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RX350 Struts/Shock Replacement (merged threads)
I have 160k on the original shocks and struts. Wanting to replace them with close to OEM
I went to Rock Auto and see that they have KYB 349203 for the rear. Not a problem here and these would work. Looks like an hours worth of work to pop these in. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...653bef9fc.jpeg Now, the fronts are struts and have found plenty of struts, but also see that there is a complete assembly with no need for spring compressors and it is more like a coilover and bolts righ in. Has anyone tried these? Would like to know how these perform. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...bfbf7038d4.png |
Also,
Is there anything suspension wise I should go ahead and replace while I am in there? Found this for the front. Includes the following... https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...d771fa8b0.jpeg https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FMOL3RC...=I18DWU9X7RWM1 1x Part# 1333393L FRONT Left Strut assembly LOADED VARI RATE SPRING STRUTS INCLUDES UPPER MOUNT 1x Part# 1333393R FRONT Right Strut assembly LOADED VARI RATE SPRING STRUTS INCLUDES UPPER MOUNT 1x Part# ES800533 D/S Outer Tie Rod 1x Part# ES800534 P/S Outer Tie Rod 1x Part# CMS86181 D/S Lower Control Arm With All Steel Ball Joint & Bushings 1x Part# CMS86182 P/S Lower Control Arm With All Steel Ball Joint & Bushings 2x Part# K90344 Front Sway Bar Links |
When it comes to struts, oem or kyb is what many people vouch for on this forum. The quick struts will not last long, I would not use them. Re-use your springs and just change the struts
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I agree, the quick struts usually have lower quality springs and other components. Just get KYB or OEM struts and shocks. I would replace the strut mount bearings at this time as they are cheap. Get OEM.
No need to touch the other listed suspension components unless they have wear issues. You need an alignment after replacing the struts. Are you doing this yourself? If so, you need a spring compressor and get assistance if it is your first time. |
Thanks for the help. I will definitely go OEM or KYB.
This I my weekend toy...sitting on adjustable Coilovers all new adjustable control arms and end links. All done by me, so no issues doing it myself. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...4c3ff219c.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...21d9edb18d.png |
I would love to know if new struts and shocks changes the ride of your RX .I have always thought my 11 RX rides to stiff for my taste . Wondered if new shocks and struts would be softer or stiffer than OEM . Let us know how it comes out .
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KYB struts are usually 10% stiffer than stock. However, if yours are worn, they may improve the ride. Note that the OEM shocks and struts are actually less expensive than KYB from sites such as http://www.lexuspartsnow.com/
I know Monroe makes front struts for the RX because they are the same as the Highlander. However, Monroe does not make the rear shocks. The Highlander has rear struts vs our shocks (which give us more room inside). I guess Monroe does not think there is enough potential sales volume. Too bad as their new design is supposed to be quite good. http://www.monroe.com/en-US/e-catalog Finally, for more minutia, from 2010 to 2012 there was the rarely seen Sport Package which only differed from the regular suspension by having stiffer shocks and struts, VDIM and 19 inch wheels. You can find those OEM stiffer struts and shocks at lexuspartsnow and they cost the same and ought to bolt in the same. I need to replace my leaking rear shocks and think I will get the Sport Suspension Ones. These are apparently different from the later F-Sport Suspension shocks that were even stiffer. |
Does anyone know any softer-than-stock strut, shock or spring?
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I do not believe any such product is available in the US. There are few shock/strut choices and all are listed above (except the Chinese junk on eBay). I doubt there are any aftermarket springs available that would be softer, such aftermarket springs are usually stiffer for improved performance.
The RX350 already rides and handles like a 1956 Buick, that is what it was designed to be. The other thing to alter is your tires and tire pressure. Check reviews on the Tire sticky thread for a soft riding tire. |
RX350 Struts/Shock Replacement DIY
Haven't post for awhile and recently did a replacement of Struts and Shocks on a 2010 RX450h.. but it the same process as other RX in this gen model except for air suspension. I've also include pix of the process.
I use air impact for this and should be very simple for folk accustoms to wrenching, front and back takes me roughly 2 hours, it pretty simple and straight forward, then alignment after completed. First off.. top hat nuts for the front struts are located under the plastic cover, with car on jack stand and wheel off.. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...67a82e8aed.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...d70224bb07.jpg item need to remove is the brake line holder piece (10mm), stabilizing bar and two nut/bolts at end of struts, then remove the top hat nuts, keep one there loosely so it doesn't drop, great if you have a helper, but you can do this by yourself, just hold strut while reach and remove the last top hat nut. compress the spring, remove the strut bolt on the very top, then the break down below, notice the top hat have a marking so you know how it was align, but it only really fit in one way on the top hat to the car chassis, also notice the bearing, it didn't look like it need replacement but I change it anyway. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...d147952fd6.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...a62d93cae3.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...67f6510fb0.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...0d13c34575.jpg Slid off the old struts then slide in the new struts to align with spring ends where it sit on the strut, do the same for the top, once you have the top hat back on top, give it some wiggle by forcing down on the top hat onto the spring assembly, once there indication that you have enough thread showing, reinstall the top strut nut then tighten, release spring tension, then ready to be reinstall back on the car. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...30955cc86b.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...bbcc090803.jpg For the back shock, it very simple.. there're only two nut.. top and bottom, remove both nuts and remove/replace shock, reinstall.. that's it. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...4211c7260d.jpgTop nut on shock https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...fa8f55e625.jpgBottom nut on shock https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...560ebbd169.jpgReplaced |
Sweet write-up!!!!
I wish there was lowering springs and shocks available. |
What part of the Bay Area are you at? Come over and help me do it. Will pay. :)
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Originally Posted by CaFobulous
(Post 10036528)
What part of the Bay Area are you at? Come over and help me do it. Will pay. :)
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RX350 Struts/Shock Replacement DIY
Excellent! I'm actually in the same area more toward the Oakland border.
Where did you get your parts? On a 2nd note, do you have parking sensors on your RX? Trying to add it but been looking for someone who has them to take measurements. I'm sourcing the parts from Ebay, etc., |
Originally Posted by CaFobulous
(Post 10038610)
Excellent! I'm actually in the same area more toward the Oakland border.
Where did you get your parts? On a 2nd note, do you have parking sensors on your RX? Trying to add it but been looking for someone who has them to take measurements. I'm sourcing the parts from Ebay, etc., btw, I grew up in Oakland |
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