ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion

ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion (https://www.clublexus.com/forums/)
-   ES - 1st to 6th Gen (1990-2018) (https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-1st-to-6th-gen-1990-2018-179/)
-   -   Replacing Shocks/struts/springs for comfort (https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-1st-to-6th-gen-1990-2018/979286-replacing-shocks-struts-springs-for-comfort.html)

bostonsnow Jan 11, 2022 01:06 PM

Replacing Shocks/struts/springs for comfort
 
Hi all,
have any of you replaced shocks/struts/springs at car's "middle age" for comfort reasons?

at 68,000 miles, my ES300h is starting to feel rougher going over pavement holes and irregularities, and at times starting to feel a bit too bouncy on a road with undulations. I'm wondering about replacing suspension just to get back to new car level of comfort (I have no desire to lower the car or anything like that).

If so, is it best to ask for OEM parts, or are there options that will further improve ride comfort? How much does cost run, including parts and labor?

It seems odd to replace suspension when I haven't even had to replace brake pads yet! However will need to replace brakes soon, so wondering if I should get suspension done at the same time
thanks!

12jimmyjam Jan 13, 2022 06:31 PM

This is from the 5th gen forum, but it kind of goes into some info that you might find useful on the topic. Started the thread because the dealer used aftermarket parts and the right was so not like a Lexus after: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-...-the-same.html


jgscott Jan 13, 2022 06:48 PM


Originally Posted by bostonsnow (Post 11201815)
Hi all,
have any of you replaced shocks/struts/springs at car's "middle age" for comfort reasons?

at 68,000 miles, my ES300h is starting to feel rougher going over pavement holes and irregularities, and at times starting to feel a bit too bouncy on a road with undulations. I'm wondering about replacing suspension just to get back to new car level of comfort (I have no desire to lower the car or anything like that).

If so, is it best to ask for OEM parts, or are there options that will further improve ride comfort? How much does cost run, including parts and labor?

It seems odd to replace suspension when I haven't even had to replace brake pads yet! However will need to replace brakes soon, so wondering if I should get suspension done at the same time
thanks!

At 68K? What year is your ES300?

Also what Tires do you have? Tires affect the ride alot? 68k does not seem to be a problem for most with shocks/struts/springs on the 6th Gen ES.

LexRuger Jan 17, 2022 10:51 AM

Your tire pressure could be too high

bostonsnow Jan 17, 2022 10:58 AM

right, 68,000 on 2016 ES300h
I have Michelin MXV4's. when it was new I found the ride firm so have kept pressures low all along based on all the forum posts, I keep around 30psi cold.
that softened the firmness of ride, but now its more so that going over bumps seems more jolt invoking, and on undulating roads a bit more bouncy/floaty.

zes Jan 17, 2022 02:31 PM

It is surprising that with only 68K mile a 2016 Lexus has a worn suspension. You may want to take it to a dealer to have it checked out. I keep pressure at 30psi too on Pirellis which are equivalent to the MXV4s. Ties would be the first thing to check. If you do decide to change suspension part I would suggest you go with OEM if you want the Lexus ride.

bostonsnow Jan 30, 2022 06:33 PM


Originally Posted by zes (Post 11206905)
It is surprising that with only 68K mile a 2016 Lexus has a worn suspension. You may want to take it to a dealer to have it checked out. I keep pressure at 30psi too on Pirellis which are equivalent to the MXV4s. Ties would be the first thing to check. If you do decide to change suspension part I would suggest you go with OEM if you want the Lexus ride.

ok, I went for service and had the dealership look at it. They said that there is nothing wrong per se with the suspension. They said to not expect a totally new car level of ride at this age, that it can slowly deteriorate, but there is nothing broken per se. He said that there is no need to replace it, however it can be done for comfort if I desire
However, while all that was being done, I was given an NX loaner and drove that back home and across the bumpy potholed streets near my house. This 1 year old NX rode worse over those streets than my ES!! So I think the chief problem probably is that my local streets are getting worse!!!
So I wont do anything for now, will keep driving . For my last ES, I think it was at around 120,000 miles when it started to get too bouncy and swaying and not tackle bumps well (and then I traded it in rather than change suspension)

LexRuger Jan 30, 2022 06:55 PM

Yea I've had a loaner NX and the ride is a lot stiffer than the 6th and 7th gen ES. Probably every gen ES.

dbluchtefe Feb 25, 2024 06:29 AM

Potholes
 

Originally Posted by bostonsnow (Post 11217445)
ok, I went for service and had the dealership look at it. They said that there is nothing wrong per se with the suspension. They said to not expect a totally new car level of ride at this age, that it can slowly deteriorate, but there is nothing broken per se. He said that there is no need to replace it, however it can be done for comfort if I desire
However, while all that was being done, I was given an NX loaner and drove that back home and across the bumpy potholed streets near my house. This 1 year old NX rode worse over those streets than my ES!! So I think the chief problem probably is that my local streets are getting worse!!!
So I wont do anything for now, will keep driving . For my last ES, I think it was at around 120,000 miles when it started to get too bouncy and swaying and not tackle bumps well (and then I traded it in rather than change suspension)

Could depend a lot on your daily drive. In Kentucky, theres a pothole here and there but its easy to go a week without hitting any real bumps even with a 30 minute commute. I have 136k miles on my es300h and due new tires very soon, I keep them at about 37psi cold and doubt I'll need suspension refresh for another 25k miles. But when I lived in Michigan I had a 5 mile commute and there were whole sections of bumpy road that were unavoidable. I had a Lexus CT up there and the suspension was pretty done and making popping sounds about 20k miles into owning it. Both cars I bought with about 50k miles on them. Es in Boston and CT in northern Ohio.

tomscot2 Feb 26, 2024 12:35 PM


Originally Posted by bostonsnow (Post 11217445)
ok, I went for service and had the dealership look at it. They said that there is nothing wrong per se with the suspension. They said to not expect a totally new car level of ride at this age, that it can slowly deteriorate, but there is nothing broken per se. He said that there is no need to replace it, however it can be done for comfort if I desire
However, while all that was being done, I was given an NX loaner and drove that back home and across the bumpy potholed streets near my house. This 1 year old NX rode worse over those streets than my ES!! So I think the chief problem probably is that my local streets are getting worse!!!
So I wont do anything for now, will keep driving . For my last ES, I think it was at around 120,000 miles when it started to get too bouncy and swaying and not tackle bumps well (and then I traded it in rather than change suspension)

Sounds like you live in my town, San Diego. :)


All times are GMT -7. The time now is 07:54 AM.


© 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands