One of front struts (air suspension) is leaking - how much time do I have?
#1
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My 2007 LS460 L with air suspension is at the Lexus Dealer getting some work done and they called to say one of the front struts is leaking. I'm closing in on 93k miles, and just bought the car a few months ago, so I wouldn't know how long this has been going on. No noticeable signs though of anything, it drives great and smooth as you'd expect.
How much time, roughly, do you guys think I have until I need to replace it? I want to shop around the reputable indep Lexus mechanics (non-dealer) and see what they quote me for it. My dealer is quoting $2300. I know it's going to be in that range, but I'd still like to see what the indep Lexus mechanics can do.
How much time, roughly, do you guys think I have until I need to replace it? I want to shop around the reputable indep Lexus mechanics (non-dealer) and see what they quote me for it. My dealer is quoting $2300. I know it's going to be in that range, but I'd still like to see what the indep Lexus mechanics can do.
Last edited by pappy97; 09-05-18 at 09:50 AM.
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pappy97 (09-05-18)
#3
Instructor
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It's hard to say how long it will be before the ride becomes noticeably uncomfortable - but there's no compelling reason that I know of to not just ride it out until it fails. And when you need to replace it, I believe the air strut retail price is around $1600, and it is very easy for a mechanic to replace. Someone on this forum recently replaced their air strut with a nice condition used one purchased for $625, I think. Bottom line is there's no need/benefit to letting the Lexus stealership do the work for big bucks...
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pappy97 (09-05-18)
#4
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It's hard to say how long it will be before the ride becomes noticeably uncomfortable - but there's no compelling reason that I know of to not just ride it out until it fails. And when you need to replace it, I believe the air strut retail price is around $1600, and it is very easy for a mechanic to replace. Someone on this forum recently replaced their air strut with a nice condition used one purchased for $625, I think. Bottom line is there's no need/benefit to letting the Lexus stealership do the work for big bucks...
How many hours do you think it'll take a competent mechanic to replace? This might be far cheaper than I've been anticipating/dreading.
Last edited by pappy97; 09-05-18 at 01:21 PM.
#5
Lexus Test Driver
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Replacing it myself was WAY easier than I thought it would be, no special tools needed beyond a pitman puller to separate the steering linkage from the hub. Took maybe 30 minutes from removing the old one to having the new one installed and everything put back together, in my garage, and with simple hand tools. Arnott has a video on their site as to how to replace LS 460 air struts.
Thanks....Actually, I see that the Arnott air strut for my car is $799, maybe less through other retailers. https://www.arnottindustries.com/as-...-left-or-right
How many hours do you think it'll take a competent mechanic to replace? This might be far cheaper than I've been anticipating/dreading.
How many hours do you think it'll take a competent mechanic to replace? This might be far cheaper than I've been anticipating/dreading.
A competent mechanic can make the change in a half-hour, but that's not what the billable hours will be. They are very different things and are what separate a profitable mechanic shop from one that's going under.
#6
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One potential problem with putting off replacement is that at some point the compressor may start working hard to replace leaking air, possibly damaging the compressor. IIRC, the cost of a new compressor is on the order of $3000.
#7
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^^ this is the reason why i asked if its leaking air or oil out of the strut. To be honest the oem air bag in these struts are constructed very well...most of the time oil will leak out causing dampening issues and noise. If its leaking oil then he can drive it till it needs replacing. If its losing air then obviously priority changes.
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#8
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Excellent point.
Also since when 1 air strut goes out, then likely the remaining 3 will be near going out too, so I have watched this eBay item set of 4 air struts selling for $1200.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-Set-Front...2/323292862913
#9
Instructor
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Excellent point.
Also since when 1 air strut goes out, then likely the remaining 3 will be near going out too, so I have watched this eBay item set of 4 air struts selling for $1200.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-Set-Front...2/323292862913
Also since when 1 air strut goes out, then likely the remaining 3 will be near going out too, so I have watched this eBay item set of 4 air struts selling for $1200.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-Set-Front...2/323292862913
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swfla (09-30-22)
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THE_CEO (10-13-22)
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