Hi --- I have 2012 IS 250 AWD with 56k miles on it. upon inspection by a Mechanic, he has mentioned right front strut went bad and leaking fluid. I am looking to replace struts and strut Mounts on both sides. as for struts I am mostly fixed on KYB Gas - a - just(551127 and 551126), those seem to be the most recommended ones. I am really confused on Mounts. KYB has many negative reviews from people who used them. can anybody share some ideas for good replacement brands? should I go with OEM those seem to be really expensive, I am trying to avoid them.?

any suggestions would be hugely appreciated. Thank you in advance!!

 

Delete....

 

what do you mean delete???

 

I've used Moog upper strut mounts from RockAuto. After having them on the car for 2-3 years, that incl. harsh Canadian winters, the rubber boots (bellows) on both sides are completely torn. I can not comment on the condition of upper bushings, they seem to be fine AFAIK I don't hear or feel anything wrong with them. Typically the boots are the first ones that go, the dealer parts are a bit pricey but great quality and they should last you for many years.
You can buy aftermarket Moog, KYB that may only last couple years or buy OEM if you want longer life out of them. Regardless of what you buy they're being sold as a set. RockAuto sells front AWD kit for around $40 dollars per side.
There's a company called Febest that sells rubber boots separately, part # TSHB-003. That's what I'll be buying next to replace the ones made by Moog.



https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...ock+mount,7572

https://febestparts.com/FRONT_SHOCK_..._BOOT/TSHB-003

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sus...ent-parts.html

 

Thank you for the response @primavera that was really helpful. I actually bought this car pretty recently, just put 500 miles on it. based on your experience owning a 250 is the steering really stiff compared to other vehicles. I feel like a leaking strut or a bad strut mount won't contribute to stiff steering. i have just made the alignment for all 4 wheels and the issue still stays the same. I don't have any vibrations in the steering and it does feel pretty precise and the response from the road is good. it's just that the steering is hard to turn and requires pressure to hold it at an off-centre position. it tries to kick back to centre when I turn it. do you think the is 250 steering is designed that way or does a leaking strut contribute to the issue?

 

You should ask those questions in Normal Threads which get lot more viewers and commenters.

 

Means I removed my post