As stated in another thread, my 09 RX with 90k is in need of some repairs. One of which is one leaky strut. One mechanic says that I need to replace 2 at a time. A second opinion is that I should replace 4 at one time. What do you think?

 

I think two would be absolutely fine....Look at Rockauto.com for great prices on KYB's...

 

Pairs for sure, all 4, no, I wouldn't if they are good. My GS has FACTORY shocks on it still, 229k miles (1998 2GS4), OEM stuff is usually best quality, at least on GS.

My 04 RX struts in back are weak, going to replace soon, just been so busy. Fronts are fine, just back are a bit bouncy if the vehicle is loaded with 4 people. Not bad, but I feel it and that is enough....

 

For sure you have to do the opposite side. Doing all 4 not necessary but it probably won't be long. I just did all 4 on a 2006 that we have with 102k on it. Had to do all 4 because I had 1 bad on the front and 1 on the rear.

 

Senin,
I would only replace 2 (either both front or both rear), depending on where the bad one is. If you have 1 bad front and 1 bad rear, you need to replace all 4. If you have 1 (say front) that is bad, and another on the opposite end (rear) is starting to go bad (e.g. leak), you might want to replace all 4 together, even though the rear (in this example) could still be good for a while. The reason I say that is because you are going to need an alignment when you change out struts. Thus, if the rear (in this hypothetical example) is going to need replacing in a couple months, it may be smarter to replace it now and only pay for an alignment once (unless you have a lifetime alignment plan somewhere of course).

 

What brand of Struts did you install in your 2006?

 

I went with the KYB's. Easy job just make sure that you have the correct torx bit. There is a bolt that you have to loosen but you must have a torx bit for the center of it. They sell.it at orileys.

 

If I'm doing the job in my garage, or driveway, I'd do all four. If I'm paying someone else to do the work then I'm more likely to do only two. Why? Because it seems that no job is finished until I have absolutely every single tool I own be out of the toolbox, plus some borrowed and some new. At that point I might as well do it all! That said, if I'm paying someone else I tend to do the minimum because they'll charge me by-the-each anyway. I can always come back when I'm good and ready to do the other two.

 

I just replaced both rear struts OEM, my rear right strut was leaking profusely. After extensive research I found an awesome deal on EBay for a pair of OEM struts, as I was extremely skeptical to go with KYB. I had a Nissan Pathfinder, which I gave to my daughter, that needed front struts. The decision was made to go with KYB, after the struts were replaced the ride was stiff.

My RX is smooth as butter, the front seem to be fine. But if you need struts I would look on EBay for a deal on OEM.
I am not doubting KYBs gas charged struts' quality but for some reason I have come to the conclusion the ride is stiffer than oil charged struts, maybe it is just me. In my case I went with OEM and the ride is smooth as always.

 

I just bought some for the rear. Monroe from rockauto. About $90.00 each.

 

Lexus OEM is actually KYB's Best to stay with those and replace both front or back.

 

I have used Monroes in other vehicles and have not been disappointed. Monroe OESpectrum.

 

I planning on replacing the front struts as well. Front suspension seems fine but it is best to replace both front and back. I am going to gather what I need and do this job within the next couple of weeks.

 

^ I've done that in the past... with quickstruts so it was easy to put in & out, but very expensive.

If I was to do it all over? I'd change what needed to be change, without going the 'extra mile', in this case the fronts.

OEM struts are normally really good in all [higher end] vehicles. I currently have just under 200k KM's on an '04 RX330, all original struts!

 

Last weekend I as was driving I was thinking that I really do not need to replace the front struts, the suspension felt smooth as I went over bumps and I started to think that I am going to wait on replacing the front struts, I do not have any issues with the front suspension unless something happens to one of the front struts which is the reason I replaced the rear ones. One of my rear struts was leaking pretty bad, I thought it was odd as I have under 90 k miles.