RX - 3rd Gen (2010-2015) Discussion topics related to the 2010 - 2015 RX350 and RX450H models

changed the rear shocks on my RX

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Old 12-21-19, 06:12 AM
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jimbo409
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Default 2012 450h rear shocks recommendation

What does the forum recommend for rear shocks on a 2012 rx 450h I have 75000 miles and they are leaking and the ride is bumpy. Also how much does the dealer charge to install them rough idea . or can I take it into a midas shop please help Jimbo
Old 12-21-19, 09:53 AM
  #47  
RX in NC
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Most folks seem to go with new KYB Excel-G rear shocks. Bilstein now supposedly offers rear shocks for Toyota/Lexus as well. Do not go to a dealership for this job - you will pay a ridiculous price for an inferior shock. Find a good local indie repair shop. Midas may work for you as well - it depends upon whether your local Midas is staffed with experienced mechanics or high-school kids. Quality of work can really vary at the chain shops so do your homework before you choose.
Old 12-23-19, 07:57 AM
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rababich
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Originally Posted by RX in NC
Most folks seem to go with new KYB Excel-G rear shocks. Bilstein now supposedly offers rear shocks for Toyota/Lexus as well. .....
There are no shocks listed for the 2012 RX350 in the Bilstein Online Catalog.
I have Bilstein shocks on our Excursion which work great, I'd put them on our RX.
Old 12-23-19, 08:21 AM
  #49  
Cocal
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Bilstein is by far a better shock, but also mor costly; KYB is probably better value for money, but haven't priced either recently.
Old 12-23-19, 09:21 AM
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RX in NC
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The Bilstein B6 shock (part no. 24-282901) was introduced earlier this year for FWD versions of the Toyota Highlander. When I spoke with Bilstein tech support back in early October, they stated that this B6 shock had not yet been tested on the Lexus RX350. Therefore, you will not find it listed anywhere for the RX. But the Highlander and the RX are essentially the same vehicle so this shock should be a perfect fit. I installed Bilstein shocks on my wife's 2006 Jaguar XK8 back in 2014/2015 and they have held up extremely well. When it comes time to replace the mediocre OEM shocks on my wife's 2015 RX350, I plan to go with these Bilstein B6 components.
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Old 12-24-19, 06:34 PM
  #51  
rababich
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Originally Posted by RX in NC
The Bilstein B6 shock (part no. 24-282901) was introduced earlier this year for FWD versions of the Toyota Highlander. When I spoke with Bilstein tech support back in early October, they stated that this B6 shock had not yet been tested on the Lexus RX350. Therefore, you will not find it listed anywhere for the RX. But the Highlander and the RX are essentially the same vehicle so this shock should be a perfect fit. ....
According to the Bilstein catalog the B4 series shocks are for replacing OEM shocks, the B6 series is for heavy duty/performance/towing applications.
The Bilstein 24-282901 B6 series shock is listed for the 2014-19 Highlander.and doesn't state drive type so it probably will work for FWD and AWD.
The KYB 349203 rear shock is listed for the 2010-15 RX and the 2014-19 Highlander, so it looks promising the Bilstein 24-282901 shock will also fit the 2010-15 RX.
Old 12-25-19, 05:24 AM
  #52  
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Originally Posted by rababich
According to the Bilstein catalog the B4 series shocks are for replacing OEM shocks, the B6 series is for heavy duty/performance/towing applications.
The Bilstein 24-282901 B6 series shock is listed for the 2014-19 Highlander.and doesn't state drive type so it probably will work for FWD and AWD.
The KYB 349203 rear shock is listed for the 2010-15 RX and the 2014-19 Highlander, so it looks promising the Bilstein 24-282901 shock will also fit the 2010-15 RX.
That's intetresting because here in Canada where all SUV are sold with AWD, on the Bilstein website 2017 Lexus cannot be found and the only 3 Toyota 2017 models are Tundra; Tacoma & 4Runner. I guess they haven't finished all their tests.
Old 12-25-19, 06:44 AM
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Clutchless
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The Bilstein catalog I found lists both the B4 and B6 Highlander shocks as only for the FWD models. However, given that similar shocks from others fit both AWD and FWD it may be as stated above, the Bilstein has not done testing on all model variations.
See this little chart I attached cross referencing the rear shocks models for the HIghlander and 3G RX..
Attached Files
File Type: docx
Rear Shock Brand.docx (12.7 KB, 306 views)

Last edited by Clutchless; 12-25-19 at 06:48 AM.
Old 12-25-19, 09:12 AM
  #54  
rababich
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Originally Posted by Clutchless
... See this little chart I attached cross referencing the rear shocks models for the Highlander and 3G RX..
Love the chart, thanks.
Do you have one for the front shocks, too?
Bilstein claims the B6 design provides better heat dissipation which interests me as it can get up 115 deg out here in Socal.

Old 12-25-19, 10:09 AM
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Clutchless
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Bilstein does not make front struts for the 2014-2018 Highlander (which we cross referenced to the RX). I suspect they are still under development.
The B6 shock is similar to the F-Sport suspension shocks in that it will ride harder and make your vehicle corner flatter, handle better than the regular shocks.
However, being Bilstein, I suspect they will have a better ride than the Lexus factory F-Sport shocks, which are probably made by Tokico.
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Old 12-25-19, 10:59 AM
  #56  
RX in NC
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I think the Bilstein B6 rear shock is a no-brainer for these 3rd generation RX vehicles. If a member here decides to go with them, please report back on their fitment as well as on their installation process.
Old 12-28-19, 09:39 AM
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The BILSTEIN 24-282901 rear shocks are not listed in the Bilstein online catalog for the RX.
It is listed on the Shockwarehouse website for the 2014-19 RX at $86/ea, but not for the 2012-13.
Rock Auto has them for $76/ea + shipping ($152).

Last edited by rababich; 12-28-19 at 10:35 AM. Reason: wrong Rock Auto price
Old 01-03-20, 12:27 AM
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Thanks for all the research! I've just ordered the Bilstein B6 for my 2012 RX350 FWD. I guess I'm the guinea pig.

Just a quick background. I'm fairly particular about suspensions and have upgraded numerous cars. My goal is the improve the handling slightly and sounds like this might just do it. Mileage is at 80k so it's due for a replacement anyhow. The fronts still feel decent but when time comes, considering the F Sport front struts based on what I read here.

I was also looking into a front sway bar. Is the AWD version larger? Based on my research, there rear sway bars are the same all models(F-sports and non)?

I ordered from Rock Auto and should arrive by end of next week. BILSTEIN 24282901 (24-282901) Shock Absorber $ 75.89 $ 0.00 2 $ 151.78
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Old 01-03-20, 01:27 AM
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Originally Posted by Sfcyclist
Thanks for all the research! I've just ordered the Bilstein B6 for my 2012 RX350 FWD. .... . My goal is the improve the handling slightly and sounds like this might just do it. Mileage is at 80k so it's due for a replacement anyhow. The fronts still feel decent but when time comes, considering the F Sport front struts based on what I read here.
I was also looking into a front sway bar. Is the AWD version larger? Based on my research, there rear sway bars are the same all models(F-sports and non)? ....
Our 2012 has 83k and I have a set of the Bilstein B6 shocks ordered, too.
Already replaced the rear anti-roll bar bushings with polyurethane which seem to have helped firm things up a bit, I'll get to the fronts in awhile.
Don't know if there are any larger anti-roll bars available, but the bars we have are very good as is.

Last edited by rababich; 01-03-20 at 01:31 PM. Reason: typo
Old 01-03-20, 04:53 AM
  #60  
RX in NC
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Guys, please keep us posted on your impressions of the Bilstein B6 rear shocks once they are installed on your RX350s. I am expecting to read reports of a big improvement in both comfort and performance….


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