turbohonda

I am replacing the struts on my grandfathers 98 es300 with 200k miles.the car is driven very little and it is not worth replacing the avs struts with new ones from lexus since parts alone are $1200. I understand that the avs struts can replaced with non-avs struts for a quarter of the cost. I have heard that doing so will throw ABS and trac lights and disable the systems.

Is there a way to bypass/remove the avs system so that the abs and trac will not be affected? I just want to replace the worn shocks as cheaply as possible.

thanks

PlatES300

iTrader: (1)

it will not throw any lights or anything like that. I have the AVS system in my car and the car has 241k so I just replaced them with regular shocks. no lights or problems whatsoever.

turbohonda

Ok thank you for your response. What shocks did you go with? OEM, KYB,? What strut mounts did you use as well? any noises?

PlatES300

iTrader: (1)

oem mounts b/c aftermarket ones squeak and make noises after a while. i went with kyb gr2 shocks. you can find a set of 4 for under 300 if you look around.

the2ndr

same here, 97 es with tokico hp blues since 155k. Now Im at 236k and will be going with Kyb's. Dont really need them but probably just for the mileage.

alexsze34

hey I just installed 4 Monroe Quick struts for 98 Camry V6 on my 1997 ES300 with AVS. They work and fit PERFECTLY and all noise is gone!

I also replaced the REAR sway bar bushings which caused 80% of noises in my case.

No Warning Lights were on since installation , I am so happy to get rid of those AVS!!

Front struts are easier to replace than the rear ones. Fronts are very straight forward. Remove brake and Disc. Unbolt the brake dust cover and turn it a bit to get some room to remove the big strut bolts. Tighten the top nuts 29lb-ft , Strut bolts 156 lb-ft. Sway bar link 29lb-ft.

Rear struts are harder because I cant get enough space to loose the two 17mm strut bolts. So I also removed the rear axle hub.
-Remove the brake and disc.
-Remove the four 14mm bolt (59lb-ft when put them back) thru the holes on the hub.
-Remove the 17mm strut bolts.
Avoid dust get into the hub coz dust damage the bearings, get a new O-ring and a some grease then put everything back together.

I will never go back to Lexus/Toyota parts department anymore. Aftermarket works great with 1/4 price. Your can find almost everything from them. In this case, the O-rings.

I put grease on rusted bolts, so they move easier. you will also need 5mm(not sure) hex key and a 14mm wrench to remove the sway bar links.

No spring compression required. I only have the knowledge of oil change before and I spent less than 100 bucks to buy some good max drive strong wrenches and a cheap torque wrench.



Hope this could help!