Hey gang,
I'm doing some poking around to see what options there are for strut replacement. My 07 has 183k and I've noticed the ride is not what it used to be. For those who have replaced theirs, did you just go with OEM parts or find something else? Also, did you replace the springs along with the struts?
Thanks!

 

craig72 - try some searching as this has been covered many times before. Just use the term strut.

Many have used KYB struts as replacements. Those all in one strut and spring things are often of lesser quality than OEM, but are far easier to install as you do not need to compress the spring. I think some have liked the KYB all in one units. With as many miles as you have, those may be a good option.
I suggest you look at what they offer at Rock Auto and other sites.

 

I've replaced both struts only as well as the entire unit and have had success with each. The last time I did struts on my 2004 Accord I went cheap and had to do it all over again. The 2nd time I got the KYB struts on advice from forum members and was very happy with it. Luckily strut replacement is usually very easy.

I was watching a Scotty Kilmer video and he pointed out a comparison on the spring portion of the strut for an original vs. cheapo aftermarket strut. The spring diameter on the cheap one was much smaller and when he put them on his own car they did nothing but make noise. That's what happened with my first install on the Accord. I think next time I'll do the strut only.

 

sorry, double post

 

My son-in-law installed KYBs on my 09 ES this past weekend. It transformed the car. Handling, ride and drive were all vastly improved. Still leans significantly in corners but the handling is so much better. The rough road ride even improved.

Twenty years ago, I installed KYBs on everything. I now hear that the quality has deteriorated over the past ten years. KYB was the only firm option I could find so I took that chance.

 

Thanks for all the info guys. Once I get through this backlog of maintenance, I'll look into your suggestions. I've used KYB on other vehicles, although that was quite a long time ago. I appreciate the help!

 

KYB are a good option if you're on a budget, but I personally prefer to use Lexus struts. KYB struts are the same for Camry and ES350 so there is no difference in damping qualities like there is in stock form. Lexus engineers the ES350 struts to ride smoother than Camry, so you will end up with a firmer ride if you go with KYB.

Keep in mind there is a big price difference.

Front (each): KYB $67 vs Lexus $190
Rear (each): KYB $84 vs Lexus $222

 

I went with KYB all the way around at 125k miles on my 2007 ES. The ride prior to changing out the struts was a bit harsh when hitting bumps, and a very noticeable nose dive when braking. I now have 150k on the clock and the car rides and handles like new.

Don't cheap out and put lesser quality struts, because in the long run, it really isn't worth it. Cheaper struts are made using softer metals that distort and warp, and cause the strut to fail prematurely. I've used cheap struts in the past and have regretted it each time, no more.

I'm very happy with the ride quality of the KYB struts. Well worth the investment for this car since I plan on keeping her for at least another 2 years or so. Car payment free is the way to be! lol

 

I'll either use the KYB or just buy Lexus struts. For sticking with Lex parts, do any of you find the stocks springs still good to swap over or do you buy new ones of those as well?

 

Had the original struts on my '07 with about 165k miles replaced last year. Installed Monroe Quickstruts and would not recommend. The ride is noticeably stiffer and the ride height has increased also. I was hoping it would improve over time but nearly 10k miles later it's still the same

 

I'm at this cross roads myself. Wanting a quick strut if possible. Installed KYB's on a 1999 Toyota Solara. Definitely not as smooth as the factory struts, the ride is sportier, more like a BMW than a Solara, kind of makes the car fun to drive. Not sure if I want that on the Lexus. I've check Bilstien, KYB, Tokico and the only ones that actually make a strut is KYB. I've heard multiple warnings about Monroe, and Gabriel, so didn't even bother looking at them.

KYB is the largest OEM supplier in the world, and supplies to Toyota/Lexus: https://www.kyb.com/about/kyb-globally/

SOMEONE is supplying these struts to Lexus. The question is who? I just sent an email to KYB to ask them. I also had another question because for 2008, they don't have a front solution, even though the Toyota part numbers are the same as 2007 and 2008. Was asking for clarification on that as well.

 

Visually the KYB build quality are very similar to the stock Lexus. The internals however might be slightly different.

If anything they enhance the driving experience on the ES. Still feels very smooth to me and corners well.

 

I'm at this strut crossroad myself however I'm probably going to go with OEM. My question is, do the rears tend to go first? My car has about 88K (it's a 2012), I've only owned it since 79K ( and 1 year) and searching hasn't yielded if one axle tends to wear out first. Also from what I have seen, it seem like doing the rear sway bar bushings is a good idea at the same time.

 

Fronts. All the stop and go def puts wear on these first. But @ 88k, you should still be ok all the way around unless the car has been driven harder or if the car has seen a lot of road salt..

What do you experience currently with your ride quality?

 

It was an Ohio car, it's currently a Michigan car so yeah, there was probably some salt in previous years.

When going over undulation-type bumps in the road, the rear end seems to be using much more of its travel, compared to the front. And also, when I'm slowly braking in the garage when I'm pulling in, I can definitely feel the rear end lifting up more than it did. Overall ride quality still feels mostly the same other than these 2 things and there hasn't been any noticeable change in feel from the front.