Posting a new thread, as there appears no way to search 3rd gen RX forum only, searches entire site instead 🙄 Are these easy to switch out, the hydraulic lift arms? (Tailgate now drops on you, wont stay up). There appears to be no electronic connectivity to them, even tho the liftgate is electronic. Any advice moving forward, & a purchase source? Thx 🙏

 

Several of us like the hood lift supports and tailgate lift supports from StrongArm. I installed them on the hood of my wife's 2015 RX350 a couple of years ago when the factory ones began to fail. They are much more robust than the factory ones were. Google StrongArm lift supports and do a bit of research on them.

 

You can easily search just this 3rd gen RX forum. On the main page at the top right of the threads list, at the top corner of the 2 sections are 2 search boxes (use the lower of the 2 search boxes) that only searches this forum. If using a phrase put quotes around it or it will only search for each individual word.

There are more than a few threads about replacing the hatch strut arms and the hood strut arms. I too used Strong Arm replacement struts on both the hatch and hood. There are also many youtube videos with instructions. The struts installation procedure is about the same on every Toyota & Lexus.
https://www.liftsupportsdepot.com/?c...BoCaLYQAvD_BwE

 

Strongarms ordered, thx for rec. Installation appears to involve no wiring, so assume electr tailgates operate independent of struts, perhaps theres a motor near hinge mounts, dunno. Always assumed motor drove strut hydraulics. Also found (somewhat hidden) search parameters for thread search. Thx again. EDIT: after watching vid, it appears maybe gas pressure alone in strut does the lifting of gate? Still doesnt explain how it lowers w/out motor. Hmmm 🤔

 

The hatch does needs to be in balance ,,,, weight vs the struts-back-force. [just like home garage door with springs]. The motor is supposed to give the slight nudge one way or the other. Operate the door manually and see if you have to fight it or it likes to balance itself well.

Salim

 

They pop on and off pretty easy. Might need to use a flat head screwdriver for leverage, but will pull off with just your hands.

 

Don't forget to support the hatch when you pop off the arms! Watched someone do that without support and it came smashing down on them.

 

Use a long 2x4 or even a ladder to hold the hatch up.

 

Or if you are doing the job inside your garage, tie the liftgate to the overhead garage door rails.