To replace struts, or not to replace struts? That is the question
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Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 25
Likes: 9
From: UT
I replaced my 2 fronts on my 04 2 years when one had been leaking for a bit. I think at the time I ordered them from MyLparts, and the dealer here in Salt Lake City did the labor. Fast forward 2 years to Tuesday morning backing out of my garage and I said "what's that?!?" looking at a new little sludge pile under where the rear wheel was. It exploded! Service advisor said he has only seen 2 cars in 10 years have a strut actually blow, but he showed me the pics from the bay of my drenched strut. Needless to say, lot going on in life right now and I need to travel with the car for Thanksgiving so I said go ahead. Let's not even talk what 2 struts are at a dealer these days. I can't complain much, original strut is almost 20 years old and there are some brutal roads here in SLC.
I am still a believer in OE vs. OEM. I authored a thread about it a while back. Just because KYB is the OEM for the original strut does not automatically mean the aftermarket KYB is the same strut. 4 of the cars I have owned including my old Honda Accord had amazing original struts on them, lasting longer than any after market story I have heard. I am kind of convinced on OE for those things, so whether Bell, MyLparts, or just getting reemed at the dealer, I think it is worth it. At least they were able to give $100 off, so the 2 struts are now only $110 more than Bell was charging.
Generally speaking though, struts usually degrade gradually so even if not leaking they are not as robust but you just don't notice it. I am one who just keeps driving if they aren't obviously shot, but I could see the argument of just doing it, knowing they've outlived their expectancy. Anyway, looking forward to getting the car back tonight.
I am still a believer in OE vs. OEM. I authored a thread about it a while back. Just because KYB is the OEM for the original strut does not automatically mean the aftermarket KYB is the same strut. 4 of the cars I have owned including my old Honda Accord had amazing original struts on them, lasting longer than any after market story I have heard. I am kind of convinced on OE for those things, so whether Bell, MyLparts, or just getting reemed at the dealer, I think it is worth it. At least they were able to give $100 off, so the 2 struts are now only $110 more than Bell was charging.
Generally speaking though, struts usually degrade gradually so even if not leaking they are not as robust but you just don't notice it. I am one who just keeps driving if they aren't obviously shot, but I could see the argument of just doing it, knowing they've outlived their expectancy. Anyway, looking forward to getting the car back tonight.
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Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 704
Likes: 233
From: UT
@Loops320 , WOWWW!
First of all, nice to see another club member in the area. So you get it. The 15 is junk and the 215 on the west side is not better. I live in South Jordan so the in-town roads around here are fine, but man I hate the highway. And I always hear sand hitting my windshield. I've already had one crack fill and one windshield replacement in the 2 years I've lived here.
Second, congratulations on that car and welcome to ownership and membership here! I'm sorry you had to do a repair so soon, but these truly are fantastic cars. I bought an 03 in 2014, loved it for 5 years and then wanted the update so I found this 04. You can look at some of my historical posts about addressing some of classic 04 issues. Fixed now; not too painful. I just always feel special driving this car.
Third, nice job on doing the labor, but yeah, that is a little creepy how similar the situation is, but like I said, at almost 20 years old and then driving on these roads. I have 135k, Crystal White Pearl on Cashmere, ML edition. I don't get too ambitious on DIY but this blog has easily saved me $1000 in labor over the years. LHM in Murray has been reliable for me in service, and the prices are still cheaper than Washington where I came from. I was using an independent mechanic there. I asked the service advisor about matching Bell and he said he has tried too, but since LHM is a monopoly in the state for Lexus, they won't budge. I am pleased they do let me bring in my own parts though. Lexus of Bellevue, Washington would not have done that. But they did give me a nice discount in the end, so I am pleased.
First of all, nice to see another club member in the area. So you get it. The 15 is junk and the 215 on the west side is not better. I live in South Jordan so the in-town roads around here are fine, but man I hate the highway. And I always hear sand hitting my windshield. I've already had one crack fill and one windshield replacement in the 2 years I've lived here.
Second, congratulations on that car and welcome to ownership and membership here! I'm sorry you had to do a repair so soon, but these truly are fantastic cars. I bought an 03 in 2014, loved it for 5 years and then wanted the update so I found this 04. You can look at some of my historical posts about addressing some of classic 04 issues. Fixed now; not too painful. I just always feel special driving this car.
Third, nice job on doing the labor, but yeah, that is a little creepy how similar the situation is, but like I said, at almost 20 years old and then driving on these roads. I have 135k, Crystal White Pearl on Cashmere, ML edition. I don't get too ambitious on DIY but this blog has easily saved me $1000 in labor over the years. LHM in Murray has been reliable for me in service, and the prices are still cheaper than Washington where I came from. I was using an independent mechanic there. I asked the service advisor about matching Bell and he said he has tried too, but since LHM is a monopoly in the state for Lexus, they won't budge. I am pleased they do let me bring in my own parts though. Lexus of Bellevue, Washington would not have done that. But they did give me a nice discount in the end, so I am pleased.
Last edited by CA2WALS430; Nov 18, 2023 at 07:01 AM.
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Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 25
Likes: 9
From: UT
The similarities are piling up, mine's moonlight pearl with cashmere, 94k miles and very clean. LHM did the timing belt on my 06 LX, I do think they're a very good dealer. Good to know you can bring parts. I like working on my own cars, but this strut job was fairly difficult. I guess we've established that the lifespan of factory LS shocks is 20 years, ha ha.
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