Rear Strut Leaks

Socal2 · 10-20-09, 09:56 AM

Took my 2007 ES350 to oil change on Sunday, the shop told me that the right rear strut is leaking. Fortunately the car is around 45K miles so still under warranty. Took it to Lexus on Monday, they confirmed the leak but the other 3 are fine and they will replace the leaking strut under warranty.

Anybody has the similar problem? Typical struts should last for 10 years, my concern is the other 3 would also have similar problem soon down the road, when my basic warranty for 50K miles is over.

By the way, Lexus recommend to do a wheel alignment afterward for $160. I turned it down, if it is really necessary, why shouldn't Lexus cover it?

garsarno · 10-20-09, 10:05 AM

I think struts should be replaced in pairs only. Regarding the alignment, they will have to do the alignment in the replacement process. Tell them no / they just want to recover some $$.

purebliss · 11-03-09, 02:29 PM

There is on going TSB for Strut replacement for every Lexus model. The TSB shows the guide lines to replacement. The TSB is a chart and depending on how far the leakage is warrants replacement. If you look at your struts and see oil or dirt stuck to them it's a good sign there leaking. Alignment afterwards is really not needed if the tech marks everything rite. They should be done in pairs but in the rear I see no issue with doing one.

The main issue to look for in 2007 models is the oil leak for the timming chain cover. I would def take a look at this before you go out warranty. Because sometimes the leak is very small. If this leaks bad after the warranty you looking at an easy 3k in labor as the engine must be pulled. If your leasing the car and you have no puddle I would just leave it alone as it is a very big repair. The IS and GS also suffer from the problem 06.

Elex · 11-03-09, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by purebliss

There is on going TSB for Strut replacement for every Lexus model. The TSB shows the guide lines to replacement. The TSB is a chart and depending on how far the leakage is warrants replacement. If you look at your struts and see oil or dirt stuck to them it's a good sign there leaking. Alignment afterwards is really not needed if the tech marks everything rite. They should be done in pairs but in the rear I see no issue with doing one.

The main issue to look for in 2007 models is the oil leak for the timming chain cover. I would def take a look at this before you go out warranty. Because sometimes the leak is very small. If this leaks bad after the warranty you looking at an easy 3k in labor as the engine must be pulled. If your leasing the car and you have no puddle I would just leave it alone as it is a very big repair. The IS and GS also suffer from the problem 06.

Very interesting.... I guess I'm old school, but I always though you had to do an alignment after strut replacement as the ride height would be changed. If it were my car I would insist that an alignment be performed on Lexus' dime.

rock7777 · 11-09-09, 11:14 AM

I have 2007 es350 and i did have a strut replaced around 35k. maybe there is a problem with it.

NJLEXES · 11-09-09, 04:59 PM

Add me to the list. Noticed that whenever I went over a bump with the right rear tire, it sounded really hard almost like I had a flat tire. Air pressure was fine.
After reading this post, I took a look at all my struts.
Whaddya know, right rear strut at the top all dirty and caked up with crap.
I've got almost 41k miles, but think it might have been going on for a little while.

Swell.... at least it'll be covered under warranty.