Air Strut Problem

[MLW]

LS430, 2002. The car failed its first MOT on a leaking front air strut. Could not believe it. Never had a feeling of any problem. Supply cost £950 each + VAT + fitting! Big panic.

Eventually I sourced a second hand one from lexusspares direct on eBay for £215 delivered. This is a posh breakers yard that specialises in Lexus spares,  supplies parts to all over the world. I was so pleased, I ordered a second rear one that was a bit iffy but MOT OK.

These air struts were always my biggest fear. In 60,000 miles the car has need just one lamda sensor (about £200 supplied and fitted). I spoke to Paul Frost the boss. What a friendly chap. Happy to talk for ages and is a real expert on LS430s as they service them, cam belts and all.

I have no links to this firm, but I must say it was old fashioned honest speedy service.

If you need 'bits', check them out.

Lexus Spares Direct

PAUL FROST

Autotek Lexus Spares Direct

Cotton Hall Street

Darwen

Lancashire

BB3 0DW

United Kingdom

Phone: 07590072646

Email: paulnfrost@hotmail.co.uk

07590072646 Lexussparesdirect@gmail.com

wof

[The-Acre]

At least they're easy to fit, especially on the front, about an hour each corner.  I bought one from PF and as you say, excellent service.

[MLW]

The funny thing is the rear one was very difficult. 2.5 hours. We did not know it had 'massage seats' they said. I suspect lots and lots had to come out.

[The-Acre]

8 hours ago, MLW said:

The funny thing is the rear one was very difficult. 2.5 hours. We did not know it had 'massage seats' they said. I suspect lots and lots had to come out.

The rear seat doesn't actually have to come out. The cushion part just pulls up and then it's 6 nuts that have to be removed to enable the seat back to be pulled forward. Once you've done that you can gain access to the top mounts in just a few mins.  The air connection on the rear is also much easier to access than the fronts.  It was Paul Frost who gave me that info when I did mine. I guess it's like anything in life, when you've done it once the next time is so much quicker.