landy

I've been hearing a noise from the right front end that sounded like marbles rolling around. I've traced the noise to the top of the right front strut and mount.

I bought this car used, but the p.o. had kept detailed records from when they bought the car at around 45k miles. No record of the front struts having been replaced, so they may be due at 133k mi. Although they do seem firm on the road and doing the static push test.

I can buy new complete Monroe strut assemblies from Amazon for $116 (cheaper than Rockauto!), but am wondering about the strut mounts, or support sub-assemblies as they are called on the Lexus parts diagram. Amazon has Monroe or KYB, and Rockauto has a larger selection. Any opinions on best brand?

Lastly, I need to buy a repair manual. Any recommendations, Haynes, Chiltons, etc?

Thanks!

speedkar9

Get OEM mounts if you don't want any trouble. I know its expensive. Check Sewell online with the CL discount.

KYB mounts suck.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es3...ut-mounts.html

KYB struts on the other hand are decent quality for the price. However it will give you a stiffer ride.

Get the ES300 Factory repair manual.

310V6

Kyb struts. Toyota mounts. Lexus factory repair manual.

landy

KYB doesn't sell a complete strut assembly, just the strut cartridge, right? So that would mean buying all the parts separately and dissassemblying the old ones to reuse the springs, and buying new mounts, bellows, bearings, etc?

brucelee1

iTrader: (2)

Be sure to change the whole thing, including the mounts.

rlx101

get OEM replacements (complete assembly) from Monroe, check the part # on monroe website. Amazon part #'s did not match monroe part #'s for this year. BE CAREFUL WHEN ORDERING!

i replaced all 4 on mine with monroe OEM quick struts (sensa-trac(?) model), so far so good. The handling on turns improved noticeably, and car stability overall. The softness of the ride did not change much, perhaps because this car is mainly a highway car, so the struts were not worn that much in that direction.

pm me for the manual.

landy

Yeah, the part no. on Amazon are different than Rockauto. I checked the Amazon part numbers on the Monroe website and they indicate they are for a Toyota. What's the difference, perhaps the Lexus has a softer ride?

I'll pm you on the manual.

Thanks!

spooled951

definitely always try and go oem. I always have problems when I dont