EcHo714

iTrader: (2)

Anyone know where I can buy some new hood dampeners for cheap? Searching around on ebay right now and just wanted to know if anyone has recently replaced theirs and could show me where you got them.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Got mine from RockAuto. About $45 shipped. Monroe I believe. Very easy to do.

Edit: Here is a better deal

EcHo714

iTrader: (2)

Thanks a lot Lavrishevo!

rpusic929

I am new to this forum with my recent purchase 3 weeks ago. I have found a lot of useful information from the forum thus far. One thing I didn't do prior to purchase was lift the hood but what was I really going to see, a nice shiny piece of plastic and clean engine area? It was pretty late in the evening and raining so we missed a few things but very pleased with the purchase. When I checked the next day, I found everything to be clean and in place. However, the hood would not stay up so I was right there with you EcHo. They owed me a detail so when I went back a few days later, I discussed the problem with the hood supports and asked if they could be replaced at no charge since I would have expected them to be in working order following a 34 point safety inspection. Since I already did my homework on the forum, I knew how much I was willing to spend and it was no where close to what they were offering. No free of charge but they were willing to split the difference in the $320 repair. I passed and said I could do it myself for less than $60. I got a pair from Amazon, StrongArm, similar to the link above for a total of less than $40 shipped via Prime. Only one of my factory supports was shot but replaced both in 20 minutes. Well worth the homework. Actually ordered a pair for the trunk today since they seem to be weak. I don't mind spending a little now to get things in working order. Also StrongArm but different part number.

EcHo714

iTrader: (2)

Nice that's good to know, yea these are really pricey when purchasing from the dealer or elsewhere. I just ordered a set right now off Amazon. "StrongArm 6236 Hood Lift Support", Part #6236

Zodiac

iTrader: (1)

I bought StrongArm hood lift supports from Amazon also and they work great. Very easy DIY. Get another person to help hold the hood up while replacing them.

Bocatrip

Strong Arm. Replaced mine a few months ago. Very easy install and better than OEM. I probably should do the rears before I get decapitated!

Legender

I second the strong arm choice. Have done both the hood and the trunk and very pleased with the product.
I purchased mine from Ebay also...

rwhartso

rpusic929: One thing I didn't do prior to purchase was lift the hood but what was I really going to see, a nice shiny piece of plastic and clean engine area? It was pretty late in the evening and raining so we missed a few things but very pleased with the purchase.

Wow! you bought a car without opening the hood?????????
Lots to see under there!
Quite the Seller you found there wants to charge $320 for this fix......
Yep, Amazon for Strong Arm!

beneteau

Strong Arm struts from Lift Supports Depot (eBay) at $32.60 a pair (free shipping). Just bought from them a month ago. Great struts and a great seller. They shipped immediately.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/StrongArm-6236-L-R-2-Front-Hood-Gas-Lift-Supports-Bonnet-Lift-Support-Strut-/370924078379?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3ALS430&hash=item565ccc452b&vxp=mtr

honasbone

I just replaced mine with Strongarm last weekend coincidentally. Pretty darn easy. Happy with them so far.

rpusic929

rwhartso: It was a Lexus dealership. My wife had bought her 3 pervious Lexus vehicles from them. The were all certified preowned but not this one. I had a company car for 15 years and plan to keep this one much longer than the span of her 3. She has an 06 IS250 but she kind of likes mine more now. I was trying to find the trunk supports for hers but having trouble finding that as easily as for the LS.

Jabberwock

The Lexus guys would not fix your broken hood struts for right after you bought the car from them? Did they at least offer you an old broom stick from the shop to prop the hood open, so it did not kill you? Yikes..I guess the LS was not certified, but those sales guys must definitely be certified tool-bags.

rpusic929

I was never a fan of car dealers or their service shops. I tried negotiating for some freebies like nav upgrade, future services, etc but no luck. I was going over the service intervals and was concerned whether the 120k service was done since it looked like a lot needed to be done. I wanted verification on whether it was completed so I wouldn't have to put out more cash. After some digging, the pulled up the service records to verify it was complete. Good thing as it looked to be >$1,200. When I went in for the detail and asked about the supports, my plan was to get them done for free or do it myself. Research here helped me save the money on this and will on future services. From reading about the ML sound system, I didn't think I heard any issues with it but after taking things apart, I found that the door speakers had been replaced with factory as they seem new. The previous owner had the sub replaced but with an aftermarket Kenwood 4ohm. I have fixed that issue already with Kicker 8ohm I saw in multiple threads. Better to spend $60 now than spend $700 later for an amp issue.

Overall, I am still very pleased with my purchase and the car. I've had a company car for almost 15 years with annual mileage of 35-40k. I am kind of tired of driving. However, with this car, I can't wait for my first road trip.

aypues

Great info. Passed on the dealer wanting to charge me 300 something. Ridiculous. Will do it with a friend's help for around 30 bucks.