Man, since I got this GS I've been frequenting CL like crazy trying to get the benefit of you guys' experience. I just had a left strut replaced at the dealership. They said the left one was leaking, but the right one was strong, and to save some money, I should only replace the broken one. Common sense would dictate that this be done as a pair, but I spoke to the tech who did the replace, and he was strongly against it, saying that it would just be a waste of money. What do you guys think? Should I just go ahead and replace the other also? The car's not leaning to one side or anything like that, but I'm sure the other strut's been weakened by 8 years and 73K miles.

 

I always thought that was something done in pairs like brakes.

 

If the other side is still good, then you shouldn't have a problem with it. Ideally, you replace all 4 shocks at a time. If your shocks leak eventually, then just have it replaced. Replace one now (eventually another one later), or both, you'll still end up paying the same labor.

 

I'd think it'd depend really on the situation, and leave it to the mechanic who actually looked at the strut to judge. If the right side really is fine and at 100% or even 90%, the mechanic should be able to tell. It's like if you get a nail in 1 tire, the other side tire might have plenty of life left in it.

But you could also use the opportunity to get an aftermarket set of struts to mod up your car since you're halfway there. Then you'd replace the pair or even all 4.

 

My 2 cents:

For one strut (assuming OEM parts and using the Lexus dealer): ~$70 for the strut, $105 for labor; $80 for 4-wheel alignment; total: $255

That's a very strong assumption that "the other strut is fine." If you find that after replacing 1 strut (if you go this route), the other sides behaves a bit asymmetrical (I would money that this will happen), you'll have to fork out $510 total (as you'll have to pay for (2) separate 4-wheel alignments--not to mention the time to bringing in your car again to the shop.

If the struts have seen 25,000 miles or so (which your car has) and one strut has gone bad (i.e. leaking), I personally would do this:

Replace both front struts for the peace of mind that the other strut is new as well. Just because a car doesn't lean to one side doesn't mean that the car doesn't have bad struts. The springs hold your car up (so they're not damaged, since your car is level). The struts help keep your car from leaning too much and/or too quickly when you corner and absorb shock of the bumps. When the shock is bad, it's pretty evident in the corners, braking, and handling department. You will find that if you get 1 new shock, the side (with the old shock) will lean more and be "softer" than the other during cornering and the handling will be asymmetrically funky.

Cost for both struts: $140 for parts, $210 for labor, and $80 for 4-wheel alignment; total $430. I'd do this for the peace of mind long term.

Again, my 2 cents, replace both for more predictable handling, braking, cornering performance, and a guaranteed uniform ride. Lower overall cost and less shop time as well

 

for items that wear out over a prolonged period of time, i would always replace in pairs.

 

Just wanted to update.... I had the other strut, as well as both front ball joints replaced today. Steering now feels much more precise, and in line with what my expectation was for the handling of this car.
SeattleGS400, you were also right about the cornering. I can feel the difference.
I really appreciate you guys' feedback and insight.... Thanks!

 

Well who ever told u not to replace as a pair is retarted. its just like changing sparks plugs..you'll change all not just one..but yeah ill replace as pair so you know that you have 2 new fronts not 1 new and one old.