🔧 Tundra - Shock Absorber Replacement

Your Tundra uses front coilover struts (shock + spring as one assembly) and separate rear shocks. Replacing worn shocks/struts restores ride control, braking stability, and reduces bouncing or cupping tire wear.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 3-6 hours

Assumption: replacing front strut assemblies and rear shocks in pairs.

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🛑 Never loosen the center nut on a front strut top mount unless the spring is safely compressed.
• 🛞 Support the truck with jack stands under the frame; never rely on a floor jack.
• 🔥 Let brakes/exhaust cool before working near them.
• 🧰 Use a torque wrench; suspension bolts must be tight and safe.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Lug nut socket (21mm)
• Breaker bar (1/2")
• Torque wrench (1/2", 30–250 ft-lbs range)
• Socket set (10mm–22mm)
• Wrench set (10mm–22mm)
• Pry bar (18")
• Needle-nose pliers
• Penetrating oil
• Paint marker
• Rubber mallet
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• Coil spring compressor (specialty)

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front strut assemblies (complete/loaded) - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Rear shock absorbers - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Front upper strut mount hardware kit - Qty: 1
• Rear shock mounting hardware kit - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, put the shifter in P, and set the parking brake.
• Chock the wheels that will stay on the ground with wheel chocks.
• Spray penetrating oil on shock/strut bolts and nuts 10–15 minutes before removal.
• If you are not using complete/loaded front struts: a coil spring compressor is required (it squeezes the spring so it can’t “pop” apart).

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen lug nuts and lift the front

• Use a 21mm lug nut socket and breaker bar to loosen front lug nuts 1/2 turn.
• Use a floor jack to lift the front of the truck at the correct jacking point.
• Set the truck onto jack stands under the frame and lightly shake the truck to confirm it’s stable.
• Remove the wheels using the 21mm lug nut socket.

Step 2: Remove brackets from the front strut

• Use the appropriate 10mm–14mm socket to remove the brake hose/ABS wire brackets attached to the strut body (do not open the brake hydraulic line).
• Move the lines aside gently so they are not stretched.

Step 3: Disconnect sway bar link if it blocks strut removal

• If access is tight, use the correct wrench and socket to remove the sway bar end link nut from the lower control arm or sway bar (whichever gives you clearance).
• If the stud spins, hold it with a wrench.

Step 4: Remove the front strut lower bolt(s)

• Support the lower control arm with the floor jack so it doesn’t drop suddenly.
• Use a breaker bar with the correct socket and wrench to remove the strut-to-lower control arm bolt(s).
• If the bolt is stuck, use a rubber mallet and penetrating oil. Use a pry bar only as needed.

Step 5: Remove the front strut upper nuts

• Open the hood.
• Use the correct socket to remove the strut top mount nuts (usually 3 nuts).
• Do not remove the center nut on the strut mount.

Step 6: Remove the front strut assembly

• Lower the floor jack slightly to create room.
• Work the strut out of the wheel well. Use a pry bar gently if needed.

Step 7: Install the new front strut assembly

• Place the new strut into position and start the upper nuts by hand.
• Align the lower mount and slide the lower bolt(s) through.
• Use a paint marker to mark bolt/nut position after torquing so you can visually confirm nothing loosened.
• Tighten fasteners with a torque wrench: Torque to OEM specification (varies by hardware package).

Step 8: Reattach brackets and sway bar link

• Reinstall the brake hose/ABS brackets using the correct socket.
• Reinstall the sway bar link (if removed) using the correct wrench and socket.
• Tighten with a torque wrench: Torque to OEM specification.

Step 9: Repeat on the other front side

• Replace the other front strut the same way so handling is even left-to-right.

Step 10: Lift the rear and remove rear wheels

• Chock the front wheels using wheel chocks.
• Use a 21mm lug nut socket and breaker bar to loosen rear lug nuts 1/2 turn.
• Lift the rear with a floor jack and support the frame with jack stands.
• Remove the rear wheels using the 21mm lug nut socket.

Step 11: Remove the rear shock

• Support the rear axle lightly with the floor jack so it can’t drop.
• Use the correct socket and wrench to remove the lower shock bolt.
• Use the correct socket and wrench to remove the upper shock fastener.
• Remove the shock from the truck.

Step 12: Install the new rear shock

• Install the new shock starting with the upper mount, then align and install the lower bolt.
• Tighten fasteners with a torque wrench: Torque to OEM specification.
• Snug both ends first, then torque.

Step 13: Reinstall wheels and lower the truck

• Reinstall wheels and hand-thread lug nuts.
• Lower the truck to the ground using the floor jack.
• Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern with a torque wrench: Torque to OEM specification.

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✅ After Repair

• Take a slow test drive and listen for clunks over bumps.
• Recheck that brake hoses/ABS wires are not stretched or rubbing.
• Schedule a 4-wheel alignment after front strut replacement (important to prevent tire wear).
• After 50–100 miles, visually recheck your paint marks on major fasteners.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $900-$2,000 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $350-$1,100 (parts only)

You Save: $550-$900 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 3-5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.