OK so i need to change out the struts on my '01 RX - fron tand back. How long would you expect it takes and are there any nuggets of info i should know before taking this on. From what i can tell KYB is the OEM replacement. Are there any other good replacements out there? I am not looking to do anything but get the origonal ride back so i dont need any extremely high end high performance shocks but want to remain at least at the OE quality. Also any web sites with how-to info and best deals would be really helpfull.

thanks.

 

Originally Posted by lexus114 View Post
BTW, did you get the fast strut?. Meaning it comes as a unit with new coil springs and all.
No, I got just the strut itself...I believe it was these (they had a sale when I bought them in the store) http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductD...ype=49&PTSet=A

I also bought the spring compressors at Sears (craftsman brand) for 54.99 and LOVED them. They have locking pins on them to keep the spring nice and safe. Also I damaged the threads on these when doing the swap on the struts and took them back to sears. Since they have a LIFETIME unlimited warranty they gave me a new set no questions asked.

As for the replacement pretty simple, total of 7 bolts need to be removed on passenger side and 8 on the driver, the extra one on the drivers side is to remove the brake fluid resevoir. Two 7/8" bolts on the bottom of the strut, a 12 mm brake line bracket, a 15 mm control stabilizer bolt on the strut, and 3-14mm bolts on top under the hood. I am going by memory at the moment but I think that those sizes are accurate. Removal takes about 30 minutes per strut, compress it, remove the nut from the top, remove strut mount, bearing and holder, boot cover, and strut boot. Put on these parts on the new strut (of course transferring the bottom coil spring insulator), put the bolt back on the top of it, slap it back on the car, lol....Side note the Monroe's I used also came with (in the actual box) TOYOTA/LEXUS replacement instructions, also the bracket for the brake line was IDENTICAL to the Lexus OEM. Total process took me a few hours as I had never done struts before and took my time. I made sure to mark the position of things as I removed them, however it was such a waste on my part. I noted during the swapping of parts to the new strut that the strut mount, bearing assembly, boot cover all have arrows pointing out, so re-aligning things was easy. Hope this helps answer everyones questions, it truly is an easier than you think task.Personally,I like the Monroe struts.

 

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You may need to replace the strut mount/bearing and spring seats also as the rubber perishes with time.

 

This was the DIY that I did, expect this to take the better part of an afternoon for all 4 wheels.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=327873