smoothidle

I have an 07 with 74k. I notice every little bump in the road. When I hit a mildly serious bump the front shakes and sometimes feels like it shimmys from left to right. If I have anyone in the back seat and go over a little bump, it sometimes bottoms out in the rear.
Everything looks good from the ground. Is there some normal maintenance I need to address? What do you think is happening?
I am thinking of ordering the KB easy struts and finding a good mechanic. Is there something more? Less?

Thanks folks!
Tony

Clutchless

Check your tire pressure and tire condition.
You probably do need struts all around, but should get it inspected first by an independent Japanese car specialist. You want to make sure nothing else in the suspension or drivetrain is in need of urgent repair. That shimmy may indicate bad ball joints or tie rod ends etc. Or just out of balance tires. There is no substitute for a hands on visual inspection by a qualified mechanic. We cannot tell what else may be wrong by posting on this forum.
You will need an alignment after replacing the struts.

If you need help finding a shop use this link to shops recommended by listeners of the car repair radio show "Car Talk" and then cross check any possibilities with Yelp or Google reviews.
https://www.cartalk.com/mechanics-files

smoothidle

Thanks,..agreed. Brought to local Toyota, Inspected and said no issues.except have a slightly warped rotor causing a minimal braking oscillation.
Any recommendations for parts purchase? I read the Easy struts are good..Scotty K likes them too if KB. I am thinking of doing the struts with a local mechanic.
Which parts ore recommended for replacement when doing the struts? I think I will have them do the brakes as well. What about rotors and pads? An additional part replacement options there? Seems like many part numbers cross ref to Camry..are there any upgrade options for parts that may provide better service/feel?
Thank you.
Tony

Doctj

Will also recommend to check alignment too

Clutchless

If the dealer found no issues except a warped rotor, and dealers are notorious for making up crap to replace that is perfectly fine, why are you in such a hurry to replace what they say are okay parts in your suspension and brakes?

If you notice the warped rotor making your brake pedal pulsate enough to annoy you, then I would just get the brakes done by an independent shop. They will replace the warped rotor and pads. Then just drive it and save your money.

If you do want to maybe improve your ride and get the KYB easy struts, then you do not need anything else as they replace all the wear parts and it makes the installation rather easy for a mechanic. The benefit of easy struts is it may save you some on the labor charge to replace them.

If it was my car I would just get new KYB struts and Toyota strut mounts and Toyota strut mount bearings and have the shop install them. The OEM springs are much better than the KYB springs. You only have 74000 miles. Your springs are fine. I would think your struts would still be fine with that little mileage.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-...ions-220k.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-...y-options.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-...ew-struts.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-...s-leaking.html

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-...-the-same.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-...m-07-09-a.html

As stated, you do need an alignment afterward. Note that they will ride a bit stiffer than the original equipment struts and springs. But will probably soften up in a month of driving. Search this forum for reviews.
You need to find a shop that will let you bring your own parts as many will not install owner provided parts due to warranty and liability issues. However, there is no reason the shop could not get the KYB easy struts from their supplier.

smoothidle

Thank you for all the info!

As far as the question: ...why are you in such a hurry to replace what they(he stealer) say are okay parts in your suspension and brakes?"
I guess my expectation for the car is that when I go over a rough spot in the road, it doesn't hop around so much. Most of the roads here in the Florida panhandle are pretty smooth but I find every once in awhile I hit a rough spot and the car seems to hop around a little more than I like. This is particularly troublesome at 70+mph on I-65. I have owned several Toyota products and haven't experienced this on any of the others. Just grabbing at straws right now trying to learn whether or not this is just the way the car is or ?. I am also about maintaining the original ride quality so if it means replacing 15 year old parts I am willing to do so.

smoothidle

So I went to an independent for an oil change and asked for a quote on the front struts. Quoted 1700 for Monroe with lifetime warranty. Went to dealer, quoted 1500 for oem. Had dealer replace the front struts and do the alignment. Clutchless was right - probably didn't need these with this mileage. I don't find much of an improvement. Still feeling good that it has been done. Next are the rears. Thanks for all the feedback

bucfan22

You can cross that independent shop out of your place to bring your car in for services. $1700 is a robbery for front Monroe struts. Make me feel great knowing i paid only around $250 2 years ago for KYB front struts and put them on by myself.

smoothidle

Nice savings on your job!
I did try reaching out to KYB for the part numbers on mine but they said they didn't have them available for my year model yet..said 30-45 days.
I am looking for the Sachs for the rear...probably do those after the holidays.
Thanks for the feedback

smoothidle

Replaced tires. Old: Kelly A/S Edge 215/55r17
New : Cooper Endeavor same size. Quiet and smoothe!
$131 each @ Wallyworld

Wilson2000

Make sure to keep your tires inflated to the pressure posted on the driver's door jam. Too many people still mistakenly use the pressure listed on the sidewall of the tire, which is the MAXIMUM pressure. Your car will definitely ride rough at the maximum pressure, and it isn't safe!

You wrote earlier in the thread that Scotty likes the easy struts. Maybe he changed his opinion recently, but he use to dislike the easy struts. I agree with Clutchless in using KYB struts with the original springs, and new Toyotoa/Lexus OEM mounts.

LexusFan2

Nice, so the new tires made the ride quality a lot softer also?

smoothidle

Absolutely. Lexus air pressure makes the profile on the fronts look a little low, but the ride is much improved.

smoothidle

Yes Wilson2000 you are correct. Thank you - good catch! Scotty has a video for the es300 where he states he replaced the stock struts with some cheap brand a mfr sent him for free. He removed them and put the originals back in. It was easy to find that video, but difficult to find the one where he liked the KYB. Sorry for the confusion!