gumbytech

Hello everyone,

Just joined the board, but used it when researching my car purchase. I recently purchased a 1997 ES300. From this board I was aware of suspension issues and sure enough mine was found to need suspension work during the pre-purchase inspection.

Knowing the work was needed, I still bought the car which had 74K miles and was in cherry condition in all other areas for $10,300

I have decided to purchase the parts myself and take it to an indy for installation. This is what I have found. What do you think of the price, reasonable?

Replace front struts and mounts (243 parts from tirerack) + (240 labor)

Replace rear struts and mounts (285 parts from tirerack) + (240 labor)

Note: purchased strut insulators and bumpers ($82 from irontoad)

Replace front lower control arms (160 parts off ebay) + (170 labor)

4 wheel alignment (65)

Total Parts = $770
Total Labor = $715
TOTAL JOB = $1485

I plan to get the job done the end of next week so your thoughts in advance will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Dan

GATO

iTrader: (1)

the prices seem ok....but let me check with my guy....and I'll get back to you monday.

why dont you just get a super nice set of coilovers...and really have an upgraded suspension

juan01

hmm, you could get all 4 struts cheaper if you shopped around more, same with the labor.

gumbytech

I took my car in the shop today and had them replace the front and rear struts and mounts. Also had the front lower control arms replaced. They did 4 wheel alignment. Great improvement in overall handling and the noise is rattling noises are now gone. I bought the parts from 3 different places and after many quotes went with a local indy for the labor. Price ended up at just over $1100 (475 parts and 625 labor). I researched and worked to get the right parts and the best price. Others may have seen bettter deals, but I am happy with my end product. Went with KYB struts/mounts, stock used springs, OEM bumpers and insulators and aftermarket control arms w/ball joints.

struts/mounts - tirerack.com
control arms - worldsuspension.com
bumpers/insulators - irontoad.com

Next, I am going to add TRD rear sway bar, Solara stock strut bar and new bushings for the FSB. I expect this work to be $$350. Then I will be done with the suspension work.

bars from toyotaparts4u.com
bushings from ?? made by energysuspension.com

Dan

Greg4609

Is it necessary to remove the gasoline tank in order to replace the rear suspension arms on a ES300 year 2000.

Underneath the middle of the car (between the gas tank and the trunk) the 2 long bolts that secure the 4 suspension arms in place cannot be removed - the gas tank is in the way.

Thanks

BDSL

You do not need to remove the gas tank when changing the lower control arms or other suspension parts.

ale

i had problem since long time i checked with walmart mechanic they took my car and said thell do wheel balancing after that they said they cant and dont charge me anything, and said its problem with front passenger (suspension)
then they say they cant repair ive to go to some professional suspesion repair or replace
iam really confused from were to start with
i really donno which part is that suspension or any other
My car is so good runs well no problems except (steering shake) since a year (2000) es 300
any advice help pls.

DRACO A5OG

Welcome aboard.

Well, if you have a floor jack at home. Raise the front end. place jack stands for safety.

Grab the wheel then push and pull.

It could be control arm/s, tie rod ends or steering rack bushing.

We won't know until you see it for yourself.

rproctor

Does the 1997 Lexus ES300 strut have the Adaptive Variable Suspension?


Should I purchase the entire strut assembly or just the strut and what brand is better?

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

Certain ES300 came with AVS as an option. You can tell if you have it by the suspension switches near the gear shift. Also the front struts will have electrical connectors under the hood.

Personal suggestion: go with KYB struts and replace strut mounts with factory Lexus units. Also pick up a set of two front strut bearings. The rest can be reused. Sometimes the rubber insulators that the springs sit on will parish over time, so you may need those too.

If your car appears to be sagging/sitting lower in the rear, that will be fixed by new struts. No need for new springs.