I'm about to order parts for strut replacement on my 2013 RX450h and trying to use Toyota parts where possible.

The strut mount part number for the RX450h was given to me as 486090E050. (https://www.lexuspartsdirect.ca/p/Le...86090E050.html) and is $300CAD.

I'm under the impression that the 2010-2013 Highlander shares the front suspension with this vehicle and want to use the strut mounts from Toyota as they are $170 CAD.

My concern is that the part for the Highlander strut mount is different - 486090E020. (https://www.toyotapartsdirect.ca/p/T...86090E020.html) and my friend at a Toyota dealership said the parts system did not identify a matching Toyota part for the Lexus.

Is this just a case of them having two different part numbers for the same part and gouging Lexus owners? Has anybody successfully used the '10-'13 Highlander strut mount on the 3rd gen RX?

Thanks for the help

 

The difference may be the region of MFR (USA vs. Canada) so the part number will be different, but fitment should be the same. Comparing the two parts side by side with pics, they appear nearly identical and they do share the bearing, spring seat/boot and insulator

I have seen people mixing the strut mounts on many other vehicles like the RAV4s, Highlanders etc (In this case, 10-13 HL with the 14+ part). Sometimes the part number changes due to a design improvement or change as well. Many of the RAV4 guys put Lexus NX strut mounts on as they have a bigger sealed bearing for example.

 

Thanks for the response. I was considering this as well, that the fitment is good but the part is somewhat different. Maybe the rubber on the Lexus part is more robust and tested for longer life, or maybe its better at vibration or sound dampening to meet Lexus standards. I think I'll go ahead and try to Highlander mounts. The savings is substantial and living in a northern climate with salty roads means changing the strut mounts more frequently anyways.

 

I would try it, too! I bet it'll fit. Definitely report back your findings!

 

Rock Auto lists vehicle cross fits for most parts numbers. For the Monroe front strut mount for the 2012 Highlander they list the 2010-2015 RX350 as a cross fit. The same part number is listed under the RX350 too!

They actually list the following vehicles as taking the same front strut mount.
​​​​​​LEXUS ES350 2007-2012
LEXUS RX350 2010-2015
LEXUS RX450H 2010-2015
TOYOTA AVALON 2006-2012
TOYOTA CAMRY 2007-2017
TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2008-2013
TOYOTA SOLARA 2006-2008
TOYOTA VENZA 2009-2015

 

I finally got around to the installation.

I was able to successfully use the '10-'13 Highlander strut mount on my 2013 3rd gen RX450h. I happened to use the Bilstein B6 struts and shocks.

Parts List and NumbersFront Struts

1x Bilstein B6 Suspension Strut Assembly Front Right (22-282736)

1x Bilstein B6 Suspension Strut Assembly Front Left (22-282729)

Rear Shocks

2x Bilstein B6 Performance Series Rear (24-282901)


Strut Rebuild Parts

2x Toyota Highlander Strut Mount 486090E020

2x Bearing Toyota 9090363014

2x Insulator F Toyota 4815748030

2x Insulator F Toyota 481580E040

2x Bolt Flange Toyota 91552K1260
My original equipment had 230k km on them so I can't really compare the two but I do like the ride, especially when cornering and braking.

 

Thanks for getting back on this. How are those B6's. Did it stiffen ride? Is it still comfortable ride? I noticed Bilstein doesn't list the RX as an option, how did you know you use these parts?

 

The Bilstein B4 and B6 shocks are long proven for fitting the RX here on the forum. Bilstein officially lists them for the Toyota Highlander (which is the RX's twin).

 

Just search Bilstein on this forum to find the several threads going back years that discuss this upgrade. I don't even recall who discovered it.

Bilstein does not list the RX as a fit because Bilstein did not test the RX with these struts and shocks.
The B6 is equivalent to the F Sport struts-shocks but ride and handle way better than the OEM Tokicos or KYBs.
The B4 is similar to the basic struts - shocks on the RX but again, ride and handle better although a bit stiffer than OEM. So if you want that Buick float feeling do not get Bilsteins.

The front struts are officially for the 2nd gen Highlander 2007-2012 as it shares the 3rd gen RX front suspension. However it has a different rear suspension with struts instead of shocks.
That is why the rear shocks are listed for the 3rd gen Highlander 2013-2018 as it adopted the 3rd gen RX rear suspension. Note that the 3rd gen Highlander has a slightly different front suspension from the RX so its front struts don't fit!

The B6 parts numbers are listed above. Here are the B4 parts numbers
​​​​​​Bilstein B4 front right: 22282675
Bilstein B4 front left: 22282668
Rear shock: Bilstein 19-282862

 

Thanks for the details explanation. I'm running B8s on my BMW 545 and love them. But that is an entirely different driving experience. Tough decision on what to go with on an RX w/o ever testing them first. I don't necessarily want the Buick float and also don't mind it, but perhaps in search of a little more stability while maintaining a smooth ride.

 

I bet you would be happy with the B6.

 

The big problem with them is they don't come in a full assembly. As much as I love to work on cars and do the work, one thing I try to avoid is messing with coil springs, which means I have to go pay someone to do it, but it may be worth it.

 

Do you have a buddy who has the necessary suspension knowledge and tools to help you do the job? I do, he lives 125 miles from me, but always worth the trip. I always treat him and his wife to a great lunch at one of the local BBQ joints afterwards.

 

I have found that if you remove the strut assembly, (which is not that difficult, except if the sway bar links are rusted on and have to be cut off) there are shops who will put it in their spring compressor and do the swap. It is not difficult when they have a wall mounted commercial one. It should be under an hour labor charge for both.
I did this once on a Mazda when my little spring compressor would not safely attach to the assembly.
Just call around.
Note that the strut mounts have a proper alignment to the body to maintain suspension alignment, so note or mark things so they go back in the same position.

 

After driving on this suspension for 4 days now my summation is that 1) The ride is stiff but not overly so. At slow speeds, potholes and such are a bit more jarring on initial impact but the car stays nicely planted. 2) At higher speeds the B6 feels great in the corners and during braking and straight line acceleration. Highway ramps and cloverleafs are fun again. The handling is improved noticeably. Overall I'm happy with how they perform.