Struts
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Struts
Hello. I have a 2008 ES350. The ride was awful so I replaced the struts with KYB in the front and Monroe in the back. Did not change the springs. The ride is still very stiff and seem to getting bounced all other the place on a rough road still. The car has 180K miles on it. Is there any recommendations on what can be done to smooth out the ride? The tires are in good shape. They are Pirellis P7 All Season.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,761
Likes: 249
From: AZ
Sounds like you're in the wrong forum, but KYB struts are actually notorious for being stiffer than stock. Monroe has a reputation for being softer and stock Lexus are usually the best compromise for a luxury car ride.
Make sure your tires are inflated according to the door tag, something like 33 psi is what the factory recommends. Shops routinely like to fill them up to 40psi because most people are terrible about keeping air in their tires.
The biggest upgrade to a smoother ride is smaller diameter wheels because the tire is thicker. Makes a HUGE difference. So find the "smallest" factory wheels Lexus made and make sure those are on it. Even going down a single inch is pretty game changing. I think for 2008 Lexus even had 16" wheels as an option.
Make sure your tires are inflated according to the door tag, something like 33 psi is what the factory recommends. Shops routinely like to fill them up to 40psi because most people are terrible about keeping air in their tires.
The biggest upgrade to a smoother ride is smaller diameter wheels because the tire is thicker. Makes a HUGE difference. So find the "smallest" factory wheels Lexus made and make sure those are on it. Even going down a single inch is pretty game changing. I think for 2008 Lexus even had 16" wheels as an option.
Pit Crew
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 231
Likes: 19
From: NY
No offense but I think you're in the wrong forum. This is for 2013-2018 ES.
With my 2016 ES, believe it or not, a lower pressure did not necessarily feel better. Too low a pressure felt stiff and bad and so did air pressure that was too high. When I found the magic number, it felt much better and acceptable. For 17" rims this number was 43 pounds. For 18" rims it was something like 39 pounds. Even just one pound off from this number, lower or higher felt like a stiffer ride. and bumps were jarring. Having the right pressure or not is a dramatic difference even off by just one pound. Go figure..
With my 2016 ES, believe it or not, a lower pressure did not necessarily feel better. Too low a pressure felt stiff and bad and so did air pressure that was too high. When I found the magic number, it felt much better and acceptable. For 17" rims this number was 43 pounds. For 18" rims it was something like 39 pounds. Even just one pound off from this number, lower or higher felt like a stiffer ride. and bumps were jarring. Having the right pressure or not is a dramatic difference even off by just one pound. Go figure..
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 5,473
Likes: 958
From: IL
No offense but I think you're in the wrong forum. This is for 2013-2018 ES.
With my 2016 ES, believe it or not, a lower pressure did not necessarily feel better. Too low a pressure felt stiff and bad and so did air pressure that was too high. When I found the magic number, it felt much better and acceptable. For 17" rims this number was 43 pounds. For 18" rims it was something like 39 pounds. Even just one pound off from this number, lower or higher felt like a stiffer ride. and bumps were jarring. Having the right pressure or not is a dramatic difference even off by just one pound. Go figure..
With my 2016 ES, believe it or not, a lower pressure did not necessarily feel better. Too low a pressure felt stiff and bad and so did air pressure that was too high. When I found the magic number, it felt much better and acceptable. For 17" rims this number was 43 pounds. For 18" rims it was something like 39 pounds. Even just one pound off from this number, lower or higher felt like a stiffer ride. and bumps were jarring. Having the right pressure or not is a dramatic difference even off by just one pound. Go figure..
Pit Crew
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 231
Likes: 19
From: NY
Mike: that’s what you would think, but no they feel the best and *softest!* and most comfortable at that pressure. My car originally came with the 18”, so yes I did switch to the OEM 17” to get more comfort. I drive professionally 8-12 hours a day.
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