hello all, this is my first post with the forum. I have a 2006 Lexus GS300 with about 110k miles and it is time to replace the rear shocks as they are leaking oil. I was quoted by my mechanic $195 per rear shock and 3 hours of labor for totaling $700. Is this a fine deal or am I getting ripped off? I am not really sure what the going rate for the lexus KYB rear shocks which i think are really just the OEM.

 

I know we live in different states, but just to give you an idea of what a local tuner shop charges:

http://texastrackworks.com/services/

Under "Suspension services"
$400.00 – Installation of 4 springs and struts – Some additional charges may apply.

 

Ya thats too much, this is what I did as ive replace my rears and it only cost me around $100

I purchased 2 rear KYB Gas-just from Justsuspensions.com if you google for a promo codes there out there to save you even more money. KYB is what lexus uses so its basically the same strut. Does your vehicle have AVS sport suspension switch? If it does then its dealer only for the replacement.

As far as labor it was super easy for me, took me 30-40 min for both. I rented a free spring compressor from a local auto parts store. So no cost in labour for me. I would look for a small mom and pop mechanic shop to install the shocks.

 

~300 is about right for the labor to be honest, for a REGULAR shop.

I would opt for ibidu's suggestion, order your own struts, and supply them to an installer if you do not feel comfortable doing it yourself. If don't have adjustable dampening in your vehicle, then they're cheap. If you do, they're about $250/strut+shipping on Sewell Lexus. (http://lexus.sewellparts.com/parts-c...S300-2006.html).

At 110k miles, your struts survived pretty well with NY conditions! I had mine's replaced at 50-60k miles.

 

you can get OEM ones here for the same price. you might be able to get them cheaper if you check out Sewell Lexus as they give discounts to Club Lexus members.

the rate isnt too bad. i always assume $75 per corner if i go to a shop.

 

just had right rear shock replaced under warranty. was told it would have been about $700 if i had to pay. Firestone quoted me $690, called Lexus for me and determined it would be covered by drive train warranty since i am beyond the bumper to bumper warranty. when tires are needed they WILL be Firestone.

 

Be weary of Firestone's reputation, they use nothing but cheap parts or low end rebuilt parts on your car. I'm not sure about the struts department, but alternators, belts, etc.... all faulty garbage. Tires are fine though

 

are they having another blow out sale?

 

Blowout... LITERALLY? If I remember correcrly, the brand firestone tires had a really bad rep

 

yea it was just a joke as they had a huge recall on their tires years ago

 

I figured LMAO!!! I never went with firestone just for that same reason IXI, never even considered it, the safety of my life is very important over a few bucks saved.

 

Just replaced the rear struts on our 2000 ES300. It is labor intensive but can be done by a decent DIY mechanic. I found complete strut assemblies on Ebay (that means a complete assembled unit with new coils) for $209 a pair with free shipping. The nemesis of the job was the torque arm to strut link. The nuts have an internal hex which is not sufficient when removing a nut with 11 years of rust securing it regardless of how much WD40 is applied over twp days. My advice is to cut the nut with a high speed or just cut the bolts and replace the links. I am going to put together a complete description of the process with pics if possible and post it separately. Would be glad to send pics if you give me an email address.

 

they replaced a single strut? at how many miles did this happen? i heard you HAVE TO replace both or the car rides higher / lower on one side...