Sent this to Monroe company... I had a mechanic replaced my rear shocks on a 2010 Lexus RX 350 with Monroe shocks. After having them replaced, I immediately started having a problem with squeaking noises. I took it to the Toyota dealership and I was informed the problem couldn’t be resolved. I was informed the new (Monroe) shocks could be defected, so I reordered new ones. I took my car back to my mechanic and upon replacing the shocks he discovered the difference in the size/width of the part that goes into the rear shock upper bracket. He removed the welded metal stripping on both insides of the bracket because it was causing friction. After he put the shocks back on, the squeaking noises were eliminated.

If you research the size of the head of your shocks versus the size of the head of the original shocks or even a KYB shock; you will the discover that yours is thicker/wider but it still fits into the rear shock upper bracket (original part #48516-OE010 – Replacement #48516-48010). However, due to the welded metal stripping on both insides of the bracket, it causes friction and produces squeaking noises. I don’t know if this stripping is for stabilization purposes or what.

I've googled this problem and with reading from an on-line Lexus forum; a lot of people are having this same issue. I don't know if it's with your product or not. I just wanted to inform you how the remedy to my issue was resolved. Thanks!

 

I'm having a hard time following here. Let's try to simplify it.

What you're saying is original from lexus dealer will fit perfectly but if you order Monroe shocks it will still fit but will squeak afterwards?

 

I would like to see photos of what was removed from the bracket. Also an opinion of how the shocks peformed compared to the OEM shocks.

 

Well, sounds like Monroe made shocks with bushing materail slightly protruding more than OEM shock bracket spec. So it reslted in rubber rubbing on bracket metal.
So, instead of taking that shock to grinder and trimming rubber sticking out, maybe even with the sleeve in it taken down some, mech actually removed bracket metal, thus weakening it.
Go figure. Surely enough, if that bracket failes, it's welded to the body. Shock - easy peasy to remove. Hmmmm....

 

As Clutchless stated, please provide your feedback on the ride quality of the Monroe shocks.

 

is there a left and right side to the upper and lower bushings? without paying attention could be installed backwards?

 

Both rear shocks are the same, there is no left or right. You cannot install backwards and would have to be an idiot who should not be working on cars if you managed to install them upside down, if it is possible.

 

 

Good points if they really do last longer now. OEM is much cheaper. However buying in the US it is difficult to know if the rear OEM shocks you bought were made in Japan until after they have been delivered and you look at the stampings on the shock.