How do I know when I need new struts? The reason why I ask is because sometimes when I am making a turn I hear a creaking sound coming from the front wheel area. I don't know if this is because of that or not but it is my best guess.

I've got a 95 ES300 and the struts have never been changed.

 

FYI- I just had the struts replaced on my 1992 ES300 also, although my car had only 75k miles on it. I had new KYB struts . front and rear, put in my car by a local trusted mechanic for $550., which i know is a pretty good deal. Actually he also did the brakes and cut the rotors for an additional $250, lexus oem pads included.
My advice is get them done somewhere between 75-100k for 2 reasons:

1. the car handles much better and you will enjoy your "new" ride

2. how many of you plan on still driving your lexus with over 200k miles on it??? you might as well get it done now and enjoy the ride, no reason to sell or junk your car with fairly new struts on them, put some wear on those bad boys and enjoy them before you get rid of the car!!!

Larry

 

funny. i got my rear struts replaced this spring with just a hair shy of 90,000 miles. my mechanic told me i needed it so i basically got it, and the ride is better, but i should've had my FRONTS replaced instead. mine is a 95 also...on top of that, i got oem toyota struts instead of something else. does it make sense to have rear ones wear out first? or am i wrong. i knew they were worn out cuz every time i went over a speed bump, i could hear it.

 

I had my rear's replaced when I got my car last year. Now it is definately time to get the front struts replaced cuz I get alot of vibration and road noise that must be caused by my worn down struts in the front.

 

I know its a bit expensive, but you really are making a mistake replacing only the rear struts. The car handles turning, bumps and dips much better with the new full set of struts. Although you "feel" the rear bottom out moreso than the front, the front struts are carrying the engine weight, that is why I suppose the front struts usually cost a bit more than the rears. I asked numerous people about KYB, tokico, and lexus/toyota struts. Although its nice to have all stock parts in a car, I was told the KYB & tokico's are very very good struts and that it would be a waste of $$$ to pay triple for Lexus struts. I have to tell you, I have a 2002 Acura MDX and after having new struts, brakes and Michelin tires put on my ES300, I love driving it again, and often leave my MDX behind(also saving mileage and reducing chances of getting into an accident with my new truck).
good luck-Larry