Hello,
I have a 2005 RX330, AWD without air suspension with 130 000 km(81k miles) on it. I had my tires rotated today and was informed by the technician that I needed to replace:
4 struts and strut mounts
strut bearings
bushings

With 130 000km I can see that this probably needs to be done. But I'm not sure if I should replace the struts and mounts with Monroe Sensa Tracks, KYB or any other suggestions. Monroe Sensa Tracks come with a limited life time warranty. I could not locate any warranty info on KYB.

So I'm looking for suggestions and recommendations on struts, mounts, bearings and bushings. For bushings any experiences with urethane?

Finally, for replacing all of the struts, mounts, bearings, bushings and 4 wheel alignment how many hours of labour should I be looking to pay as DIY is not an option.

Thanks in advance

 

I think it may be a little early for struts at only 81k miles. But, i depends on where the car was driven and how bad the roads were. How did the technician determine that you needed 4 struts and mounts along with strut bearings and bushings? I can understand the mounts starting to make noise around this mileage but I can't see them needing replacing so early.

My RX300 is on original struts and mounts, and it has almost 150k miles and New Jersey road's are not the greatest that's for sure. My rear mounts have just recently starting making very little noise it's barely noticeable, but fronts are still solid.

 

I have an 05 AWD RX as well with about 70k on it. Dealer told me the same thing. Im not gonna tell you what they wanted for just replacing the rear struts and mounts and just the front brake rotors and pads

I went online and got all 4 KYB struts and mounts for WAY less than the stealership wanted. BTW I found out that the stock Lexus struts are made by KYB and that the KYB replacements are known as the Lexus strut inhouse and are a direct replacement. I told the Lexus dealer that and they were like well we didnt get them for you so we cant warranty it. Also depending on where you buy the strut from they may tell you about the lifetime warranty on all the struts.

 

What is the model for these KYB struts that you purchased??

 

Looking for the other model numbers but here is the front one thats discontinued afaik. The new model is silver whereas the old model is black as per sales person. I cant verify the latter only going on salesman word for what that is worth.

EDIT: here are the part #s for the struts and strut mounts I ordered.

Struts:

Part #: KY235904
Part #: KY235908
Part #: KY235905
Part #: KY235909

Strut Mounts:

Part #: KYSM5423 - set of 2
Part #: KYSM5492 - 1
Part #: KYSM5491 - 1

I know KYB makes several types of firmness for shocks for the same vehicle but I got it on good word that these are equivalent to the mfg specs. I will see once I put them in soon.

 

Thanks for sharing.

 

Thanks for the information. Perhaps I should take it to another mechanic for a second opinion. What questions would you recommend asking as I'm not very mechanically inclined.

I had my tires rotated at Goodyear. Maybe they are still upset over my warranty claim for tires and are trying to squeeze money from me. Any thoughts?

Chris

 

How is the ride/handling? Does it seem to be about the same as it was 20k or so ago? Does it nose dive real bad under hard braking? If not, I would think they are just trying to make a buck off you. BTW,FWIW. I would choose the Monroe`s. Much smoother ride.

 

Thanks for info. No handling or brake diving. Just curous, FWIW, what does that stand for?
Chris

 

Oh, For What It`s Worth......

 

Here is a source for many WEB abbreviations, FWIW.

http://www.webacronyms.com/

 

At 81K, no real reason to replace your struts. But to each his own. It's your $$,

 

Last week noticed rear noise and jolting on my 2005 RX330 with 107,000 miles. Drove through week and just hitting small bump in road, my car seemed as if I had hit a huge pot hole. Back end seems to be not as stabile as before and noisy. Took in today to see what is going on and said I needed rear struts (thought I might). Said I didn't have to have front replaced at this time but they stated at around 100,000 miles typically struts are around limit. What do you think?