What's my next big expense?
 

Our 2013 RX F-Sport (non-hybrid) just passed 100K miles. I just went through the trouble of changing all of the spark plugs (total PIA for the rear three), and also changed the transmission fluid. Yes, I know it is "lifetime fluid", but I sent it for analysis at Blackstone, and I think the experts there would disagree that it should have been left in there for a lifetime. Additionally, the car shifts WAY better with the new fluid. If you're on the fence about doing the tranny fluid change, I would HIGHLY recommend doing it.

Anyway, with these two maintenance items out of the way, it got me thinking about what I will need to do next on this vehicle. The shocks/struts are definitely on the list, but I see those as more of a comfort change than anything else. I have not noticed any leaks, but the car definitely rides a bit like the "fred flintstone mobile". Some of that is just the stiffer suspension on the F-Sport, but most of it is due to CO potholes :)

I am very familiar with the GX platform and the LX platforms and what is involved in maintaining them up to 300K miles. However, this RX is my wife's car, and I have a less excitement about digging in and researching all of the things I should look to maintain! Haha!

The car is paid off, so I can spend some $$ to keep it going and keep her happy in this vehicle. What are your thoughts on NEXT ISSUES?

TIA

Largeone, I am at 110k on my 2011 and also replaced the tranny fluid. All other fluids were replaced at 100k. Now I am planning on doing the spark plugs at 115k. Honestly, I think that's all you need to worry about for now. Kudos to you on replacing the plugs by yourself.

When you do decide to replace the front struts and rear shocks get the Bilstein B6 struts and shocks that are specified for the 2014 - 2018 Highlander. They are much better than the Lexus OEM struts and shocks. Your vehicle will ride and handle better! I have them, as do several other members. Rock Auto sells them as do other online places. Also, replace your strut mount bearings at the same time.

Struts
BILSTEIN 22282873 B6 Front Left
BILSTEIN 22282880 B6 Front Right

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...ion,strut,7584

Shocks BILSTEIN 24282901 both rear sides are the same

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...+absorber,7556

Thank you!
 

wow, THANK YOU! This is great information! Do these handle more like the F Sport? Or the standard RX?

They handle like the F-Sport and the ride is better than the Lexus F-Sport struts/shocks. Bilstein makes 2 levels of struts/shocks that fit the RX/Highlander.
The B4 series is for the regular softer riding model.
The B6 series is for improved sporty handling. See this link to Bilstein https://www.bilstein.com/int/en/product/bilstein-b6/

As written elsewhere:
There is a big difference between them, not just the colour! Bilstein B4 dampers are classed as a replacement damper, this means they are a direct replacement shock absorber of the original factory fitted shocks. ... Bilstein B6 is an uprated shock absorber and is sometimes know as Bilstein B6 Sport.

I think Bilstein makes some of the best struts/shocks available.

Thank you @Clutchless . Great info. I think I will get a set of the rears soon and change those out first.

I am a huge fan of Bilstein shocks and struts. I will be running them (5100s) on my FJ40 when I get to that point on the build.

I too am a big fan of Bilstein. They transformed the ride and handling of my long-gone 1995 Ford Explorer and it already had the California Highway Patrol sway bar package from Explorer Express. They replaced Edelbrock shocks which had completely worn out.
I kept it for a while after getting the RX and the Explorer was more fun to drive! It had that tossable handling feeling and little body roll.

https://www.autozone.com/suspension-...hText=24282901

I thought I had a great deal on the rear Bilstein's. Autozone has them listed for $55 ea. I may try to get someone to price match that, but AZ doesn't appear to be carrying them any more, so maybe they are just "baiting" people to their site. I went into my local AZ store today and they cannot even order them. I asked them why they leave them on the site, then? Obviously, no answer to that! Thought I would throw it out there since someone else might be successful getting a competitor to price match off this link?

P

I see them at $72 at Rock Auto. Shock Warehouse wants $115.

I forgot to state the Highlander fit is for the front wheel drive model. The last time I looked Bilstein did not list them for AWD, not that it matters, just go for the part number.

Are the OEM made by Bilstein? or who? When is time to replace, I don't want to replace the existing ones and have a harsher ride

Gardel, you will probably just want to go with the KYB shocks, if your vehicle is a non-F Sport, to keep the original ride. They are a good shock, at a decent price. They will likely last longer than OEM with same/similar ride. You could also go with the B4 Bilstein, but you'd be paying a bit more, as the Bilstein's command a premium. With the OEM shocks lasting 50K, I don't think those would be my first choice, unless someone has information that they have improved the ones on the shelf.

You will know when they need to be replaced...the ride quality suffers, and you will see leaks (dirty oil) collecting around the lower portion of the shock unit.

My 0.02

OEM struts & shocks were usually supplied by Tokico although some apparently had KYB. Both are Japanese manufacturers.

The brand name aftermarket choices are KYB, Monroe, Bilstein, and Sachs which is another German manufacturer of suspension components.
Tokico appears to only be available as OEM from Lexus as I have not found them selling any under the Tokico name for the RX.

Thanks, yes, I am familiar with tokico. Now, I do not want to compromise the ride. I like it smooth, grandpa smooth.. Will the KYB (my Honda mechanic loved them) will offer a good ride? Does anyone know. If any aftermarket is more fir,m I will just go with OEM

There are a few threads from the past on ride quality. Would be best to post on one of those, since there will be more people watching that suspension thread than this generic "what's gonna go wrong" thread.

But, from what I remember, the KYB provided very close to stock "comfort" ride. I am looking to replace the more aggressive F-Sport ride, as my wife actually likes that coming from more European stiff cars.

P

You’re due for engine coolant at that mileage. Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (pink) comes pre-mixed. Capacity is around 3 gallons. Another good option is Pentofrost A4 on RockAuto.

First replacement: 100k miles or 10 years whichever comes first

Next replacement: every 50k miles or 5 years, whichever comes first.