mruff

When I was having the tires rotated on my 2003 GS300 with 66,000 miles that has had no front end problems, I asked the mechanic to inspect for the cause of a clunking noise on the left front side (when going over a bump or pot hole) and the mechanic says my left front strut is blown. Subsequently I am noticing some increased wear on the outer edge of the tire. The price he quoted to replace it seemed quite high, so I thought I would ask the faithful here just exactly what one should do in this situation. Since I cannot do it myself, about how much should one expect to pay for this repair? Do you replace both struts? Since I am not interested in enhancing performance unless it can be done at a reasonable cost, what kind of strut should I buy and what other parts would be needed to do this repair? I will likely take it to Japanese Auto Masters in Virginia Beach to have the work done as I have been to them over the years with another car and they are trustworthy and reasonably priced.

Appreciate all replies. Thanks!

99 GS3

iTrader: (14)

Have you at least done the bounce test to see if it rebounds correctly? You can usually tell that way if it's blown. At least to see how it reacts compared the other side.

Clunking can be a few different things, sway bar endlink, or a barley loose caliper (have you recently had brake work done?),

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Anytime you hear a clunking noise on our cars, you should check the ball joints first.

geeznuts

iTrader: (14)

Jack the car up and see if the strut is leaking oil. 60k is pretty low miles unless you don't slow down for speed bumps.

Dscustoms

iTrader: (3)

Always check the ball joints !! When I got my GS the right front wheel could move about a half inch !

Clunking is usually a strut TOP not the strut itself, although possible. Take it to another mechanic for a second opinion! Don't tell them anything about what the other shop said, or that you even went to another shop. Why are people so hesitant to get second opinions from mechanics?? You get a second opinion from doctors right?

Dscustoms

iTrader: (3)

Oh yeah, how much. The book time on one strut removal plus changing the spring over is 1.7 hours. So thats 1.7 + or - 10% times the shop labor rate they have to have posted on the wall.

A factory OEM strut replacement is $55-$85 for your car, depending on VIN.

mruff

There's definitely more movement on the left one than the right one. Did have new front and rear rotors replaced 45 days ago. Second opinion without mentioning anything other than the noise is a good idea.

PHML

iTrader: (33)

Jack up the car...remove tire...and see if you can locate fresh markings in the wheel well of the upper control arm hitting the wheel well...if so, this is the source of the clunking noise...and probably blown shocks.

If no markings, check the lower ball joint for loose movement.

CLGForce

new front and rear rotors at 60k..really?

GSdarksol

iTrader: (4)

I did the bounce test on my gs....both front shocks where blown.. I could already tell by driving, so I replaced both front shocks. I used KYB GR2's....at $85 each...was charged $100 for the install... took a little over an hour.

mruff

Thanks! Good info.

ksersoze

Hi GSdarksol, who was your mechanic for your shocks, if you are in So Cal?? Thanks.