Are Monroe struts really that bad??
#1
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Are Monroe struts really that bad??
I need to replace my struts on my '00 ES3 and I'm on a tight budget. The local auto part store has "OEM equivalent" Monroe's for $118 each. They also have a lifetime warranty. Anyone here have good or bad personal experience with Monroe struts in an ES300?
#3
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Monroe OESpectrum is a very good strut. Monroe economy is not a good part. Quick Struts are iffy they have been known to make noise among other issues. BTW you can buy the originals for about the same price as you were quoted.
#4
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Be careful when you but any type of quick strut. I know for my Avalon that they just throw the Camry struts in, instead of a heavier duty strut, and they don't take the difference in weight. Just pay attention to what you get and you should be fine. And don't get economy anything. Your ride will be bad, and they don't usually last past 10K.
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tiguy99 (12-01-22)
#5
Personal experience, I opted for non quick struts and 10k miles later, no complaints. My dad on the other hand has a 01 Camry and replaced his with monroe quick struts and his car is now developing a sort of thumping over bumps in the rear, they're about 20k miles old.
#6
Lexus Champion
Monroe QuickStruts are fine if you have an older car that you aren't too particularly concerned about ride quality. They represent a great value as you replace all the hardware in one shot (boot, mount, strut, spring, etc).
I've got Monroe Quick-struts on my Solara and after 10,000 km they have broken in and ride fine (though not as soft as the blown OEM's).
For a Lexus however, you'd generally want to retain the smooth OEM ride feeling, and thus quick struts might ruin the ride. I've heard good things about their standalone struts with lifetime warranty, which is definitely worth looking at as a cheaper alternative to OEM, as long as your keeping OEM springs and strut mounts. I might take this route on my 4ES if OEM presents a substantial price difference.
I don't think Monroe officially lists the Lexus ES300 for its Quick-struts, if so its just the same part number as the Camry. But why would you want your Lexus to ride like a Camry?
I've got Monroe Quick-struts on my Solara and after 10,000 km they have broken in and ride fine (though not as soft as the blown OEM's).
For a Lexus however, you'd generally want to retain the smooth OEM ride feeling, and thus quick struts might ruin the ride. I've heard good things about their standalone struts with lifetime warranty, which is definitely worth looking at as a cheaper alternative to OEM, as long as your keeping OEM springs and strut mounts. I might take this route on my 4ES if OEM presents a substantial price difference.
I don't think Monroe officially lists the Lexus ES300 for its Quick-struts, if so its just the same part number as the Camry. But why would you want your Lexus to ride like a Camry?
#7
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Check out Shock Warehouse (or other online retailers)
http://www.shockwarehouse.com/index....cted_year=2000
Online is usually cheaper than some of the local parts stores on shocks/struts. I personally prefer KYB over Monroe and KYB looks to be slightly less for your application.
http://www.shockwarehouse.com/index....cted_year=2000
Online is usually cheaper than some of the local parts stores on shocks/struts. I personally prefer KYB over Monroe and KYB looks to be slightly less for your application.
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#8
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YES Monroe struts are HORRIBLE. I put them on mine and it rides bad. Also they really aren't that much cheaper than buying them from the Lexus dealer. I think they are around $100 each from the dealer. Trust me you will be glad you got the originals.
#9
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Just called the local Lexus dealer--Struts are about $190 each wheel and strut mounts are $125 a piece. Looks like I'll definitely be going with the Monroe's or KYB!
#12
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I got the monroe quick struts on my 1992 lexus ES300 and they are really nice.
i have no complaints. i got them for the front and rear. bought them on amazon.com
and then had my local mechanic install them. Quick struts are the way to go!
hope this helped!
i have no complaints. i got them for the front and rear. bought them on amazon.com
and then had my local mechanic install them. Quick struts are the way to go!
hope this helped!
#13
#14
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I had Monroe's on a 2000 Avalon. they blew within 20k. replaced with kyb gr2 that ride a bit better (more controlled) but not as good as oem. come winter, one of the rear struts was sticking and making a clunking noise when it was cold. after the strut warmed up, the noise went away. imho, don't waste your time with aftermarket struts. do it right once, go OEM. they'll last longer and ride much better