tdandkd

I need to replace my front strut mounts and have a question as to which to buy. I called the dealer and they wanted $92 for the mount and $30 for the bearing. I can find KYB mounts with bearings for about $73. Would these work ok with my original OEM parts? Or should I get the ones from the dealer? I just figured that I would go the cheaper route right now to see if the new mounts and bearings solve my noise issue and if not, I'd already have them to match up with a set of KYB struts that I would order next. Thanks for any insight.

TampRX300

Well, what type of noises are you talking about? I'm going through what I think is a case of bad front struts and I'm considering getting KYB. They are a great product and I have used them before. I wish I could find some Tokico for this thing. Anyhow, what type of noise is related to the mounts?

tdandkd

It is a squeaking noise when going over bumps, it gets worse when the weather is cold. The struts themselves seem to be ok, just the noise, especially from the front left. I understand that these were a known issue with the earlier rx300's.

Lexmex

TampRX300, we'll check those shocks when I get out there.

The mount noise is more clanging, though the if it squeaks, it is tough to tell, as you will only notice this after you change your lower support (those black rubber things that sit underneath the springs). Those lower rubber supports, when they go bad, squeak like little ducklings. That is why I replaced mine with rubber hosing instead.

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

Squeaking or creaking/groaning noise? Mine make the latter when going over speed bumps slowly in the parking lot. Strut mount?

tdandkd

Yes, that is more like what I am talking about. I guess squeaking wasn't really the right description. They definitely creak and groan over bumps, large and small. That is why I was thinking that it is the strut mounts that need to be replaced.

smerre01

The noise you are hearing is the upper strut mounts. I have to replace mine as well. I ordered them through the Lexus dealer for 73.00 each. There is a TSB about this for our vehicles SU002-99. The rubber bushing shape of the suspension support has been changed (AKA Upper strut mount). The part #'s for the lexus parts needed are 48603-33021 RH and 48609-33121 LH. You are NOT required to change your struts when replacing the mounts, however since I am going to have mine off, I am going to replace mine.....

tdandkd

I ended up with the KYB strut mounts and they worked great. I changed the lower spring insulator and the upper one as well and all of my noise issues have been resolved. Maybe I should have just replaced the actual struts at the same time but they seemed ok and I didn't want to spend the money. If I do have to change them though, I now know that I can pull the whole assembly apart and replace it in about an hour and a half so it won't be that big a deal.

smerre01

well yesterday I changed the stut mounts on my 99' with the new design OEM from Lexus. I also replaced the struts since I had them out with some Monroe's. NO MORE RATTLE NOISE ON BUMPS! It wasn't the worst repair project I have ever done, but I really hated doing it by myself, seems like at times a couple of extra hands wouldn't have hurt. However taking it in tomorrow for it's aligment again since I replaced the struts.