Does Lexus RX 350 have shocks or struts?
The Lexus RX 350 is a popular luxury SUV known for its smooth ride and reliable performance. If you're wondering whether this vehicle uses shocks or struts, you're not alone. Understanding the suspension system of your car is crucial for maintenance and repair purposes. In this article, we’ll break down the details of the Lexus RX 350’s suspension system and explain the difference between shocks and struts.
Understanding the Suspension System of the Lexus RX 350
The Lexus RX 350 is equipped with a sophisticated suspension system designed to provide a comfortable and stable driving experience. Like most modern vehicles, it uses a combination of components to absorb road impacts and maintain control. Specifically, the Lexus RX 350 features struts in the front suspension and shocks in the rear suspension.
What Are Struts and Shocks?
To better understand the Lexus RX 350’s suspension system, it’s important to know the difference between struts and shocks:
- Struts: Struts are structural components of the suspension system. They integrate the coil spring and shock absorber into a single unit, providing both support for the vehicle and damping of road vibrations. Struts are essential for maintaining alignment and handling.
- Shocks: Shocks, or shock absorbers, are designed to control the movement of the suspension and springs. They help reduce bouncing and improve ride comfort but do not bear the weight of the vehicle like struts do.
Why Does the Lexus RX 350 Use Both?
The combination of struts in the front and shocks in the rear is a common design choice for many vehicles, including the Lexus RX 350. Here’s why:
- Front Struts: The front suspension requires struts because they provide structural support and play a key role in steering and alignment. This design helps ensure precise handling and stability.
- Rear Shocks: The rear suspension typically uses shocks to absorb road impacts and improve ride comfort. Since the rear wheels don’t steer, shocks are sufficient for this part of the vehicle.
Maintenance Tips for Your Lexus RX 350 Suspension
To keep your Lexus RX 350 running smoothly, it’s important to maintain its suspension system. Here are some tips:
- Inspect your suspension components regularly for signs of wear, such as leaking fluid or uneven tire wear.
- Replace struts and shocks as recommended by your vehicle’s maintenance schedule or when you notice a decline in ride quality.
- Have your alignment checked after replacing struts to ensure proper handling and tire longevity.
- Listen for unusual noises, such as clunking or squeaking, which could indicate suspension issues.
Conclusion
The Lexus RX 350 features a well-engineered suspension system with struts in the front and shocks in the rear. Understanding these components and their roles can help you maintain your vehicle and ensure a smooth, comfortable ride. If you have any concerns about your suspension system, don’t hesitate to consult a trusted auto repair professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should struts last on a Lexus?
50,000 to 100,000 miles
Like most car systems, the lifespan of your vehicle's shocks and struts depends on many variables like road condition, payload, and how fast you drive over speed bumps and potholes. However, they typically last from 50,000 to 100,000 miles.
How do I know if my car has shocks or struts?
Look Underneath Your Vehicle.
In many cases, shocks will look like a hand pump. Struts, on the other hand, typically look like a coil spring with a shock in the center, but occasionally, the shock is mounted next to the spring.
Can you just replace shocks and not struts?
Shocks and struts should always be replaced in pairs or, better yet, all four, for even, predictable handling and control. After all, all four have been on the vehicle for the same number of miles and worked under the same conditions.
Does the Lexus RX 350 have a smooth ride?
At lower speeds (30 - 45 mph, say), the ride is incredible. It's smooth and quiet as I would expect from this luxury vehicle. However, on the interstate, at 70-75 mph, the ride becomes much less pleasant. It always feels like there is a very strong, gusty cross wind.
What is the most common problem with Lexus RX 350?
Oil leaks. A significant issue plaguing early Lexus RX 350 models was oil leaks from the engine, causing maintenance challenges and expensive repairs and even leading to a replacement engine. Due to these leaks, many owners had to pay for engine sealants or repairs.
Which year RX350 to avoid?
This information helps them make informed decisions when buying used cars. For instance, Lexus RX350 years to avoid are between 2007 and 2015. This is because there were complaints about oil leaks, dashboard cracking, steering problems, rattling front doors, etc.
Does Lexus RX have adaptive suspension?
Available exclusively on RX F SPORT packages, Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) — including front and rear performance dampers — makes automatic and continuous adjustment to shock absorber settings, helping to keep RX planted to the driving surface for exceptional handling and cornering performance.
How much does it cost to replace struts on a Lexus RX350?
Front strut replacement cost for Lexus RX350 is between $639 and $2,486.
What is the life expectancy of a RX350?
250,000 miles
The average vehicle can register around 150,000 miles on the odometer. When it comes to the Lexus RX 350, how long does it last? When properly cared for and driven, the Lexus RX can last for 250,000 miles or more.
What are the symptoms of a bad strut?
Read on to learn the signs of worn shocks & struts:
- Nose dive when braking.
- Bouncy ride.
- Vehicle rolls or sways when cornering.
- Uneven tire wear.
- Rear squat during acceleration.
- Vibration in steering wheel.
- Unusual noises.
- Leaking fluid on exterior of shocks/struts.
