Just went to the shop and was told that it should be time to change my struts. I was thinking about getting some Tokico Struts but Im not sure if they are good or better than the original Lexus ones. Any specific brands and how much they will run $$$?? Feel free to leave your opinions or from your experience.

2003 ES300

 

How many miles on your ES? Do they make noise when you go over bumps? It seems a little ridiculous to have to replace struts on a 2-year-old vehicle.

Anyways, my front struts are starting to make noise so I'm planning on ordering some Tokico struts from eBay for my 98, as well as some lowering springs

 

aren't struts supposed to last 90K miles or something???

 

Depends on your driving and conditions you drive in. Stock struts can last for a long time, but if theres any evidence of fluid leakage, it's time to change them out.

 

check out the es classifieds...there are some great H&Rs springs for sale

 

Why did they say you need new struts?

 

I was gettin my rotors cut and he said I had uneven tire wear. This was just at a local shop. He told me that I would need new struts. I dont have any sounds or fluids leakin from my ride. I dunno...What are the signs when they(struts) are about to go??

 

Signs of bad struts are:

Nasty sounds when going over bumps. Usually a clunking sound.

Car dives in when braking.

Excess bouncing when going over bumps. Push down on the trunk and see if it bounces more than once before it stops. Mine was bouncing two or three times.

Car bottoms out when going over bumps. Usually a annoying metal to metal sound.

Your uneven tire wear could be any number of things. Alignment, tire pressure, balancing.
Bad ball joints, other suspension components.

It really doesnt sound like the struts.

Do you still get a smooth ride even going over small bumps?

 

If you see fluid leakage from the struts, seals are leaking and they're going bad.

 

Yea I still get a good ride but I upgraded my wheels to 18's so I feel alittle more rough of a ride. I trust your guys opinions more than this shop so I guess I'll take it somewhere else to double check. I doubt its my struts. I am thinking to upgrade to 20's and I wonder how the ride will feel like. Anyone wit 20's can tell me how the ride is?

 

I just heard about the Eibach Pro-Kit springs set for the 02-04 ES300 (Part No. 8274.140). I haven't been able to find any information about complementary struts. Does anyone have any information on this? A local speed shop recommended KYB, but he wasn't very specific as to how well they worked with the Eibach springs. Thanks very much for any information!

 

in colorado springs i had a shop recommend the KYB. But im still leaning towards the Tokiko struts with the lowering eibach springs. But due to the snow we are getting i badly need some new tires first.

 

Thanks for the feedback!