Front Struts
08-02-21, 11:03 AM
#31
Driver School Candidate
Don’t know what you’ve been dealing with, but the used car market is hotter than the surface of the sun right now. You’ll pay out the nose to swap for something that may also have warts.
I have a rule of thumb for repairs based on $0.10 per mile. So if the repair will cost $500, I ask myself if I think that repair will get me at least 5,000 more miles. Considering that mileage reimbursement rates are on the order of $0.50 per mile, and gas is $0.15-0.20 per mile of that, a repair rule of $0.10 per mile is overly conservative, but it makes the math easy.
I have a rule of thumb for repairs based on $0.10 per mile. So if the repair will cost $500, I ask myself if I think that repair will get me at least 5,000 more miles. Considering that mileage reimbursement rates are on the order of $0.50 per mile, and gas is $0.15-0.20 per mile of that, a repair rule of $0.10 per mile is overly conservative, but it makes the math easy.
PS: 204k and in excellent condition otherwise
08-02-21, 11:11 AM
#32
I had the same issue with tires starting to wear unevenly and with 18-year struts I figured it was well past time to replace them.
Since my vehicle is like new BION, I went for the full strut replacement and ***** with Toyota parts at the dealer. The car runs/handles/feels like new, ready for another dozen years!!
Since my vehicle is like new BION, I went for the full strut replacement and ***** with Toyota parts at the dealer. The car runs/handles/feels like new, ready for another dozen years!!
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LEEBAB (08-02-21)
08-02-21, 12:15 PM
#34
I have 2FWD, front-wheel drive. BION, believe it or not! I decided to go with Lexus parts because it was "only" about 35% more than the after-market parts, but/and now I have OEM Toyota parts for my car, it feels/rides like new, hopefully will last a long time. FYI, not cheap, but the after-market ones were over $2K USD anyway and I could not assess the quality of them. Hopefully the OEMs will be as great as the originals.
Last edited by parula; 08-02-21 at 12:26 PM.
07-03-22, 05:59 PM
#36
How can I tell if a Lexus dealer installed the Toyota/Lexus struts I requested?
The invoice does not mention Toyota/Lexus parts that I can find there.
I cannot see any logos on the new struts/shocks as those are mostly covered by some metal parts; they are black on top.
Do Lexus dealers normally just use, or are required to use, Toyota parts?
The invoice does not mention Toyota/Lexus parts that I can find there.
I cannot see any logos on the new struts/shocks as those are mostly covered by some metal parts; they are black on top.
Do Lexus dealers normally just use, or are required to use, Toyota parts?
Last edited by parula; 07-03-22 at 07:34 PM.
07-03-22, 07:03 PM
#37
Advanced
I would say the price will tell you which type they used. OEM struts would be costly. Did they replace just the strut part (cartridge) or the whole assembly (Quick strut). KYB replacement struts on Rockauto run about $77 each for the rear, and $86 each for the front. KYB does not offer Quick struts that I know of, but Rockauto offers aftermarket versions that run $115-$130 a piece. I'm strictly guessing, but would say that OEM units would be $350-$500 each. That would be $1400-$2000 total parts, plus 4 hours labor @ $100 per hour equals $400. Grand total $2400.
Toyota quoted me $350 per unit for OEM struts when I blew out a front one on my 99 RAV4 a few years back. I had them go with aftermarket, which was half the price.
Toyota quoted me $350 per unit for OEM struts when I blew out a front one on my 99 RAV4 a few years back. I had them go with aftermarket, which was half the price.
07-04-22, 05:57 AM
#38
Moderator
Usually Toyota/Lexus parts have a stamped part number on it and in case of shocks they are painted black. Very hard to read the part number, unless you takee the strut out. I am not sure if a strut [shock + spring] is sold as one from Lexus.
You have to have a level of trust when ever you take your equipment for repairs. There are stories of folks marking a part and even adding hidden cameras, and yes some mechanics/shops cheat. DIY is the only sure way.
Salim
You have to have a level of trust when ever you take your equipment for repairs. There are stories of folks marking a part and even adding hidden cameras, and yes some mechanics/shops cheat. DIY is the only sure way.
Salim
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