Struts front and back getting installed on 2012 RX350 with 65K miles. Rear struts leaking. Seems low mileage but the car is 12 years old.

 

Leaking rear shocks at 50,000 to 60,000 miles was an issue on these vehicles until the 2014 / 2015 model year when Lexus supposedly addressed it with a more robust shock. I hope that is indeed true -- my wife has a 2015 model and the rear shocks are still in good shape (now at 102,300 miles).

 

Thanks for the info on that. I found it a bit odd for them to fail at 60K. I'll inquire to my service writer tomorrow when I drop it off for the installation.

I had 180K on my 2009 RX when I got rid of it. No issues with the struts on that one.......Prior generation though. Also had a 2019 RX...no issues, but only 35K. Traded the 2019 RX in on a 2023 NX 350

 

^^ Much better quality and considerably more cost-effective to go aftermarket with Bilstein shocks at an indie suspension shop rather than getting hosed by the dealership.

 

Hi Clutchless,

Big of tire said the strut may be bent. When I inspected the driver's side, I discovered it had aftermarket components, including a spring and various other parts that were all showing signs of rust and wear. The mount itself looked bent and corroded, which was a stark contrast to the passenger side. The passenger side had original Toyota components that were in much better condition and free of rust. Disassembling the driver's side proved difficult, and I had to cut the end link to remove it. After realizing the disparity in components and their condition, I decided to reinstall the old struts and replaced both end links.

Now, I'm considering my next steps and whether to rebuild the struts with Bilstein B6s using all OEM parts. Are parts from the 2013 Highlander compatible with my model ( 2015 rx350 fsport ) . I’ll need new strut mounts, bearings, and springs, upper and lower insulators, seats and basically anything what would be required to build a complete set with the B6s.

 

If I understand you, it appears the driver side has aftermarket stuff, probably a cheap quick struts that is damaged and rusting. However the passenger side has the OEM strut and associated components. It was probably in an accident on the driver side.
What you need is a used 2015 RX350 driver side complete strut assembly and the Bilsteins. The springs and other stuff are the same on the Basic model and F Sport. The F Sport just has stiffer struts.

You will save a fortune over trying to buy all those parts new separately. eBay has many used struts and I suspect so will Rancho used Lexus parts. http://rancholexusrecycling.com/

https://www.ebay.com/itm/40490369843...Bk9SR4Sg0oiFZA

https://www.ebay.com/itm/285902436918?fits=Submodel%3AF+Sport%7CYear%3A2015%7CModel%3ARX350%7CMake%3ALexus&itmmeta=01J0M8MHZRH3810HHDC7QRNZCQ&hash=item42911cfa36:gtgAAOSwCANmZwjv&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAABAN0F4Dc88fv11vkNlMsdJegl3TIbuESJABC8AuqN7ligwJQiWGtplVGl2gokG75mnZdAGWA3YqqcivuxtNOob6ufx6dVECf%2FUELL7KlUDEUAJyd0TQ97YKT%2B5oDJ0BCeJyeSntOBhinU6JWW1DnZQVQpswLErTz4w7YWEzAONu3QpwoHZKZiVciZHXuLJb0avYT1fIhSBokTLd8xqRcXk5osFhNkjho6ICI6%2FOxJW%2FWqYzdmoEaBC9L6mizME%2F6LVoYNJiZjdOmTofCaAY15IgySZ%2FyVWflKXJ6yIUM%2BMHdL%2B4IpWneOy11Ekjo8dHWRIJtLWiQWgNuJIfqx0lP1KOo%3D%7Ctkp%3ABFBMgqDSiIVk
Then buy some new Bilstein B6 front struts as identified above. Plus new strut mount bearings, and strut mounts if you want and new end links.

​​​​​​The Highlander has different springs than the RX, and there is no reason to source Highlander parts for anything except the Bilsteins.

 

Thank You! you just saved me a bunch of money and a headache trying to order the parts to build a new one. Everyone seems to be on backorder without an ETA for the OEM mounts! The passenger side on my car seems to turn good manually compared to the driver side when I had it off my car. I did get the new bearings. Probably reuse the mounts from the old assemblies.

 

Make sure you inspect those dust boots and replace them if they are starting to tear, would be terrible if you replaced with brand new parts and the dust boots go bad. I believe you need to remove mount again to replace dust boots.

 

Thanks guys for all your help I got all 4 installed it definitely is a better ride. Is there anything we can install to reduce body roll? perhaps a strut bar upfront?
Also, when I got my Alignment done they said the caster is not adjustable on this car. I do notice the car pulls to the left when i ease off the steering wheel.

Does this look normal to you guys?

 

The RX has front and rear anti-sway bars. You have done about the most you can do with replacing the front struts and rear shocks.

You could be the first one here to get the Hard Race rear sway bar which is supposedly stiffer than the factory bar. It is not a difficult job to swap them out.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...tried-one.html

You could also put H&R Trak Plus 20mm wheel spacers on (like I have) part number 40656000 in my opinion they do reduce perceived body roll and help handling. See this thread. I have the H&R Trak Plus DRM ones, 20mm. Easy to bolt on then bolt your wheel to it. https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...n-f-sport.html

​​​​​​https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...y-spacers.html

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...l-spacers.html

I bought them here and you need 2 pairs: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-h-and-r-...-pair/4065600/

 

Thank you for all the contributions and information on Bilsteins. I bought a 14 Fsport with 48,000miles on it. Replaced the rear shocks with B6’s which I think made a nice improvement.

 

Well done.

 

you bought those 2 sets of b6 from summit racing?!? I'm stuck with one now and its on backorder lol

 

No I bought them from Michigan Truck Spring. $96 each free shipping

 

I always wonder about this.