Also, LS430 does not have simple suspensions like McPherson, so struts do not deteriorite that quickly at all.

 

That's a good point. Long story (below) short, I wouldn't want to change anything that didn't need it. One, expense, two, maybe the ride degrades? But mostly to avoid unneeded expense.

BTW, I am leery of aftermarket short of Bilstein, Koni, etc. (which are basically upgrades to BMW etc.), who don't make products for our car anyway (meaning I'd go OE only on the LS). On my Maxima, we DIY'd Monroe quick struts on the front (never ever ever ever use a quick product on any car--these are intended to allow shops to not compress the spring and save time and charge you the same), and KYB on the rear. The vehicle had like 190k at the time. The ride was horrible ever since. The front was jacked up like a Subaru as if the height was not correct. One of the 6 tower bolts was stripped right out of the box, UGH!

As mentioned, in PA, leaks mean fail on the annual safety. My wife's GM had this happen at only 65k, and I was having that gold chain muffler shop do it. They said you need new struts and I said how much? $1,100 (American car go figure). I said ok, what products do you use? "Gabriel or Monroe." Hold up, don't do anything--I just need a sec but I think I'm gonna tell you to drop the car. I logged in online, and oddly found her GMPP extended warranty covered struts but not shocks (that warranty covered more than it did not cover, unlike BMW--example, captain's chair covered), so we took it to the dealer. Also in PA the place that fails you, also passes you when you bring it back to reinspect, regardless of if they did the work or not.

 

Thanks for the info - tires are new as of 10k ago (P7s), but nothing else (bushings, struts, etc.) has ever been changed. The car tracks very well, so I think I can rule out the alignment as well. I think I'm going to address the bushings and the sway bars with my mechanic.

Thanks everyone!

 

Good points and thanks the insight on the Quick-Struts - they crossed my mind as well, but everything I've read, like you said, urged folks to avoid them like the plague.

 

I am truly curious/not trying to start argument here, why do you think struts do not deteriorate in LS as quickly as in other car/setup? It seems to me after 12 years and 100K miles struts should be close to the end of its usable life.

Just for comparison, my LS (04 119K miles) had all 4 replaced by previous owner right before I bought it. He said one of the struts has develop a leak. From what I can tell, the last 2/3 year before I bought it this past summer, the car was driven very little due to the owner having some health problem.

 

I cannot speak to how long one should/would last. My wife had one leak on a car purchased new, at about 65k. My guess is environment, not defect, caused it, such as hitting something.

Also, on the first LS430 I looked at, it was a 2005 with high 70's for mileage. The dealer had replaced both shocks on the right side only. Again, I would surmise accident (rims and lower rear door plastic were all scraped, they didn't even try to hide it). Unlike the timing belt, imho this has more variables as to how long they parts would/should last.

 

 

Thanks everyone - I really appreciate the discussion and the suggestions.

Take away: for now im going to assume the struts are reasonable becuase I don't have any leakage, and I'll focus my attention on the various bushings/links that could be in need of replacement.

 

Even if it does not leak it can wear out over time. 10 year is long time.

 

I know that on my BMW, which is a garage queen, the rear shock boots are torn on both sides. Kind of frustrating but not leaking, because the mileage is low....same on Maxima, all were torn but that car was driven daily. The common denominator was age , maybe BMW was about 2-3 years sooner that the boots tore (about 7)....I remember now on the Maxima the CV boots ripped at about 7 (then I cared so much for the car I immediately panicked and replaced and paid around $400--patience grasshopper! In retrospect I'd wait for a clunking sound).

 

Don't rely on some sort of visible fluid leak to confirm your struts are shot. If they have 100k miles on them, they're shot. I have replaced dozens of struts over the years and have seen the dramatic change in handling, comfort and ride height a new set brings. I just changed the struts/shocks on my GX with 103k miles and, despite no visible fluid leaking, the pressurized gas is well gone as you can compress the shocks by hand and they simply stay compressed. The new shocks fully extend by themselves within 3 seconds when compressed. As worn as every set I've replaced has been at 100k, it's safe to say they should probably have been replaced closer to 75k miles. After changing the set in my parents' Neon, for example, the ride height was so dramatically increased I had to re-aim the headlights.

 

Here is my two cents:
1. Replace swaybar bushings - front and rear.
2. Replace swaybar end links - front and rear.
At 110 k miles. Simple, easy, & inexpensive.
Then, you can determine if more work is necessary
That's exactly what I did, & it worked for me.
Hopefully, it will work for you. Good Luck

 

 

I only install OEM or something that is known and proven to be a better alternative. Personally I stay away from unknown brands.

Moog seems a good alternative to OEM for endlinks - see this:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...end-links.html

For bushings, I would recommend OEM just because if what you install is harder rubber, the ride may not be as soft and smooth.

 

I would stay away from eBay for these parts unless you are buying a reputable brand. If you're not using OEM here are some decent brands to choose from- https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...+bar+link,7580

The MOOG's, Mevotech, and Delcos offer a limited lifetime warranty if that means anything by todays standards...?