KYB quick structs for Lexus ES

[MaximaGuy]

Going to replace my shocks on Lexus ES350 it has 148K on the odometer and during my inspection with installer for another problem we found the boots were torn and the shocks were just fine.

He didn't recommend replacement but I want to get it done - he recommended KYB QuickStructs at around $225/side.

I have never been a fan of KYB although he is has only positive feedback from his customers.

Experts chime in, should I go with KYB or get new OEM shocks and go down the old way to replace shock, platsic bearing and boot and reuse spring, mount.

 

[The Critic]

Leave it alone, torn boots don't necessitate strut replacement in your climate.

You won't be happy with the KYB quick struts.

 

[Oillover]

quick struts on any application (especially a Lexus) is always a detrimental decision.

 

[Bottom_Feeder]

The struts themselves should be fine, probably a bit stiff, but the assembly as a whole will just be a bunch of compromises. Springs may not be the right rate, bearing plates may be cheap, boots and bumpstops may be universal fit, etc.

 

[D60]

Bellows/boots are virtually meaningless IMO. I remove them on shocks because they HOLD contaminants and just cause problems.

Most strut bellows are OPEN on the bottom so drainage is no problem, so I use them, but I'd NEVER open up a strut assy JUST to replace them if everything else is functional.

Don't do the KYBs. I'd order Sachs or OEM struts and quality mounts. Keep your springs unless you believe they're sagging or otherwise failing. It's worth it even though a strut + mount + bellow may cost more than an entire quick strut.

 

[MaximaGuy]

Thank you all very much appreciated. Resounding NO, which is what I wanted to hear. I replaced the rears with OEM and reused the mounts and got aftermarket boots. The front OEM shocks are over $300/piece vs. $90/piece for a KYB, right there its questionable.

 

[John105]

quick struts on any application (especially a Lexus) is always a detrimental decision.

It’s a wonderful decision for the chain muffler store or tire chain. Terrible for the vehicle owner.

I always use my wife’s Enclave to illustrate. Midas said $900 to do two front Gabriel quick struts. We ordered Bilstein B6 front and back, all GM OE boots, stops, sway bar end links, strut mounts, Moog sway bar bushings, paid to get the gear installed, and came out just under what the muffler shop wanted. It was 2020 though. Shop rates have gone way up. Any shop they recommends them are simply making a huge margin in the labor savings.

 

[D60]

Thank you all very much appreciated. Resounding NO, which is what I wanted to hear. I replaced the rears with OEM and reused the mounts and got aftermarket boots. The front OEM shocks are over $300/piece vs. $90/piece for a KYB, right there its questionable.

Rears don't steer so there's no bearing to fail. I agree if rear mounts look ok it's fine to reuse them.

Also I just did front struts on something‐‐ I think it was a Subaru -- and the mount just opens by hand and right there is the bearing. It's kinda too bad there's no database for this sort of thing. People on a budget could just drop in a ~$5 bearing rather than a $30‐40 mount.

$300 ea is steep, I'd look to Sachs

Finally, as much as I can't stand Kilmer he had a vid where he claimed he put front quick struts in his wife's Lexus and didn't tell her he'd done anything. She complained about ride quality immediately.

 

[meep]

Not a fan of quick struts. I’ll echo agreement with what @D60 said.

 

[barkingspider]

If you are going to keep the Lexus forever, I would go OEM and call it a day. If you are going to get rid of it, leave the old ones one or replace w cheap aftermarket

 

[Rust_Belt_Pete]

Kyb quick struts suck. Oem or keyboard red stuff

 

[Donald]

Do the struts work as struts? Tire wear normal?

I go for Bilstein where they sell a shock or strut for my application.

 

[IveBeenRued]

Maybe I’m an outlier. I’ve used KYB quick struts on multiple vehicles without issue.

 

[The Critic]

Maybe I’m an outlier. I’ve used KYB quick struts on multiple vehicles without issue.

Maybe you just aren’t as discerning as the rest of us.

 

[factorytuned2012]

Who manufactures Lexus struts/shocks? I thought KYB was a supplier for many OE’s or is there different quality oe vs aftermarket KYB. Turned to google for an answer looks like F sport vehicles get bilstein other models get KYB or Sachs

 

[nthach]

Who manufactures Lexus struts/shocks? I thought KYB was a supplier for many OE’s or is there different quality oe vs aftermarket KYB. Turned to google for an answer looks like F sport vehicles get bilstein other models get KYB or Sachs

Toyota primarily uses KYB or Hitachi(Tokico) for shocks. If you have a Lexus with air suspension or the F Sport packages, they’ll become electronically-controlled shocks or air bag/shock units.

If it’s a TRD Off Road Tundra/Sequoia or Tacoma, it can be Bilstein but now Fox Shox has entered the picture with the TRD Pro versions.

Quick struts are fine if you just need to send it on its way. The springs will be vastly different than OE, and the mounts aren’t great. Shops love them - less labor, little danger.

 

[PandaBear]

Every boot will be torn and it only hurts if particles get in and wear it out. Quick struct would turn your Lexus into a Corolla in ride quality, why bother?

 

[John105]

Do the struts work as struts? Tire wear normal?

I go for Bilstein where they sell a shock or strut for my application.

Me too, surprisingly they aren't that expensive. But they don't have all applications. Lots of German and American (truck/SUV). P.S. for a ***** rofl, check out Lexus OE boot prices. Truly unbelievable, but I guess if power window switches are $700, maybe believable.

 

[IndyIan]

I've only done the full KYB quick struts on the front of my old Focus. The generic springs did raise the front end about 1/2", but the struts and mounts were quite amazing in absorbing small sharp impacts. Frankly better than our new at the time, Outback. I was thinking about swapping in the original springs on to the kyb struts but I never bothered, it was close enough for me.
The rubber in the mount was soft enough it would actually move a little bit with bouncing the car by hand, and did fine for the couple years I had it. Now are all their mounts like that? I don't know. Probably check on a Camry forum and see how people like them, I doubt KYB has a seperate quickstrut for an ES350?
The KYB bare struts were been great for me on my Neon when I wanted more dampening, and responsive handling, and I have near 100k miles on the rear shocks on my Focus and they still have no problem controlling the ride with 500lbs of feed in the back. For me, kyb have always worked very well.

 

[14Accent]

It’s a wonderful decision for the chain muffler store or tire chain. Terrible for the vehicle owner.

I always use my wife’s Enclave to illustrate. Midas said $900 to do two front Gabriel quick struts. We ordered Bilstein B6 front and back, all GM OE boots, stops, sway bar end links, strut mounts, Moog sway bar bushings, paid to get the gear installed, and came out just under what the muffler shop wanted. It was 2020 though. Shop rates have gone way up. Any shop they recommends them are simply making a huge margin in the labor savings.

Not to hijack the OP's post, but I can't be the only one that's curious: how did your Enclave handle after installing the B6's? Those Lambda stablemates all handle like giant bowls of jello in stock form, even with new dampers.