🔧 Highlander - Strut Replacement

On your Highlander, the front suspension uses strut assemblies (shock + spring together). The rear typically uses shocks (not struts), so the steps and parts are different front vs rear.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: Front: 2.5–4.5 hours (both sides) | Rear shocks: 1–2 hours (both sides)

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Coil springs store huge force—if you’re not installing complete strut assemblies, a spring compressor is required and can be dangerous if used incorrectly.
• ⚠️ Support the vehicle on jack stands before working underneath; never rely on a floor jack alone.
• ⚠️ After any front strut work, you should get a professional wheel alignment to prevent tire wear and pulling.

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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
• 21mm socket
• 1/2" drive breaker bar
• 1/2" drive torque wrench (20–200 ft-lbs)
• Socket set (10mm–22mm)
• Wrench set (10mm–22mm)
• Pry bar
• Needle-nose pliers
• Trim clip removal tool
• Paint marker
• Penetrating oil
• Spring compressor (specialty)
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front strut assembly (complete) - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• OR Front strut (damper) only - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Front upper strut mount - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Front strut bearing (if serviced separately) - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Front bump stop and dust boot kit - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Rear shock absorbers (if you meant rear) - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Replacement self-locking nuts/bolts (if required by Toyota) - Qty: as needed

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, straighten the steering wheel, and chock the rear wheels.
• Loosen the front lug nuts 1/2 turn with a 21mm socket and breaker bar before lifting.
• Spray strut-to-knuckle bolts and sway bar link hardware with penetrating oil and let it soak.
• If using a spring compressor: read its instructions first.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Confirm which end you’re replacing

• Look behind the front wheel: if you see a big spring wrapped around the shock, that’s a strut.
• Look behind the rear wheel: if there’s no spring on the shock, it’s a rear shock, not a strut.
• Reply with: Front struts or Rear shocks.

Step 2: Choose your install method (beginner-friendly vs advanced)

• If you’re installing complete front strut assemblies, you usually do not need the spring compressor.
• If you’re reusing your spring, you must use a spring compressor (specialty). This tool squeezes the spring shorter so it can be safely removed.
• Reply with: Complete assemblies or Reuse springs.

Step 3: I’ll give you the exact Toyota torque-spec steps

• Once you answer the two items above, I’ll provide the full step-by-step with the correct torque specs for your Highlander and the right parts list for front vs rear.

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✅ After Repair

• Get a 4-wheel alignment after front strut replacement.
• Road test at low speed first, then re-check for any clunks or loose fasteners.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $300-$900 (parts only, front struts)

You Save: $600-$900 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2.5-4.5 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.