Jodwin

My car has just hit 100K and I was told I needed new struts and or shocks (could be both) I am taking it in to have them re-evaluate. I took it in for regular oil change etc & they told me that it is getting to be about that time.

Are there any preferred brands that are recommended? My mechanic is really cool and allows me to buy my parts online and he will install them so any suggestions on pads, struts and shocks would greatly be appreciated!

burny

the OEM are KYB and I bought all 4 corners for my wifes GS from Rockauto

hanuman

The dealer changed all four and they read KYB. So if you can do the work go for it. I'm told front are easier to change than rear..lexus paid for half the work and a new load sensor.

Jodwin

OEM should suffice but if I wanted a more snug ride on turns is there a brand that is better? I dont mind spending the money if it is worth it, ya know?

Did you see a pretty significant price concession by using RockAuto? Is it best to get them all done at once or does it not really matter? What about pads any suggestions?

DuwayneWeb

have you considered coilovers?

Jodwin

I'm. Completely ignorant when it comes to cars that's why leverage this website and it helps me learn but what exactly are coil overs and why would I want to use those?

DuwayneWeb

Basically, they are the spring and strut together. They are adjustable so you can lower your car or keep it the same height as stock. You can also change the softness of the ride if the coilovers have dampening settings.

If I am not mistaken, the oem GS shocks go for 300 or so each, you can get a decent coilover system for about $1k.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/381127808986?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

quadzilla9

i have same type issue- live in sugar land texas- dealer said the "struts" needed replacing- only the right rear is leaking- but i would imagine u get them done in pairs- SM lex wants like 1200.00 to do both- does anyone have a better suggestion or a local shop in 77479 that they trust? also there is a pretty good thud that seems to come from the right rear when i go over bumps or driveways- would this be the shock issue as well? mine is a 2007 GS 350- 106k on it- but love the car and drives great.

quadzilla9

does anyone know of ballpark price and who would you take it to in houston/sugar land area- vs the dealer$? right rear is leaking- and i hear a "thud" sometimes when going over a bump coming from same spot- please reply if you cane help or suggest- thx guys!

burny

any independent shop with a good reputation can handle the job.

quadzilla9

what should it cost to get the rear struts replaced on 2007 GS 350?

burny

I have to guess as I always do my own. I would say no more than $150 per wheel for labor. $100 would be more palatable considering it is not that difficult.

quadzilla9

Well lexus is trying to tell me it 1200.00 for the set of rear- they say you have to go thru the trunk and labor intensive? Thx for the help- I know nada about cars mechanically sir. And when I tell them KYB is just as good a part- they say it’s not OEM- I don’t care I have a mint condition 2007 GS 350- , 106k on it , drives like a top- so I’m keeping it to 200k- if you have time- please ask around for a good contact here in Houston or sugar land that won’t rip my face off! Ty so much for the help- I also have a call in Toyota by my house to see if the price is diff there- I can order the shocks online- and have them do the labor- maybe that’s the way to go. Also do you think that is where the “thud” is coming from? Soryy for all the questions- but thx

burny

Yes, the curtain has to be pulled back to access the 3 nuts on each rear strut. I used a clip tool and had it out in 3 minutes.

Iknowspurg

Made a mistake getting the kyb's. The ride is softer than OEs. I sent kyb an email today about exchanging the. For something with a sportier feel