nestorph

I recently bought a used 2009 RX350 and have been absolutely delighted with the purchase. It had been well maintained and so far, so good. One problem I do have is that occasionally after opening the rear door using the remote (it gives off the warning beep and rises) the door will suddenly decide it wants to close after giving off a warning beep again. Twice I had turned away to do something and got hit in the head or shoulder when it started coming down. I've read on other threads that might be related to weakened struts. I have no problem replacing those as I have done in other cars but would like a second opinion before doing so. The car is seven years old and that doesn't seem like a very long time for the struts to begin failing. Note that the problem is quite rare.

mylexbaby

In case it helps, our '05 RX just got it's second set of replacement struts because the first replacement set were weak in winter.

05RX330AWD

The Power Tailgate doesn't seem to agree with colder temperatures, I will eventually replace the supports although most likely will still resort to manual operation for winters in Canada.

mylexbaby

Our experience is that when they are weak in winter, they are on their way out. The symptom tends to be the gate not going as high as it should; power or manual doesn't matter (although we can of course manually push it all the way up).

RedGemini

Mine was doing the same thing. New struts fixed the issue. Just be sure to order the ones for the power lift, as there seems to be ones for non-power. I think they're the same for the Highlander, which would explain why there are two choices.

nestorph

Got whacked in the head again yesterday. Promptly went to computer and ordered a new pair of struts...

DennisMik

What brand did you order? StrongArm is the best I've found.

nestorph

I originally was going to go with StrongArm especially after spotting the prominently displayed "Made in USA" image on the site. However, after reading the comments I learned from several buyers that their struts were actually made in China. Since the Maxpows are probably made there as well, I figured I might as well save $20. I'll report back after I've installed them.

DennisMik

That's interesting. Strong Arm is an Australian company. Can't say that I remember anything about them being made in the USA, but I can believe that they are being made in China now. So much stuff is made in China now. There are thousands of little factories over there and we will never know if the StrongArm and Maxpow are made in the same factory. I just hope that the quality doesn't go down the drain.

nestorph

That's funny. Here is the link from the Amazon page where I first found the Strong Arm strut.
I've also attached a screenshot for good measure.

Thanks

Stacy

When my tailgate door began its decapitation mode (05 RX 330) - my husband found some random stick/board That he wedged in to prevent bodily harm. The back door wouldn't close automatically. ��

Last week he finally bought 2 new struts (the best O'Reilly's carried), installed them and voila! The door opened automatically and stayed open and UP. However, it still will not shut automatically, but I can live with that.

RedGemini

I wonder if O'Reilly's sold him the wrong ones. What you're describing sounds like he got the ones for non-power hatch. There are two different ones available, and the wrong ones will exhibit different issues like you describe.

nestorph

Installed the new Maxpow struts yesterday--took about 10 minutes. Immediately noticed the difference when lifting the door manually. It just sprang right up whereas before it took an effort. So clearly it's been a strut issue all along.

Grumpa72

I agree with the strut replacement. I took mine to Advance Auto and matched it perfectly. I got "bit" by the door the same way. While I had the strut off, I cleaned up a tiny spot of rust under the mounting bracket (they use LOTS of salt here in western PA) and then reinstalled. It is still working fine after who knows, maybe 5 years, for our 2004.

infahredmu

is it possible to install power on a non powered rear door