MrMufakka

My wife took our 2008 IS250 in today for a regular 65k mile service. They just called her saying the following.

All 4 struts are leaking and need to be replaced. $1500
Rear axle is leaking. $1000

Now, I've never replaced a strut (although I've replaced entire suspensions on multiple trucks ie. coils, leafs, air bags) however, is it really a $1500 job? And does it seem odd that all of the sudden ALL 4 need to be replaced? And with only 65k on the clock?

dannyboy26

iTrader: (11)

Leaking already hmmm interesting, and well at lexus is that expensive but im sure a shop could do it cheaper or you can DIY I stil have my OEM struts they were replaced at 70k and used for another 21k if you are interested in saving some money

MrMufakka

I'd PROBABLY do this myself if they really do need replacing and there isn't anything crazy to deal with during the job. Any recommendations in replacement parts? This is a 100% daily driver for my wife. OE spec is perfectly fine. No need for anything high performance.

Off to see if I can find a DIY thread...

dannyboy26

iTrader: (11)

You would be better off and replacing suspension is rather simple the only hard part is taking apart your trunk to get to the top bolts on the rear struts... As replacement parts I would look into sewell but if you are ok with saving money and buying some used ones let me know.

Uda880

iTrader: (7)

Tokico HP Blue is usually the OE equivalent. Could also go KYB if on a budget.

KYB usually run around $420 for all four. Tokico's are ~$600 for full set. Or just like Dannyboy said, you can buy a used set off of another member for half the price of the KYBs (that's what I'm seeing on Ebay right now).

dannyboy26

iTrader: (11)

Yup I have a set I just took off mine and selling for $125 Just posted it on the classifieds section

azfsprt

iTrader: (4)

Its $1500 because they charge you a lot on labor probably.

Ya just do it yourself at least you can pick a better set for way cheaper.
Usually they only blow 1 or 2 but not all at once. Of course when you replace them you should replace all of them so that the ride is consistent on each side. If you are on a tight budget then you can always do 2 at a time rear first since those are blown then do fronts. Or do all of them.

In addition thats a sales ploy by the dealer too to replace all 4 when maybe 1 is just bad. There is a good reason to replace all 4 but I get what you mean... ALL 4 at 65K...

Boomin

A retired mechanic of thirty years in the business gave his number one advice, and that is "never ever trust a mechanic"

Smh

I remember pressing down on corners of the car and if it bounced more than once, time to upgrade!
F-sports all around , struts and lowering springs

flowrider

iTrader: (9)

^^^^And Never Trust a Mechanic that says Struts need to be replaced on a vehicle that has no struts The IS has Shock Absorbers. And, I find it hard to believe that all four shocks are leaking!

Lou

sw2oboi

iTrader: (12)

Id suggest get a 2nd opinion. Try and see if you can find a mechanic that will do free diagnostic or just ride it out till you feel that its noticeably worse then you know its a sure thing.

You can definitely tackle this job at home. Use the DIY for lowering spring install for reference.

pheonix72

iTrader: (6)

Check out Park Lexus of Plano. Their price is even lower than Sewell at $168 per with free shipping.