Thanks, RedGemini! I just ordered a pair from the same eBay reseller.

 

You're welcome.

 

Support struts are normal wear and tear items, unless you're within the original "new vehicle warranty" period, I'd imagine.

 

My RX330 power hatch would not stay open in cold weather. It would open, beep, and then close. I ordered struts from Lift Supports Depot on Amazon, and they are a perfect fit, and come with mounting brackets attached:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00X6J43WI/

I didn't see anyone mention this, so be sure to prop open the hatch so it does not close on you while replacing the struts, and replace them one at a time. A 6-foot step ladder serves as a very stable prop. Also, disable the hatch power motor before replacing the struts - there is a difficult-to-find switch on the left side of the glove box compartment.

 

I never disabled mine when I changed them. Just manually open the hatch.

 

Congrats to all the DIYers! The dealerships near me quoted over $200 per strut as retail price (and I would R&R myself).
No need to say that I'm ordering other struts.

 

just replaced a set in Australia from an Australian supplier ~USD 47. Work great. I have used struts from this supplier for many yrs with no problems. Not sure about shipping to the USA. If interested contact him and ask for RX350 power boot lid struts. (strongarm 6135)

http://stores.ebay.com.au/STRUT-ACTUATOR-SHOP?_rdc=1

 

Has anyone replaced their power hatchback rear struts WITHOUT the end brackets? My 2008 RX 350 original brackets seem sturdy bolted onto the body, and from viewing an installation video by Lift Support Depot (showing a Chevy Suburban) I thought I could leave the existing brackets, and just snap on new ones. however, I ordered a set of struts without the brackets from PartsAvenue in Amazon (part number 612191) and am scratching my head about removing the clips to access the ball joint and snap off the old strut.

Do others recommend that I buy new struts WITH the brackets instead? (P/N 61290). The seller offered to do an exchange.



is this clip removable to access the ball joint and easily remove the old strut?

or better to remove these bolts and replace the strut with a new one including new brackets?

 

slip a flat screw driver blade under the clip and just prise it off. the strut will then lift off. Just push the new ones on .

 

 

correct now just turn/lift the screw driver and the clip will pop off

 

Thanks TomR and Margate. Will give it a try. I live in an apartment, so first have to find something like a step ladder to prop open the liftgate. HNY.

 

Greetings, please have someone to assist or be prepared the trunk is heavy.
When you pop it off and the other side strut is weak it can bonk you on the head or take fingers maybe lol

 

get a friend to hold it up, and change them 1 at a time. it is a 5 min job

 

Hello all. Thank you so much for this post.
I was having an issue with the trunk immediately closing after I use the button on the key fob or press the button on the console. Soon as the trunk goes up, it would beep twice and come right back down. People use to think I was playing but I would explain it's actually a problem with the trunk.

Anyhow I came across this post, ordered struts from eBay and installed them today and the trunk is operating as it should.

You all were right about the weight of the trunk. It's really a 2 man (ma'am) job, I loosened all the brackets fix which was a big mistake because when I removed the right side, the left side popped off and the trunk came down. I had to use a shovel to hold the trunk up for a bit. I had to hold the trunk all the way up in order to fit the first strut (left strut in my case) then once that was in, the other strut fit into place without a problem. Next were the clasp. I took them completely off and had to put them completely back on.

Once on, tested them using the key fob and button on the dash and it completely opens without closing immediately on it's own.

Thanks again for everyone that contributed to this post.