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Does Lexus RX 350 have shocks or struts?

The Lexus RX 350 uses a combination of shock absorbers and struts in its suspension system. Specifically, the front suspension utilizes struts, while the rear suspension employs shock absorbers. This design provides a smooth and comfortable ride while also delivering responsive handling characteristics.


Front Suspension: Struts


The front suspension of the Lexus RX 350 is equipped with struts, which are a combination of a shock absorber and a coil spring. Struts play a crucial role in the vehicle's handling and stability, as they help control the up-and-down motion of the wheels and provide a stable platform for the steering system. The use of struts in the front suspension is a common design choice for many luxury and high-performance vehicles, as they offer a balance of ride quality, responsiveness, and durability.


Rear Suspension: Shock Absorbers


In the rear, the Lexus RX 350 utilizes traditional shock absorbers. Shock absorbers are designed to dampen the vertical movement of the wheels, helping to provide a smooth and controlled ride. Unlike struts, shock absorbers do not have a coil spring integrated into their design, but they work in conjunction with the vehicle's rear suspension components to absorb the impact of bumps and road imperfections.


Benefits of the Lexus RX 350's Suspension Design


The combination of struts in the front and shock absorbers in the rear provides the Lexus RX 350 with several key benefits:



  • Improved Handling: The strut-based front suspension helps to enhance the vehicle's steering response and overall handling characteristics, making the RX 350 feel more agile and responsive on the road.

  • Comfortable Ride: The shock absorbers in the rear work in harmony with the struts to deliver a smooth and comfortable ride, even over uneven or rough road surfaces.

  • Durability: Both the struts and shock absorbers are designed to withstand the rigors of everyday driving, providing long-lasting performance and reliability.


Overall, the Lexus RX 350's suspension design, with struts in the front and shock absorbers in the rear, is a well-engineered solution that helps to deliver a balance of responsive handling, comfortable ride quality, and long-term durability.

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.



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.



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.



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 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.



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.



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 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.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.