How long do OEM suspension parts typically last? I am talking about shocks/ struts and springs.....do these typically need to be replaced at some point? how does one know? I am referring to 06 gs300 in service since 3/05

 

spring, not typically. struts/shocks, yes. how many miles do you have on them?

 

Just about 56k miles

 

This is an interesting thread, never really thought about the longevity of suspension parts??

 

56K imo is kinda early but then again it all depends on your driving habits which could decrease the life of the strut.

 

i have 96k on my 06 AWD. suspension feels fine to me . i will ask my mechanic monday if it is still in good shape when i yank it out. on a different note, i did find out that we have a timing chain rather than belt when i called to set up service, which is quite nice.

 

donno how long they supposed to last, but if you wanna test for blown shocks, park your car and put your body weight on each corners and see how it bounces up and down. if they are blown, they shoud bounce easily few times of so.. if you are not lowered, they should last for a while.. btw, not a lexus, but i have a beater 95 camry le w 170k, suspension still feels good to me.

 

timing chain? wow, thats news to me. thats awesome!

 

yup, and there is no scheduled maintenance for the water pump - just replace when it goes bad

 

Just to add a following question, Is it okay to use lowering spring (let say Tanabe DF210) and OEM shocks?

 

i don't see why not; i imagine that is what they are designed for.

 

sure, the shocks will just go out faster

 

yes they are designed for the shocks but the shocks are not designed for the spring. like mentioned, it will just decrease the life span of your strut.

 

I see..so then is it worthed to get an after market shock (of course, with the lowering spring)? or who cares about the OEM shocks?

 

you might as well get coilovers where the springs and shock are designed to work together.