01BabyLexy

Hello everyone,

I took my 2004 lexus rx330 for a shop to diagnose a rattling noise over speed bumps and tight turns. They came back with a list of repairs that needed to be done. Am I being ripped off or are the prices reasonable?

Repairs:
Front Struts - $750
Front Axles - $720
Steering Rack with alignment - $1160

Please help. Thank you.

cdnewton

Can't speak to the struts/axles; however, the steering rack issue is a well documented problem. Unfortunately, there aren't many options except to replace. On the positive, that is a pretty good price. I have been quoted anywhere from $1400 (indy shop specializing in Toyota) to $1900 (Lexus dealer).

If you are concerned, perhaps you should get a second opinion.

SkiMe

If a Lexus Dealer, I assume they are using OEM parts.

Front Struts are fairly labor intensive (from my reading), so that seems reasonable. Just Amazon pricing for a Monroe strut ($110 each), plus you need mounting hardware/bushing on top of that (maybe another $50/each). Then compress spring, pull old out and install new one. So I'd guess you are in the ball park.

Front Axles. If these are OEM Toyota, I'd say very decent. I think these OEM axles run $300-$350 each (part only), so that seems good.

kickin8

iTrader: (1)

dealer or outside shop?

SkiMe

If aftermarket axleshafts, then they go for $75-$100 each...big difference!

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

For your quotes, there are cheaper routes, but if those are the price with OEM replacements from the dealer, the prices aren't terrible. That being said, you could probably cut the price of the axles and struts in half going with good quality aftermarket replacements. If the rattleling noise is your main concern though, I would start with the sway bar endlink as it's the cheapest and easier part to replace. As for the steering rack, that price is actually a few hundred lower than I've traditionally seen.

theory816

I highly recommend going OEM for replacement parts.

I would take it to a couple of mechanics to have them check out the car so that you know what exactly needs to be replaced. Have them show you in person the damaged pieces.

SkiMe

I like what theory816 originally said.....get a second opinion. For a rattling sound, I wouldn't think the axle shafts are contributing to this. Shocks and shock mounts, yea, could be a possibility. I'd also check out bushing on lower control arms.

I had a clunky sound when I hit BIG bumps, more like metal to metal feeling. I just replaced my lower control arms (mainly the bushings were bad) and that fixed that issue.
I don't know about steering rack and how that might contribute....haven't done that yet.

Is their observation/recommendation based off of your noise, or are they also just suggesting these additional items because of their evaluation?

01BabyLexy

So I was able to order all my parts through RockAuto.com for a total of $752 with a $150 discount if I return the old steering rack and pinion. I was able to find a shop on Yelp with great reviews to install all my parts for a total labor of $1100, Car runs great again with no more rattle so I believe the struts were the problem.

80es300

May I ask what brand you ordered for the struts, axles and steering rack? You happy with the quality so far?

01BabyLexy

I ordered the Monroe Struts, Empori Axles, and A1 Cardone Steering Rack.

Anytime aftermarket parts are used, you will sacrifice a little of performance and handling. I am happy with what I replaced so far.

The only difference I have noticed is that replacing the struts have caused my rattle to go away. I couldn't tell a difference after steering rack and axles replaced.

80es300

You changed just the struts or the mounts also? I always thought mounts were usually the reason for different kinds of rattles/sounds.

01BabyLexy

Struts mounts and stoppers were also replaced as they were bad.