GSspeed

We recently got a 2005 ES330 with AVS suspension. I am hearing thumping sounds when driving over pot holls and decided to look into replacing the struts. MAN WAS THIS A SHOCK!!!!
I called a few dealers and they quoted me just for the strut alone $701.75 -1155.60 for each strut.

KEEP IN MIND I NEED 4 struts!

Has anyone found cheaper replacement struts or is there a rebuild kit for these? I mean im looking at about $4000.00 to $8000.00 just to replace a strut.

Any help is GREATLY appreciated.

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

Try reaching out to Matt & Jeff to see what they can do

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/clu...xus-parts.html

GSspeed

Thanks Dave,
Gave them a call. Got some pricing.They were able to extend the club Lexus discount out to me. Really bummed about the cost on these struts.

Wish I can use my Tien CS coil overs from my 99' GS300 on the ES330. Its the same concept (adjustable Sport/Comfort settings). Just different car

What are peoples opinions on finding some used sets or rebuilt ones if there are ones.

OR

Are there aftermarket sets available?

hypervish

I'd just throw on a set of regular KYB struts and forget about the AVS, while saving a ton of money!

GSspeed

Thanks for that info hypervish. I was reading the forums and people were saying that they are getting ABS/ traction control errors. Is this still the case? Does the ecu need to be re programmed?

hypervish

I know people have done it successfully without any problems on the 3rd generation.

Perhaps someone who has done it on a 4th gen will chime in here.

GSspeed

Exactly, that's what I have been reading as well.

Question...

The car sits normal (meaning the back is high[not sagging] and the front has enough clearance from the wheel to the wheel well arch. My question is that when I drive over pot holes or small dips I get a "Clunk/Thump" sound from the suspension not sur where its from though, front or rear.

Does this mean its the suspension or its the bushings. If bushings, which ones would be replaced?

Hopefully its an easy fix and not a $$$$ fix... I would take bushings over TEMS replacement any day!

speedkar9

Hold off on the struts before inspecting the suspension.

Usually clanking over bumps is a worn stabilizer linkage, which is a fairly cheap replacement. If not then move on to the stabilizer bar bushings.

If not, then it could be the strut mount (and not usually the strut cartridge).

You can replace them with aftermarket KYB or Monroe struts, or non AVS ES330 / V6 Camry struts. I did read a few threads on this forum where people have replaced struts on AVS 4 ES's with aftermarket units no problem.

GSspeed

Awesome! Thanks speedkar...

Btw, is there one of those pdf's that show part numbers and removal and installation techniques for the suspension for 4th generation. ES's? Thanks

GSspeed

found a Lexus dealer selling the fronts for $543 and the rears for $715.

Really dreading spending that much cash on a 2005 car.

Anyone have good experience with non AVS/TEMS replacement struts/Coilovers?

If anyone can recommend a brand/part number I would greatly appreciate it!

fortitude

+1

GSspeed

Ok, along with the clanking noise the car kinda feels like a 1970 Cadillac (boat)... Would checking those help as well? Thanks

as far as the bushings and stabilizer goes. Are they shown in this link?
http://parts.lexusofcherryhill.com/a...S/8920960.html

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

I thought I needed to replace all 4 struts on my ES330 as it was making an awful noise and it ended up being all four swaybar endlinks were toast. Changed them for $40 and the noise is all gone.

GSspeed

Awesome! do you remember the part number by anychance?

JetsonES

https://www.rockauto.com/m/mobilecatalog.php

I got the moog problem solver units. They are around $30 each but have flats for wrenches and zerk fittings for lubrication so I thought it was worth it.