Just curious, because mine is crap, I can feel every bump and it's especially bad when I'm on really bad road (live in Michigan, we have tons of those). Do your RX300s feel smooth when going over rough roads? I did change my struts last year and some other suspension components.

 

Which struts did you buy? And what other parts did you replace?

I replaced the front struts with FCS struts, as well as the lower control arms, front & back sway bar links, and sway bar bushings. There was improvement, but I have now developed squeaks in the rear when going over bumps. Not sure if I am going to try to fix those, but will try to identify what is making the noise and see how expensive and difficult it would be.

 

​​​​​​​KYB struts, also did LCAs and sway bar end links.

 

Did you replace the strut mounts and if so what brand?

 

Yeah, also KYB, at the time of replacement, KYB didn't make a complete assembly, seems like the only company that does (at least for the front) is FCS, I haven't read that many good reviews about that, but the convenience of having a complete assembly and price may make me want to buy a pair in the future.

 

KYB strut mounts are crap.

 

What do you recommend then? Stating "KYB mounts are crap" doesn't help much. Pretty sure KYB is the OEM manufacturer and recommended by most if it's available for your car.

 

Mine rides like a 19yr old RX. lol
KYB struts as well
~100k on rears
~60k on fronts
Strut tops still original. at 342k

I do need to replace front s/b bushings (2mm play) and a R/R track rod. (bushing noise over sharp bumps)
Just being lazy right now.

 

Pretty sure KFB was not the OEM. Search this forum and you will find that I am not alone in this assessment. KYB struts are fine; KYB mounts are not. What do I recommend? OEM, and if in doubt, go to the dealer.

 

My 2c:

Suspension to an owner/driver is all by feel. Simple things as tire pressure can impact that substantially and there is no gold standard to compare.

On the farthest point is the condition of the seat ... the springs and paddings and leather all impact the feel.

Typically I would rule out the springs in the wheel .. unless the RX has consistently been overloaded.

Then is the shocks .. is there any leak? Bounce test is not tell all, but can be applied to verify basic working of the shocks. [Push each end down a much as you can ...2" .. and let go .. the RX should move past normal and go up and then settle back to normal.

The most difficult part to diagnose of the suspension would be the bushings .. unless there is clear rip/play. Please have that examined. With time the bushings will get stiffer and make your suspension feel different.

Anything you do will change the feel and at some point you will have to say that is the way the vehicel is.

I feel my post contributed nothing ... but guys keep in mind that it could be that you re chasing a ghost.

Salim

 

My 2000 still has the stock everything in suspension, can't tell any difference. It's got only 98K miles.

 

I did, you are correct about the KYB mounts for the RX300 according to this forum, one statement said the welds end up cracking.

 

How are the FCS struts so far + how many miles have you put? I may end up changing mine in the near future, my struts could be messed up due to the crappy roads and if the consensus is right about KYB strut mounts being bad, maybe I just have to replace those.


Edit: Also I found out that Monroe makes quick struts for the highlander, to my knowledge, it shares the same chassis as the RX300, the Monroe quick struts aren't listed under the RX300 though, are they still compatible?

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...assembly,15174

 

it is not

I have had them for a few months and about 4k miles. They seem fine so far, and for the price I think they are a good deal and being quick struts the install was not a problem.