blazinwind

I have a 2001 IS 300 w/ 87,000 miles. Just got my car checked out and i need front and rear struts and 4 new tires. Also had breaks squeaking so got rear break pads and breaks still squeak.

My questions are:

1. with the amount of miles on my car does it make sense that i should need all new struts? And would i need the front and rear sway bar links as well?

2. Right now I have michelin pilot hx mxm4 p215/45r17 87v tires, but i was told the car calls for a W rated tire. Can I have V rated or will it drive alot better with the W rated? Also, should they be 89s instead of 87s, and what are some of the best recommended all season tires for an 01 IS 300? Anything better than the michelins i have?

3. I havent done any hard breaking since i got the new break pads about 500 miles ago, should they still squeak? I wouldnt think it should squeak at all, should i take it back and get it redone or is there some kit that needs to be installed to make the noise go away?

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

1. struts typically should last the lifetime of the car, though it really depends on where the car is driven. if the streets are crappy where the car was all it's life, then replacement would be sooner. also consider driving habits. i'm on 102k miles and shocks are fine. as for the links, again same thing.

2. V or W is just the speed rating. just don't go beyond the speed your tires are designed for. 89 or 87 is the load index. check your driver's side door sill for the recommended tire sizing and rating. 215/45/17 is standard. you won't be able to tell the difference (driving) on either.

3. did you lubricate around the pads, calipers, and shims? squeaking will still occur if you fail to do so. get some lube and grease them up.

cricket056

Depending on how the car was driven I could see needing to replace your struts. I did this at 85K when I first got mine. But the preious owner had been running H&R springs on the stock struts which is very hard on them.

Sway bar endlinks shold be ok. But a visual inspection should be enough at this mileage. If you plan on tracking your car I would go ahead with this repair but do a set of sport sways when you do.

The brakes sound like a lubrication issue, as mentioned above. I have always had a little bit of break noise but not squeeking.