mofoco

Original suspension...Oil filled shock inside coil spring...One estimate R&R front & rear complete $1850 to $2250...
Hate to spend 25% of car value for new shocks? Any alternatives? Only one leaking! Whats' average replacement miles?
In Las Vegas, NV

tradosauru

One option is to get a quote from a reputable mechanic in your area. Look at Angies List for reviews on businesses. Or ask someone who has had a good experience with car repair.

With a 13 yr old car I would replace both shocks on the side of the bad one unless your maintenance history shows some have been replaced already.

If you have the Ls430 UL with air suspension then I can see the cost being that high for all 4. If not that seems pretty high. I've taken out springs to replace shocks and its not difficult.

inrisls400

that's a crazy price, go somewhere else, changing the struts on this car is the same as others, they are just springs and struts....but if they are air the be prepared to spend$$$$....that s why I switched mine out to regular suspension..

JffGRY706

when I replaced my right rear shock the labor was more than the shock. the back seat back has to be taken out and the rear deck lifted to access the tops. I wish I had done both but Lexus only recommends replacing when they are leaking. check your shocks by pushing down one corner. It will come back up with no bounce at all. it is fine. replacing one regular shock will still be over $400. both would only add the cost of another shock. if you are rich do all four. it is up to you. some are on original shocks with lots of miles on them.

BradTank

I would do both rear. I have to think the other one is going to leak pretty soon as well. It's a common issue, my rear driver side was leaking.

That quote is definitely high, was that a Lexus dealer?

My guess is most independent shops you should be able to do both rear struts for around $600 parts&labor. I would also replace the rear strut mounts also, they go on top of the struts themselves and are rubber, sometimes they can get old and dried out and make squeaking noises, but you can skip that if you want.

Probably around $200-$300 in parts for 2 struts and 2 strut mounts and 3 hours of labor.

e60bmw

iTrader: (1)

I love this forum, thats great info, I had no idea the leaking is caused from a leaking shock inside of it. I just noticed that mine is leaking alot and probably has since I bought the car 2 years ago. My right rear always sits lower and never levels up as high as other wheels. I haven't noticed a significant ride quality impact though tbh. I did notice that if I go around turns my wheel will shake for a bit like its trying to level it back out. I can't stomach the price of new air struts but I'm NOT going to coilovers on this car. I was considering aftermarket air, I want the best ride possible, and my experience with coilovers has been nothing close to the ride my UL offers. I didn't realize you had to take out the rear deck lid, that really sucks...

vfr700f2

^^^^^ That way they get to charge you twice to do this vvvvv



I'd do both rears at once. But I'd be looking for 2nd and 3rd opinions on prices, while watching out for incompetent shops giving low bids.

grunner58

The car was built over 13 years ago which means any plastic and or rubber components are fraught with leakage. It is an issue of "time" and "storage".
German cars have plastic and rubber issues within 5 - 7 years because they are eco-fanatics that always use recylced materials.
Mileage is an issue, but simple time is as well. The metal aspect of a Lexus will last for decades but the rubber and plastic is another story where time has its say!
"IF" this car was garage kept for its entire life, you will save 3 - 5 years on the rubber and plastic parts. IF it has been outside for its life, then you will have many, many, issues with these components.
Rubber and Plastic are greatly affected by TIME, unlike metal

mofoco

One big THANK YOU to all who responded to my thread...Your time and informative comments are genuinely appreciated...To "grunner58"...Your additional comments
about "time" and the German rubber & plastics prompted me to consider replacing them also...The cost sucks but under the circumstances (I live in the desert) and the hot mostly dry weather really adds to the problem...Will be replacing both rear struts with Monroe...I like the softer, rather than the stiffer ride of "air shocks"...Again many thanks...
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