Indyguy

Okay. I upgraded my LS with new springs and struts all around thinking this will be fantastic. After about a month I found I just created a problem. My car has about 226,000 miles and I upgraded the springs with a new set from H&R, lowering the car 1" all around. I also took the mechanics advise by letting him choose a new set of Monroe Sensa-Trac struts in front and back. Now everytime I turn into a parking spot, go up a drive way or sometimes just hit a little bump, I get creaking type noise. I've also replaced upper and lower control arms. I've actually noticed scratch marks on the strut shaft. I took the car to the local Lexus dealership and paid for them to install new insulators. The mechanic also mentioned that the springs were not seating properly. I've noticed the bottom of the spring scratching the strut seat and creating rust. H&R tech support says they've never had any problems and that they are design using factory OEM measurements. I would love to fix this problem and keep the car, however I'm half tempted to just sell the car and move on. Any thoughts would greatly help.

trukn1

Truthfully, I think it is the Monroe's which are the culprit. I too am on H&R's on 18" rims on my 92, yet I run the KYB-GR2's with NO problems for almost 3 years now. Also have your installer check your springs. After a month, they should have seated and pretty much settled by now.

Max Power

+1 on Monroe.

Also maybe bushings, or ball joints.

Indyguy

Thanks trukn1. I'll check into the KYB-GR2's. I found out that the H&R tech support rep mentioned he could send me some type of wrap for the bottom of the spring where it sits on the strut seat. It's like an insulator I guess, even though these cars, according the the Lexus mechanic do not come with lower insulators.

Och

iTrader: (3)

Arent Monroe the worst possible brand making the crappiest parts?

Lexscme

x10 check your how the springs are seated if their not in right itll sqweak a lil. When you took out your stock springs the top hats have a groove where the stock spring seats in.

gmacrae

monroe stuff has been fine whenever i've used it, i've been happy with gas reflex and sensatrac shocks. Maybe the spring/tophat might not quite be fitted right. If the tophat isnt on or lined up to a grove/slot properly the spring might not be trapped right - I'd get the struts back out and have a good look

nthach

Monroe makes a decent shock - but I woudn't use them on a import, however they are one of Toyota's North American suppliers. The OEM parts that Tenneco supplies are far superior to their aftermarket lineup.

steveski

If it were my car I would take it back to the same mechanic - he suggested the struts to be used with the springs - he should fix it. I can't imagine the Monroe would be the culprit. I think he has the spring installed wrong. I know on Bilstein there is a particular direction the spring perch must be installed.

nthach

The end of the spring must fit into the recess on the spring seat at the shock assembly, and the notch at the shock mount. Also, make sure the shock insulator/dust boot is in good shape. If not, it's a $40 part from Carson.