energy suspension bushings" or brows though the tech section, you will come across the DIY for replacement... Save yourself the 120$

break pads - $50 at auto parts store, takes 15 min to pull and replace both fronts...
soooo easy...
im saving you money like crazy!

 

diy for brakes - is for the tc but the process is the same
https://www.scionlife.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=139256

diy for bushing replacement -
https://www.scionlife.com/forums/scion-xa-xb-1st-gen-suspension-handling-1606/energy-suspension-end-link-bushings-installed-32606/

 

I agree, the front brakes are easy. I had never done brakes before and had no issues. I didn't install the Energy bushings, the box was in the shop to replace the crossmember and they installed them while everything was apart.