C. Ujiiye

Has anyone replaced their rear liftgate lift supports/struts on their RX350? I purchased two Strongarm struts and was going to tackle this project this weekend. However, in looking at the assembly on the vehicle, it looks like I need to cut off the part that's attached to the ball joint. They don't appear to just come off. Does anyone have any DIY pictures on this?

Thanks in advance.

mandyfig

There is no cutting required for the struts. I will check on the service manual. Have you tried googling it?

C. Ujiiye

Hi mandyfig,

Any luck with the service manual. Googling this has turned up one person selling a DIY video but nothing else of value. So, if you can provide any info, it would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

xfirechief

On most vehicles there is a locking clip that can be pryed off then the unit pulls off the ball. I will look further and see if I find out more.
In the meantime look for the clip. I would but it is snowing like crazy right now & I'm not leaving the house, maybe till April. LOL

mandyfig

Here ya go:

MC5Wes

Mandyfig
Was wondering where you picked up your repair manual at? I need one for my 2007.

Thanks

mandyfig

Ebay. Try it.

RX330inFL

Those electronic copies on eBay are illegal, FWIW. The sales get pulled when found.

xfirechief

Isn't Illegal a sick bird?

mandyfig

Ebay, not electronic, buy the hard copies. The older ones are cheaper.

C. Ujiiye

Well, here's an update. I bought the StrongArm replacements (@ ~$50/pair) rather than the Lexus direct replacements (@ ~$400/pair). So, the unbolt and bolt doesn't work for me. I decided to try the driver side and after some attempts to pop off the strut from the ball joint didn't work. I unbolted the whole assembly and decided to cut away at the strut connector. Obviously, I stayed away from the main assembly for safety sake. After cutting away, I found what was holding in the ball joint to the strut. It was a C-clamp. Anyhow, after finishing up on both ends of the strut, I bolted the replacement back in and now the liftgate goes up without much effort. So, bottom line is that it was the strut. I ran out of daylight so the passenger side will be done next weekend and liftgate should be good as new.

Thanks for all who replied with info.

RX330inFL

Glad to hear and thanks for posting an update.

mandyfig

Please take pics and post. For some of us who may need this DIY. Thanks.

Miminjd444

After installing the new gas cylinders, when pushing the open/close button on the top of the lid, the liftgate will start to close, then go back up to the top. Same thing with the key fob.

We have tried helping it close to maybe program the new cylinders, but it still won't close on its own
The gate opens fine when electronically activated. Just won't close..

Any suggestions?

robbyk

Sounds like the new rear gate struts are a bit too stiff. From the safety stand point, when there is too much resistance the gate will not close automatically.