NyCrAzY

I got my Lexus RX300 (1999) 3 months ago from a private owner.

It currently has a 176k miles (173.5k when bought). I don't know what maintenance was done but each time I go over a bump, it makes this annoying rattling noise!

I am assuming it's the shocks? I'm on a tight budget so I was wondering if I ONLY need to replace the shocks or the whole shocks/struts together?

I think that is the reason why I'm experiencing poor gas mileage. Thanks guys.

lexrally

From what I hear on the forum (you can do a search on struts/mounts) sounds like you need new strut mounts. Recommended type is OEM strut mounts. If you think you need new struts, then try KYB GR-2, everyone seems to think they are the best for the RX, and that is the brand I will be installing sometime in the near future.

hypervish

I believe you already made a thread on this, and I think we came to the conclusion that it is just the strut mounts.

It's better to replace both right now, struts and strut mounts because you are doing the same amount of labor. The shop will not charge more for replacing both.

The strut mount will not affect your gas mileage, the struts may affect it but not by much, at most .2-.4 mpg but only if your struts are currently sagging.

NyCrAzY

Thought I'd bring this topic back. I've been really busy working (retail unfortunately with all the black friday/holiday crap) ...

I'm going to take it to a mechanic later next week to see what is going on but lets see ...

My car also shakes and doesn't feel steady either when going over bumps (even really small ones) ... the noise has become more obnoxious and annoying now too. Is that because of the strut mounts as well or because of shocks/struts itself?

Thanks

hypervish

It's probably become louder because of the cold weather.

NyCrAzY

Alright. After slacking for the past few months, I FINALLY went to the mechanic shop today to get it checked.

My mechanic told me it's the following -

Sway Bar Link
Strut Mounts

My quoted price from him was -

(2) Sway Bar Link - $170
(2) Strut Mounts - $ 165
Labor - $170
__________________________
$505 + tax

Worth it? Can I find the parts for cheaper prices?

hypervish

Front strut mounts or rear?
I suppose he meant stabilizer links (same thing)... Which can be had for $50 a pop.

IndyRX300

This is contingent on whether these are the correct items. You would definately want to double check and make sure these are the correct items.

Item DescriptionQTYDelivery OptionEst. ArrivalPriceTotal TRW Sway Bar Link Kit
Part No: 18283
Warranty: LIMITED LIFETIME REPLACEMENT x Remove Update Pick Up At

Change store Ship to Home Select a delivery
option on the
left to see
arrival times $55.99
Add'l Discount: -$11.20$44.79
TRW Sway Bar Link Kit
Part No: 18282
Warranty: LIMITED LIFETIME REPLACEMENT x Remove Update Pick Up At

Change store Ship to Home Select a delivery
option on the
left to see
arrival times $55.99
Add'l Discount: -$11.20$44.79
KYB Strut Mount
Part No: SM5485
Warranty: LIMITED LIFETIME REPLACEMENT x Remove Update Ship to Home Select a delivery
option on the
left to see
arrival times $24.99
Add'l Discount: -$9.99$39.99
Product Subtotal:$129.57Shipping Options Next Day - $0.00 2 Day (1-2 days) - $0.00 Ground (3-4 days) - FREE Shipping Charges: Free Total Savings: ($32.39) Applied Promotion: P20
20% Off Your Order x Remove Enter Your Promo Code
If you have a promotion code, enter it here and click apply.
Total:$129.57

I read your post wrong and originally had both front struts included as well for a total of $361 and some change.

NyCrAzY

The mounts and sway link bar are both for the front.

I have a friend who can install the them for free as long I buy the parts.

@IndyRX300, which website did you use to get those prices? Thanks for looking them up by the way

PS - Are KYB strut mounts any good?

rsr2216

Where did you get the part prices/numbers? Thanks

IndyRX300

Ahh man , You are a Yankees fan........ I am not sure if I should tell you lol.


Advance Auto parts and a little extreme couponing go a long way. There is a KYB plant out here in Indiana. I almost worked there before going to Amazon. The plant is super clean.


The code I used wan on their sight. You can look at retail me not and other coupon websites to combine coupons. Acually the code I used was P20 . It is not case sensitive. I just bought our battery for the Lexus there. Before discount it was$120 with core. After discount, I got it for $62 and some change after core.

I know most would say stick to stock but I would not have any issues with using them.



GO RED SOX!!!!!!!!!

hypervish

IMO, stick with OEM for strut mounts.

IndyRX300

I am no too familiar yet with Toyota/Lexus OEM name. Is it Denso???

hypervish

Denso is the OEM part's supplier for almost everything.

The OE strut's are made by KYB. But they are different from what you can buy directly from KYB right now. Not sure what company makes the OEM strut mounts.

To be honest, I have KYB Strut Mounts on the rear of my RX. I put them on when I did the rear struts this past summer, the only reason that I used the KYB strut mounts is because I got them for free from my uncle's shop. lol
When I eventually do the front struts and mounts, I'll be using OEM. But, I couldn't resist getting the mounts for free.

NyCrAzY

Boo Red Sox! Maybe they shouldn't be drinking or partying in September when the playoffs are on the line! Haha.

My question: How much of a priority is it to get the strut mounts/sway bar link changed?

Because I'm debating between that or getting the car paint re-done with the tax return I got back ...