oldbluetoo

What is the normal action of the trunk lid lifts/struts of a 2005 SC430?

When unlocked my lid merely unlatches but does not lift at all. As I lift it there feels like little to no lifting action from the struts. When I've lifted the lid all the way the struts do hold the lid in place. When I lower the lid from the top position I do not feel much support. At no point do I feel the struts "take over" except at the top position.

I would appreciate hearing others experience with opening the trunk. Two dealer service folks were not able to shed much light on what I should expect.

I have tried two new pairs of struts from Sundely ($27.50/pair, eBay). (They sent me a second pair after the first pair did not work.) I ordered the correct struts (lid with airfoil). The new struts were worse than the existing and would not even support the lid at the top position. I put back on the originals. I'm reluctant to pay Lexus brand bucks unless I know that new Lexus struts will provide better function. The car is new to me and has 70K miles. Mint condition.

Thanks in advance for comments.

texsexlex

iTrader: (3)

...that experience that you're getting is about normal. When you open the trunk or pop the lock, the trunk will not lift on it's on. The lifts will only support the trunk when they are fully extended. When they are brand new, they may take over the lifting process when they are about 80% extended, but this isn't always true. The biggest reason for this is because the trunk & all it's mechanics are so heavy, it would take some "really" strong lifts to push up on their own. When you fully open the trunk & the supports will not support it, is usually the time to replace them. If they are holding when you open to it's highest point, then they are ok....hopes this helps some

OBP

100% agree. What OP describes is exactly what I experience with my 2005 and I had the supports replaced under extended warranty by Lexus three years back.

MDames2

iTrader: (1)

Your struts are wearing out. Although there is no lifting help when you depress the trunk release. They should supply some help once the trunk is partially open. I recently replaced the trunk struts on my wife's '03. Cost was about $35 or so for both. They work very well. These DO help lift the trunk somewhat. When you lift the trunk about half way the supports provide some help taking them up the rest of the way. In fact the last 30% will open on its' own. These are a big improvement over the failing OEM supports and they were very reasonably priced and extremely easy to install. Took about 5 minutes. In case you're interested, I got them from Liftsupportsdepot.com.

Coleroad

The colder it is the less pressure it exerts. No matter what brand lifts or how new the lid will never just pop open. I made a short video. These struts are 10 months old. In summer it does open its self from about 2/3's. It will hold its self anywhere above 1/4 open. My current ones are from liftsupportdepot.com. I had also before that had factory replacements. I don't see a difference really in how well the work.

Bgw70

Which ones should I purchase?
They seem to be cheaper on eBay, same part.
http://stores.ebay.com/Lift-Supports...&_trksid=p4634

http://www.liftsupportsdepot.com/sho...ertible-2door/

iolmaster

iTrader: (1)

I have had the house brand for about 2 years now and they still work as intended. No experience with the Strong Arm brand.

Coleroad

I used the eBay store. Same company they just have more than one venue they sell through.

ShawnOk

iTrader: (1)

So just thought I should make a quick post. I noticed that after about 10 years, my trunk lifters need replacement again. I looked at the current ones to see what company I had chosen for the first replacement pair, and found that they are from LiftSupportDepot.com. Decided to give them a call and turns out they have a lifetime warranty, that they stood behind. Got a new set coming for only the price of shipping, $9.80! Can't beat that!

Harold57

Sweet!

mandyfig

Good information. I have bought 3 sets (2 sets FRT and RR for the IS and the RR for the SC) from them and will make sure that replacements are also made with shipping cost only. Thanks!

texsexlex

iTrader: (3)

....did you have to have an invoice or were they able to look up info from original purchase? I'm not having an issue with mine, but wanted to make sure I have my invoice if needed.....thanx

mandyfig

I believe I bought from fleabay (or Amazon). Regardless there should be some history kept that I can reference a transaction number to prove ownership-purchase. Hope I do not need it though, but it sounds good that if they start failing, we can get some replacements.

ShawnOk

iTrader: (1)

I seem to recall that I bought the replacement set from eBay ten years ago but they still had my invoice in their system via the main company so they must keep invoices across their system regardless if eBay or direct purchase.