The clunking noise isn't the shock absorber but the top mount for the strut and bearing causing the noise.

 

The clunk does seem to originate from the top of the struts. Is there any way to fix that or do I need to replace the top mounts? That kind of kills the purpose of the quick struts doesn't it...

 

My Lexus dealer has all 4 OEM (hopefully) shocks for $1272, installed would be about $2800; all parts, springs etc. for $2730. Think I will just do the struts with only 110k miles, thoughts anyone?

 

By "shocks" do you mean the struts?
Both of those prices sound nuts. You can get 4 aftermarket quick struts for about $500

 

The clunk definiately is caused due to the strut mounts. The play of the movement is entire strut.

 

Get after market shocks/struts and replace minimum sets. Check reviews but be prepared that none will match the originals in feel/life. So read reviews before you buy and replace least amount of things that you can.

Salim

 

I decided to go with the dealer's OEM Toyota parts they assured me. More than the local tire/auto-repair shop with only the after-market Named-part/quick struts. Dealer is also replacing a number of other parts in the strut assemblies as well, which the quick-struts offer I had wasn't covering. Hoping this eliminates a noise I could not locate and maintains the Lexus-quality RX ride.

Thanks as always for the suggestions and advice.

 

i fixed clunk for about $100.

 

Ouch, wish you were here, would have paid you lot more for that!

Best!!

 

Can you elaborate on "replace least amount of things you can" please? My 2000 LX300 needs new struts and I'm contemplating selling before investing anymore money.

 

If the failing part is the shock then just replace the shock. Examine the boots & seats but only replace the items that are ripped or cracked.

Salim

 

Don’t know what you’ve been dealing with, but the used car market is hotter than the surface of the sun right now. You’ll pay out the nose to swap for something that may also have warts.

I have a rule of thumb for repairs based on $0.10 per mile. So if the repair will cost $500, I ask myself if I think that repair will get me at least 5,000 more miles. Considering that mileage reimbursement rates are on the order of $0.50 per mile, and gas is $0.15-0.20 per mile of that, a repair rule of $0.10 per mile is overly conservative, but it makes the math easy.

 

The problem with the easy math is the "at least N miles" variable is a complete unknown.

 

True, true. Which is why I committed to the Lexus/Toyota line with my first RX in 2007ish. It does take time to know what codes and hiccups might indicate what, cost what, and improve what. Sticking w the same car/line makes that way easier.

 

December 2020, I put new tires (16" Kumo Solus) on my RX300. Recently my mechanic noticed uneven treadwear on these tires. The inner portion of the tires seems to be getting more wear. The alignment is perfect. But I've been told my struts may be the issue. I hesitate to invest in new struts and am trying to troubleshoot. If anyone has had a similar experience with tires/strut replacement, could you please share about it? THANKS!