🔧 Highlander - Strut Replacement

On your Highlander, the front suspension uses strut assemblies, but the rear is typically a separate shock + coil spring (not a strut). The exact procedure, tool list, and especially the torque specs depend on whether you’re doing the front struts, the rear shocks/springs, or both.

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

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Never loosen the center strut nut with the spring loaded; a compressed spring can release violently.
• ⚠️ Use jack stands on the proper lift points; never rely on a jack alone.
• ⚠️ Keep hands clear of pinch points when lowering/raising the control arm or knuckle.
• ⚠️ If you remove/loosen suspension alignment bolts, you’ll need a professional alignment afterward.

---

🔧 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
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• Breaker bar (1/2" drive)
• Torque wrench (20-200 ft-lbs range)
• Socket set (8mm-22mm)
• Wrench set (10mm-22mm)
• Pry bar (18")
• Needle-nose pliers
• Trim clip tool
• Penetrating oil
• Paint marker
• Spring compressor (external, threaded-rod type) (specialty)
• Allen/hex key set (metric)

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front strut assembly (quick-strut) - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• OR front strut (damper) + strut mount + bearing + bump stop + dust boot - Replace in pairs - Qty: 1 set
• Front sway bar link (if worn) - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Rear shock absorbers (if replacing rear) - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Rear coil springs (if sagging/cracked) - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• New self-locking nuts/bolts for strut-to-knuckle (if required by kit) - Qty: 1 set

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels.
• Loosen lug nuts slightly using a 21mm socket and breaker bar before lifting.
• Spray penetrating oil on strut-to-knuckle fasteners and sway-bar link nuts.
• Two quick questions so I can give exact, trim-correct steps + torque specs:
  • Are you replacing the front struts, the rear shocks/springs, or all four corners?
  • Did you buy complete quick-strut assemblies, or are you transferring the original springs to new struts?

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Confirm your replacement type (needed for safe steps)

• If you have quick-struts, you do not use a spring compressor.
• If you are reusing springs, you must use a spring compressor (specialty) (a tool that clamps the coil spring so it can’t expand).
• Reply with your two answers above and I’ll provide the full numbered procedure with Toyota torque specs for your Highlander.

Step 2: Safety hold (do not proceed yet)

• Do not remove the strut top-center nut without the spring safely compressed or a complete assembly installed.
• Do not loosen alignment/knuckle bolts until you’re ready to support the knuckle and brake hose routing.

---

✅ After Repair

• Get a 4-wheel alignment after any front strut replacement.
• Test drive slowly first; listen for clunks and re-check fasteners.
• Re-torque lug nuts with a torque wrench after a short drive.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $900-$1,800 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $550-$700+ by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 3-6 hours.

---

🎯 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.