bozilla

My left rear strut is leaking oil. Has anyone had this problem in the past? Price to replace $300 for part and $80 for labor.

It looks like there is only 3 bolts at top and 2 on the bottom and disconnect the sway bar to the remove the strut. Has any backyard mechanic removed rear struts? Any advice would be welcome

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

Well, the labor charge is very reasonable but the strut should be about $100-$120 (!)

Lexmex

Yes, this happened to me when I was in Mexico...was actually my right front shock. You can see an example of how loose the shock was when going up and down in this youtube video, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hUYf2qBKHU

You might want to take a look at this thread that I did on shocks, https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=327873 (it's not entirely complete because we skipped some steps such as the amounts and other parts on the top of the shocks). Those KYB GR-2s I used were under $150 per shock.

bozilla

Thanks for the info., Lexmex your photos are a big help. It does not seems to be a very difficult job.

Lexmex

The major piece of the puzzle is having something that can compress the springs, which means an air pistol and that special tool that my uncle used. Thank god Florida roads are so much nicer than Mexico.

bozilla

I agree with you Lexmex, strut spring removal appears to be dangerous. I've removed coil springs from rear wheel drive cars using a floor jack and a chain and never had a problem. I sometimes feel that car are now designed to require specialized tools to complete even minor maintenance. I really don't know if struts improve the overall ride of a vehicle, but I would much rather have a coil spring with a shock . Replacing a shock is easy and they are cheap.

Again thanks for the helpful information.

lexus114

Always replace in pairs.