Rear strut replacement

[Jeff423]

My 09 Lexus RX350 with 240k needs rear struts. My local mechanic using OEM parts wants $730.00
I can get a pair of the whole assembly with springs etc. from $200- $300. I've done front struts in the past with a spring compressor but I got rid of it.

I remember that front strut removal was fairly easy but fighting the spring was a job - with my cheap compressor.

Two questions:
Are these packaged struts worthwhile?
Are rear struts more difficult than front?

 

[Ματθιας]

Skimming through the YouTube videos, it doesn't look too bad.

With all the cheap made in china auto parts that are really junk being sold, I'd go with the OEM stuff. Buy once, cry once.

 

[lihpster]

You might see what it costs to rent a quality spring compressor for the job.

 

[czgunner]

At your mileage, the springs are worth replacing. I'd look at getting a set of complete KYB assemblies. KYB makes the OEM struts for Toyota last I checked.

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

 

[ACORN]

The pre-assembled struts with the springs are the way to go. No compressor. Just unbolt and bolt in the new. Get it aligned.

 

[Tom S.]

Many auto parts places will loan you a spring compressor (you have to put a refundable deposit down).

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Sounds like doing your divorce with one of those fill in the blank divorce packets-lots of time it will work for the simple ones, but when it goes South, IT GOES SOUTH. For what my time is worth, I'd pay the dealership price-at least you have some sort of warranty.
When you start talking spring compressors and such.....

 

[Rotorhead1026]

Same for garage doors … [emoji33]

 

[ACORN]

The preloaded struts have the struts, springs, upper strut mts, and the jounce bushings, if equipped, already assembled.
I wouldn’t want to do all that work and reuse 15 year old springs.
Why would you even think about buying bare struts?

 

[chuckie]

Get the loaded struts, they're worth it!

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

You might see what it costs to rent a quality spring compressor for the job.

For the same price or a little more than what you could rent one for. You could buy one from Harbor Freight.

 

[arjay]

Check YouTube for a tutorial and use oem parts.my mechanic wanted $200 for my front struts on the old ford. The parts were $50 and took me 5 minutes to do

 

[Jeff423]

For the same price or a little more than what you could rent one for. You could buy one from Harbor Freight.

After using some consumer grade compressors the only one I'd use now is a Branick and they run about $800.

Thanks for the replies. Replacement strut assemblies aren't that common for my vehicle and Gabriel was the only name brand I could find. KYB and Monroe don't seem to make them.

 

[LVSteve]

240k is a lot of miles on a set of struts. Be honest, how long ago did the handling start to go off.

 

[Narragansett]

Let your mechanic do it. Did he price in an alignment?

Don't pull your own teeth

 

[Racer X]

After using some consumer grade compressors the only one I'd use now is a Branick and they run about $800.

Thanks for the replies. Replacement strut assemblies aren't that common for my vehicle and Gabriel was the only name brand I could find. KYB and Monroe don't seem to make them.

gabriel are fine.

 

[Jeff423]

240k is a lot of miles on a set of struts. Be honest, how long ago did the handling start to go off.

The handling seems fine but I'm sure it's not as good as it once was. The struts are leaking.

Alignment is extra. Probably $130.00

 

[glenwolde]

RockAuto.com has nothing but spring assemblies. Of course some of the brands are unfamiliar but they have Gabriel and Monroe.