Hello All,

I am going to replace front struts on the wife's 2008 Lexus RX 350 with 140k miles. I have read a few very informative threads on this site and I think I have a pretty good understanding of how to perform the task. I have OEM parts in my eBay cart and I am ready to pull the trigger and place the order. I just have a couple part related questions. I realize that without inspecting the old parts it is difficult to know which parts, other than the struts, need to be replaced. The rubber dust boots (481570E010) are torn and tattered and I will be replacing them. Also going to replace the rubber bumpers (48331-0E010).

Do I need to replace the upper spring seat (48471-0E011)?

Should I buy new Strut Cushion Mounts (48609-0E010) and bearings (90903-63014)?

Many Thanks,
Russell

 

I forgot to ask about struts. OEM struts from eBay are $370 for the pair. Sensen struts are $104 for the pair - quite a difference. I did a lot of research and found at least one catastrophic failure way back in the early 2000's, but more recent posts give the Sensens very good reviews. I will likely go with the OEM struts. Just looking for opinions on the Sensen struts?

Thanks Again,
Russell

 

Welcome to the forum.

Don't buy chinese crap like sensen, at least get KYB's or Monroes. KYB's are the OEM mfr for the struts, but if you buy the aftermarket KYB's and not the ones from lexus they apparently ride a little bit different.

I purchased aftermarket KYB's for all 4 corners and OEM Toyota strut mounts and bearings. haven't had the chance to install them yet though. If you go to rockauto or tirerack the items you need should show up in the section. Should you want to go the OEM route though, you'll need to get the parts from a lexus or toyota dealership. I don't have the part numbers in front of me that i purchased.

 

For what it's worth -

At parts.com the front struts are $170.27 each = $340.54 plus $42.86 shipping & handling equals $383.40.

On e-bay the pair of front struts are $369.94 plus $25 shipping equals $394.94.

https://www.parts.com/index.cfm?fuse...5-%20Liter-GAS

 

OEM or Monroe's only trust me. I did this task myself. Replace your mounts as well. Why mess with that down the road especially if you live in an area where cars will be prone to rust.

 

Just changed all on my RX400h with KYB's....Used their strut mounts both front and rear. Rides great. I have 183k miles on our car. next lower control arms...

 

THe KYB mounts up front became noisy, replaced them with OE mounts and all is quiet.