I have 98,000 miles on my original struts. I am getting a creaking sound from the rear upon flexing the car under acceleration and going over bumps. Is it common for the struts to cause this creaking noise at this mileage?

 

Not all roads are equal so there is really no set mileage as to when the shocks will give out. A friend of mine has a 2005 ES330 with 110k miles and the shocks have no sign of wear at all. On the other hand, my GS400 shocks were gone at 80k miles. 60k miles on your car may not be as bad, but you should just give it a quick test before putting a lot of money towards something you might not need.

Keep in mind that the Bilstein shocks are pretty stiff compared to stock. They are valved for stiffer springs so don't be surprised if the car doesn't ride as soft as OEM.

Speaking of OEM, you can get all 4 OEM shocks for about $325 shipped (after Clublexus discount) from Sewell lexus . It sure beats KYB shocks any day of the week, and you'll retain that factory ride if that's what you're looking for.

 

I can't seem to find the price listed for the 4 OEM shocks on Sewell's parts page. The part and number are shown but seem to be absent from their price list.

Was the $325 the sum of individual parts prices or was it a package?

Also with replacing the shocks, are there accompanying mounts whic should be replaced at the same time?

Thanks in advance to any responses!

 

Sorry for the double post here.

Is 2.8 hours for the front set and 3.6 hours for the rear set a reasonable labour estimate for replacing the shocks? I've heard they are hard to get to in the back but I just wanted to get some feedback if those times sound right against what others have been quoted before?

Thanks

 

The price I checked for was for the 01-03 LS430. Didn't realize the 04-06 had different pricing, which makes me wonder why they did that because on KYB's website, the 01-03 LS430 have the same part number as the 04-06. I would call up Sewell and ask them.

By the way, the $325 shipped price was for all 4 shocks with the Clublexus discount.

 

For the approximate price of $500+ to replace the rear struts, I am planning on doing nothing for the time being and living with the occassional creaking going over bumps. No mechanic has yet to convince me that replacing the struts will absolutely eliminate the creaking anyhow. That is an expensive investment if it does not work.

 

parts needed for strut replacement? where can I get a list????

 

yes, they have to remove the back seat to get the struts out.

 

I will gladly buy from Sewell with the CL discount but need to know where to start..... I am going to add tanabe NF210 with KYB shocks....on my 2002 standard LS430

 

2005 diagram and parts breakout @ http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...layCatalogid=0

Air to non-air conversion details @ https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...ml#post4421716

2002 Non-Sport Part #s:
Front:
Strut mount/top (w/rubber insulator and bump stop) 48680-50110
Spring insulator 48257-22070
Front coil spring non-sport 48131-50120
Front shock non-sport 48510-80306
Big top washer 48680-22050
Front non-sport sway bar 48811-50090
Front sport sway bar 48811-50090

Rear:
Strut mount/top/upper strut support 48755-50100
Strut bumper / Bump stop 48341-50070
Spring insulator 48257-50020
Rear coil spring non-sport 48231-50150
Rear shock non-sport 48530-80130
Spring insulator 48258-50020
Big top washer 48755-50110
Rear non-sport sway bar 48812-50120
Rear sport sway bar 48812-50130

 

My next project... lots of pictures to follow!

 

WOW... bought tanabe NF210 springs $250
new shocks front and rear $400
misc new parts from above listing plus rear sway $1000 (est)
labor to assemble $500

Easily $2100 to bring the car back to new spec.... anyone do this? My car is floaty....but for 2100, I will put a deposit down on a BMW

Anyone interested in a dealer maintained complete service history EXCELLENT 2002 base Lexus LS430 with 104k miles? It is black on black and MINT! Always garaged and all service dealer (lexus of austin) performed

 

Id take it for 10,000. Now is it worth doing shocks?

 

and you can do them...

 

i would NEVER go from a Lexus to a BMW.
if you get the shocks done then you would be much happier..
i myself put the MEGAN SPOrT coilovers and the ride is beautiful.
well worth the money