How to Replace Front Struts & Rear Shock Absorbers on a 2018 Toyota Sequoia
Step-by-step DIY instructions with tools, parts list, safety tips, and alignment/torque spec guidance
How to Replace Front Struts & Rear Shock Absorbers on a 2018 Toyota Sequoia
Step-by-step DIY instructions with tools, parts list, safety tips, and alignment/torque spec guidance


🔧 Sequoia - Shock Absorber Replacement
On your Sequoia, the rear uses standalone shock absorbers, while the front uses strut assemblies (a shock built into a coilover). The steps, tools, and torque specs are different front vs rear, so I want to aim you at the correct procedure.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-6 hours (rear only vs all four)
- ❓ Are you replacing rear shocks only, front struts only, or all four?
- ❓ For the front: are you installing complete pre-assembled strut assemblies (recommended), or swapping the shock/strut cartridge into your original spring (requires a spring compressor)?
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- ⚠️ Support the truck with jack stands under the frame; never rely on a floor jack.
- ⚠️ If you’re doing front struts with the original springs, a spring compressor can be dangerous if used incorrectly (the spring stores a lot of energy).
- ⚠️ Keep hands clear of pinch points when lowering/raising the suspension arm.
🔧 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
- Breaker bar 1/2"
- Torque wrench 1/2" drive (30-250 ft-lbs range)
- Socket set 3/8" drive (10mm-19mm)
- Socket set 1/2" drive (14mm-22mm)
- Wrench set (10mm-22mm)
- Pry bar 18"
- Needle-nose pliers
- Penetrating oil
- Paint marker
- Flat screwdriver
- Safety glasses
- Mechanic gloves
- Coil spring compressor (specialty)
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Rear shock absorbers - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
- Front complete strut assemblies - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
- Front strut mount hardware kit - Qty: 1
- Rear shock mounting hardware kit - Qty: 1
📋 Before You Begin
- Park on level ground, shift to P, and set the parking brake.
- Chock the wheels that stay on the ground using wheel chocks.
- Loosen lug nuts 1/2 turn with a 21mm socket and breaker bar before lifting.
- Spray shock/strut bolts with penetrating oil and wait 10 minutes.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Confirm front vs rear procedure
- Reply with: rear only, front only, or all four.
- Also tell me if the front is complete strut assemblies or reusing springs (spring compressor).
- Once you confirm, I’ll give the exact Sequoia procedure with the correct Toyota torque specs for every fastener you’ll touch.
Step 2: What I need from you (no VIN)
- Tell me if your Sequoia has rear load-leveling/air suspension or standard rear springs (quick check: any “AIR” switch or rear height control).
- If you’re not sure, send a photo of the rear suspension area (shock and spring) and I’ll identify it.
✅ After Repair
- Get a 4-wheel alignment after any front strut work.
- Test drive slowly, listen for clunks, then re-check all visible fasteners for tightness.
💰 DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $500-$1,800 (parts + labor, rear only vs all four)
DIY Cost: $200-$900 (parts only)
You Save: $300-$900 by doing it yourself!
Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-6 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.

















