JAB

I consider myself a relatively competent DIYer and I did it without too much trouble. That said, however, I would have jumped at a $235 charge for someone else's labor - my independent wanted $500.

Baetke

Did you transfer your springs over yourself and did you have to get an alignment after installing the new struts?

salimshah

I have the same question as 4 wheel alignment would add another $150. One can do the alignment as a DIY with plump-bob, measuring tape, string and a calculator.

In theory the alignment is not a must but recommended. If the tires are old, I would wing it and monitor, but if I have spent $750+ on tires recently, I would head to alignment shop.

Sears runs free inspection and are supposed to charge if they find things out of spec. They did find things out of spec even the one which was correct [center of steering] and made it bad. Needed a second visit

Salim

hypervish

From what I understand, no alignment is needed after a strut change in the RX300. Because there is no camber adjustment, at least I didn't see any neither did my uncle (ASE certified).

You can buy an aftermarket kit for camber adjustment however, and if your RX has that then you would need an alignment after.

artbuc

Camber is very easily measured and corrected, if necessary, with cam bolts or hogging out the strut hole and/or grinding the factory bolt. Perfect DIY project.

HadYurPhil

How on earth does changing the struts affect the mileage? I have an RX300 with 240k and to me it rides fine.

Lexmex

It can, but to really see a noticeable effect the shocks really have to be screwed up and also depends on the types of roads you are going on.

MarkG2000

KYB's are $100 bucks a pc!!!!

The Sensens are at least half if not more cheaper.
Will the ride be that much different?

Could get FOUR...for only $130!!!.....not $400

Someone please answer this...is it that much different
thanks

carguy07

There have been several reports about durability issues with the Sensens. I think think that is a bigger question than how they feel when new.

hypervish

+1, they don't seem to hold up based on what I've read.

Baetke

Struts are doable by an intermediate to advanced DIY'er with the right tools. The most dangerous part is swapping the spings over since you will need a spring compressor. You will also need a four wheel alignment when you are done. Check out YouTube for how its done. There are plenty of good videos that will give you a good idea of whats involved. If you can get someone else to do it for $235 that sounds pretty reasonable to me, especially if that includes the alignment.

trips1

Please can someone help with the part numbers for everything that is needed to get all the four struts replaced.
I did a search on ebay for "KYB struts RX300" and got links to the struts as well as strut boots, mounting kit, bearings, etc.
If i am purchasing my own parts and taking them to an independent mechanic then it would be really good for me to ensure that i have everything that is needed.

BTW, i found the following pair of rear KYB struts selling for $95. Looks to be a good deal to me.
Link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Replacement-Gas-Shocks-Struts-1999-03-Lexus-RX-300-FWD-Rear-Set-/251766223363?fits=Model%3ARX300&hash=item3a9e6fb203&vxp=mtr
Thanks,
Rtrips

carguy07

Those are not KYB parts, they are "Speedy Shocks & Struts", which I think is Sensen.

trips1

Thanks for pointing it out!!
I guess KYB struts would run to be $100 each.
Please can someone help with the part numbers of what all would be needed so that i can safely go to an independent without worrying about any missing parts :-)