12jimmyjam

So month ago I was getting a knocking sound when braking that eventually went away that I attributed to aftermarket brakes. Now I'm getting popping noises when hitting bumps, vibration upon acceleration at times, and some unusual sway. Sounds like I need new struts.

My local Toyota dealer said install would be about $300 for each end with struts. Would it make more sense to buy whole strut assemblies instead of just the struts? Toyota also said that I could bring my own parts.

Also, any good sources for inexpensive oem parts? Thanks!

Clutchless

No. Those aftermarket strut assemblies with springs already installed are usually crap and will not last nearly as long as OEM. Also they may not give the same ride and handling as OEM struts or KYB struts. Just get new struts. You have not said how many miles are on the car.

So your Toyota dealer quoted $600 to replace all 4 struts? Does this include the alignment? That is a great price.

12jimmyjam

Gotcha. I thought that KYB (assuming this is the oem brand) would sell a setup but it doesn't sound like it.

My car has 137k miles now. The $300 rough quote from Toyota was just for labor on each end. Parts and labor quote was $1300, but I'm sure that I can get parts cheaper. Just not sure of the best place to buy.

Clutchless

The OEM struts are usually Tokico, but they do not sell aftermarket for Lexus. You could probably get it done for less at an independent shop that has a lower hourly rate. Replacing struts is not rocket science and does not require a dealer.

You can get OEM struts from one of the online discount folks such as www.mylparts.com or www.lexuspartsnow.com With that many miles you should replace the front struts upper mount bearings which are cheap to buy and do not increase the labor cost to replace as it all has to come apart anyway.

You can price KYB or Monroe struts at www.rockauto.com