ajay60610

Was thinking about buying struts for my 2009 RX-350 AWD [117.5K] and then having dealer install...could not find on Amazon.....would anyone know the mfg./model of the appropriate strut....dealer markup on parts is over 100%...thanks.

Cathy

Most people buy Monroe or KYB but I heard neither is as plush and comfortable as the OEM.

Lexuswiz

iTrader: (1)

Depends on what Lexus/Toyota is out-sourcing them to for your model year. I'm not sure for the RX but my Camry uses relabeled KYB struts. Even the model numbers for KYB are identical and I saved a ton buying KYB's instead of OEM. But Lexus/Toyota does vary their manufactures for different years and models.

BlackLexRX

+1 for KYB. KYB is less than half Toyota cost and OE quality. KYB part#'s are 334400 (Driver Front), 334399 (Passenger Front), 339245 (Passenger Rear), 339245 (Driver Rear). I find them at about 100$ each for front and 75$ish rear.
Here's a Toyota part# for front left strut as a reference as to how expensive they are, 48520-A9220

evident

I can't imagine the KYB's wouldn't be as good as OEM. I've been meaning to do this job myself for a while now, just leary about removing the springs from the old struts.

BlackLexRX

Technically, Toyota ones are better, but KYB's feel so good it takes forever for any advantages of a Toyota shock to emerge. In other words, Toyota shocks are made to their standard and will last longer than KYB's, but you'll need to run up some serious mileage for that to occur; 100k or so. I love over engineered Toyota parts and I can understand why you'd install them again if you can afford it. However, as a replacement second application, KYB's and their excellent feel, compliance, price, and durability are enough to fit the bill.

I have some experience with KYB excel G's. I put them on my wife's last SUV and they were really spectacular and if anything a bit more stiff than OE (Honda CRV). Put 40k or so on them before we traded it, loved them. Saved a ton over the Honda ones that were made by Showa and like 400$

RuninRoach

so do you have to replace the springs if you replace the struts?

BlackLexRX

No. They are usually fine. Just need inspected. Only reason to change really is if you wanted to change drive characteristic or height. Compress spring, remove old strut, install new and suspension restored in most cases.

Lexuswiz

iTrader: (1)

You don't have to but if they're still original you should change it as springs compress over time. Sometimes you can buy new springs already installed in the struts to save time.

Barry2522

The springs will be fine . Monroe or KYB work great, I have used them both .

RedGemini

I'm going to take a gamble on a pair of rear struts from AM-Autoparts on eBay. Fully loaded and ready to install for $173 for the pair. AM includes a 10 year warranty on them, as well. I'm just waiting for the extra cash to take the plunge.

BlackLexRX

Great price. That'll make installation easier too.

RedGemini

That's what I was thinking. They won't be the best quality, or last the longest, obviously, but they'd have to be better than the extremely noisy/clunky/bouncy ones that are on it now. Plus, I can change them in my driveway without any special tools, like a spring compressor...

If new struts don't cure the clunking noises, the only thing left is the axle carrier bushing. Since I know it needs rear struts, I'll just do them. If it turns out I do need the bushing, that's when the real search starts. That thing seems next to impossible to find without buying the whole carrier (knuckle).

The seller has them on sale for $164, so I pulled the trigger, since I'll have 2 weeks to get the money in the bank with PayPal's Pay After Delivery. Now, I just have to find a good day with decent weather to get them installed, or see if a friend will let me use his garage again...