Suspension / Strut Replacement
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Joined: Jun 2016
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From: Ohio
Suspension / Strut Replacement
My 07 TL has 158K miles, purchased at 50k miles and original front and rear suspension parts still on car. When replacing front and rear struts what else should be replaced along with the struts? Also, what should I expect to pay at a mechanic shop to have this done, not the dealer? Any recommendations on parts from RockAuto? Thank you,
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Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Space Coast, FL
It's cheaper to buy the full assemblies and have those put in. 1 hr for each corner is what most shops will charge plus an alignment.
I bought FCS ones and they have failed after not many miles. I got the Monroe quick struts for rear and they have been holding up pretty well. Looking for front replacements at this time.
I bought FCS ones and they have failed after not many miles. I got the Monroe quick struts for rear and they have been holding up pretty well. Looking for front replacements at this time.
8th Gear
Joined: Jan 2014
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I’ve replaced struts twice now in both of my TLs. I have an ‘04 base and an ‘07 TLS. On the base model I used OEM assemblies on the rear. For the front, the assemblies were already discontinued. So I ended up buying the Monroe quick strut assemblies. This was 5 or 6 years ago and they’re still holding up.
For the Type S I did them just over a year ago. By this time all the OEM assemblies were discontinued and unavailable. I really wanted OEM struts so I bought all the parts individually to make my own assemblies. It really wasn’t that hard. And not all the parts in the strut assembly need to be replaced. And in case you’re wondering I did not replace the springs on either vehicle(aside from the Monroe assemblies which came with new springs).
I also rebuilt the lower control arms while I was in there. The ‘04 compliance bushings were completely shot anyways. Metal on metal. Luckily it wasn’t bad yet. But I replaced all 3 bushings in the LCA. Found a local repair shop that was willing to press the old ones out and press the new ones in. They even let me watch so I could ensure the compliance bushing was installed in the correct orientation. But not all shops allow this. And not all shops will press your bushings out or in. Due to liability issues. Especially since you’re providing your own parts. But shop around. Somebody somewhere may be willing to do it. My local shop only charged me $64
For the Type S I did them just over a year ago. By this time all the OEM assemblies were discontinued and unavailable. I really wanted OEM struts so I bought all the parts individually to make my own assemblies. It really wasn’t that hard. And not all the parts in the strut assembly need to be replaced. And in case you’re wondering I did not replace the springs on either vehicle(aside from the Monroe assemblies which came with new springs).
I also rebuilt the lower control arms while I was in there. The ‘04 compliance bushings were completely shot anyways. Metal on metal. Luckily it wasn’t bad yet. But I replaced all 3 bushings in the LCA. Found a local repair shop that was willing to press the old ones out and press the new ones in. They even let me watch so I could ensure the compliance bushing was installed in the correct orientation. But not all shops allow this. And not all shops will press your bushings out or in. Due to liability issues. Especially since you’re providing your own parts. But shop around. Somebody somewhere may be willing to do it. My local shop only charged me $64
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