🔧 RX350 - Strut Replacement

On your RX350, the front uses MacPherson strut assemblies (shock + spring together). The rear is typically a separate shock and spring (so it’s a different procedure than the front).

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

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Support the vehicle on jack stands; never rely on a floor jack.
• ⚠️ Coil springs store extreme energy—only use a spring compressor if you’re trained and it’s in good condition.
• ⚠️ If you disconnect suspension components, get a 4-wheel alignment afterward (front struts will affect alignment).
• ⚠️ Keep hands clear of pinch points when lowering/raising the knuckle/control 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
• Torque wrench (20–200 ft-lbs)
• 1/2" drive breaker bar
• 1/2" drive ratchet
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• Socket set (10mm–22mm)
• Wrench set (14mm–22mm)
• Allen key set (metric)
• Pry bar (18")
• Needle-nose pliers
• Trim clip removal tool
• Paint marker
• Penetrating oil
• Spring compressor (external, threaded-rod type) (specialty)
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front complete strut assembly (quick-strut) - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Front sway bar end links - Replace in pairs (recommended if worn) - Qty: 2
• Rear shock absorbers - Replace in pairs (if doing rear) - Qty: 2
• Rear upper/lower shock hardware kit - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, turn the wheel straight, and chock the rear wheels.
• Loosen lug nuts slightly using a 21mm socket before lifting.
• Spray penetrating oil on lower strut bolts and sway bar link nuts; let it soak.
• If you’re not using a complete strut assembly: a spring compressor is required (a tool that safely squeezes the coil spring so it can’t “jump” apart).

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Confirm which end you’re replacing (front struts vs rear shocks)

• I’ll give you the exact bolt locations, sequence, and OEM torque specs once I know which end you’re doing.
• Reply with: Front, Rear, or Both.

Step 2: Confirm if your RX350 has adaptive suspension (AVS)

• Look at the strut/shock area for an electrical connector going into the strut/shock body.
• Reply with: Yes AVS connector or No connector.

Step 3: Stop here so you don’t get stuck mid-job

• Once you answer the 2 items above, I’ll give the full step-by-step with the correct torque to XX Nm (YY ft-lbs) values for each fastener on your RX350.
• Tip: Replacing in pairs prevents uneven ride.

---

✅ After Repair

• Get a 4-wheel alignment after any front strut replacement.
• Test drive at low speed first; listen for clunks over small bumps.
• Re-check lug nut torque using a torque wrench after 25–50 miles.

---

💰 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?

Reply with (1) Front/Rear/Both and (2) AVS connector: Yes/No, and I’ll generate the exact, torque-spec step-by-step for your RX350. 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.