2005 LS430 UL need front shocks...help
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jun 2013
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From: Wa
2005 LS430 UL need front shocks...help
Hey members,
Bought this 2005 LS430 UL with 58,000 miles and come to find the front shocks are leaking and need replacing. Took it to the local Lexus dealer and they quoted $3100.00 to do the work, major OUCH! I bought a warranty with the car but it won't cover it, bummer! Do you guys have any cheaper suggestions for replacement? Any help would be much appreciated, I still love the car.
Bought this 2005 LS430 UL with 58,000 miles and come to find the front shocks are leaking and need replacing. Took it to the local Lexus dealer and they quoted $3100.00 to do the work, major OUCH! I bought a warranty with the car but it won't cover it, bummer! Do you guys have any cheaper suggestions for replacement? Any help would be much appreciated, I still love the car.
Pole Position
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 227
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From: CA
Gold Shocks and Platinum Mechanics
Maybe some more details would help. Where did the dealer suggest they intend to spend the money? Really fancy shocks? Or perhaps many hours swapping them out.
I show the front shocks at $688 each and the rear at $391 just surfing for availability so they're certainly not cheap.
Still, let's say $1400 for a pair of shocks (ouch!) that still leaves what? $1700 for labor. If they are using $120 an hour that's something like 14 hours. For a pair of shocks? Wow!
If you don't want to try doing it yourself I would look for a good local mechanic you can start a long term relationship with and skip the dealer.
I show the front shocks at $688 each and the rear at $391 just surfing for availability so they're certainly not cheap.
Still, let's say $1400 for a pair of shocks (ouch!) that still leaves what? $1700 for labor. If they are using $120 an hour that's something like 14 hours. For a pair of shocks? Wow!
If you don't want to try doing it yourself I would look for a good local mechanic you can start a long term relationship with and skip the dealer.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,489
Likes: 107
From: AZ
Maybe some more details would help. Where did the dealer suggest they intend to spend the money? Really fancy shocks? Or perhaps many hours swapping them out.
I show the front shocks at $688 each and the rear at $391 just surfing for availability so they're certainly not cheap.
Still, let's say $1400 for a pair of shocks (ouch!) that still leaves what? $1700 for labor. If they are using $120 an hour that's something like 14 hours. For a pair of shocks? Wow!
If you don't want to try doing it yourself I would look for a good local mechanic you can start a long term relationship with and skip the dealer.
I show the front shocks at $688 each and the rear at $391 just surfing for availability so they're certainly not cheap.
Still, let's say $1400 for a pair of shocks (ouch!) that still leaves what? $1700 for labor. If they are using $120 an hour that's something like 14 hours. For a pair of shocks? Wow!
If you don't want to try doing it yourself I would look for a good local mechanic you can start a long term relationship with and skip the dealer.
I think it seems rather unusual that the shocks are shot at 58,000 miles. If they are leaking, you will see oil streaking down from the top of the shocks. Also, does the car sit level and not droop on one side?
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Wa
Maybe some more details would help. Where did the dealer suggest they intend to spend the money? Really fancy shocks? Or perhaps many hours swapping them out.
I show the front shocks at $688 each and the rear at $391 just surfing for availability so they're certainly not cheap.
Still, let's say $1400 for a pair of shocks (ouch!) that still leaves what? $1700 for labor. If they are using $120 an hour that's something like 14 hours. For a pair of shocks? Wow!
If you don't want to try doing it yourself I would look for a good local mechanic you can start a long term relationship with and skip the dealer.
I show the front shocks at $688 each and the rear at $391 just surfing for availability so they're certainly not cheap.
Still, let's say $1400 for a pair of shocks (ouch!) that still leaves what? $1700 for labor. If they are using $120 an hour that's something like 14 hours. For a pair of shocks? Wow!
If you don't want to try doing it yourself I would look for a good local mechanic you can start a long term relationship with and skip the dealer.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Wa
The UL has air suspension. Consequently, the pneumatic assembly (which includes the shock) has a list price of $1479 each. Sewell Lexus will sell them for $1255 each. You still have labor to install, so an estimate of $3000 is not entirely out of the park. The P/Ns are 48010 and 48020 for left and right.
I think it seems rather unusual that the shocks are shot at 58,000 miles. If they are leaking, you will see oil streaking down from the top of the shocks. Also, does the car sit level and not droop on one side?
I think it seems rather unusual that the shocks are shot at 58,000 miles. If they are leaking, you will see oil streaking down from the top of the shocks. Also, does the car sit level and not droop on one side?
I knew the risks going in when buying a UL with the air ride, but didn't expect such an early failure on the shocks.
The car seems to sit level with an even stance, just a little bouncy over certain dips in the road. The car is otherwise very nice and I will get this suspension corrected eventually. I still believe these are some of the best cars ever made! I appreciate all of the information you provided, this forum is very helpful.
Have you thought about just getting rid of the air suspension and putting on springs and struts. KYB is the OEM manufacturer and they are known for making quality products. Anyway, they go for about $100 each on Rockauto. Springs can be found from a salvage yard or purchased new. I bet a lot of people have OEM springs they would sell for cheap via the CL classifieds because they upgraded to coilovers.
You could replace the whole suspension for less then $1600 I am sure. Considering many of the coilovers last longer then OEM air I honestly think they are better made then the OEM air suspension. The traditional spring / strut package should last at least 100k miles. Your crazy to pay for OEM air shocks in my opinion. Huge ripoff! On my 400 I replaced the whole suspension for $1000 OTD. New springs and new KYB struts.
Spring and strut together. Then just have it adjusted to your liking.
http://www.frsport.com/EZ-Street-Coi...Fcvm7AodKBUALQ
You could replace the whole suspension for less then $1600 I am sure. Considering many of the coilovers last longer then OEM air I honestly think they are better made then the OEM air suspension. The traditional spring / strut package should last at least 100k miles. Your crazy to pay for OEM air shocks in my opinion. Huge ripoff! On my 400 I replaced the whole suspension for $1000 OTD. New springs and new KYB struts.
Spring and strut together. Then just have it adjusted to your liking.
http://www.frsport.com/EZ-Street-Coi...Fcvm7AodKBUALQ
Last edited by Lavrishevo; Jul 20, 2013 at 08:02 PM.
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Don't forget, can go OEM springs + struts vs aftermarket coilover. Coilovers are mainly meant for those who want to lower their car. Traditional springs + struts will give you the best OEM ride without paying for expensive air ride repairs that will not last very long. If you repair the front you will have to do the rears eventually. This is why so many people replace the whole suspension when one side goes out. You can't go wrong with KYB struts and longevity is the best on the traditional spring / strut setup. Just to be sure you understand. Coilovers can be manually adjusted for ride height. Traditional setup cannot.
Last edited by Lavrishevo; Jul 21, 2013 at 08:47 PM.
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