Loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the vehicle, and support it securely on jackstands before removing the wheel and supporting the control arm with a floor jack. Disconnect the stabilizer bar link from the strut and remove the brake hose bracket along with the wheel speed sensor wiring harness from the strut. Mark the position of the steering knuckle to the strut to help preserve the camber alignment adjustment, then remove the strut-to-knuckle nuts and knock the bolts out with a hammer and punch. Carefully separate the strut from the steering knuckle, avoiding overextension of the inner CV joint and preventing the steering knuckle from falling outward to avoid damaging the brake hose. If disassembling the strut, loosen the damper shaft nut without removing it. For 2004 and later Lexus models, remove the panels on the cowl to access the top of the struts, and for 2008 and later Highlander models, remove the windshield wiper arms and motor, side seals, and plastic cowl below the wiper motor assembly. For Lexus models equipped with electronic modulated air suspension, remove the shock absorber cap and detach the airline fitting from the top of the strut. Support the strut and spring assembly with one hand or have an assistant hold it while removing the three strut-to-shock tower nuts, then carefully remove the assembly from the fender well, noting that some models have a strut brace that can be removed without taking out the struts. Inspect the strut body for leaking fluid, dents, cracks, and other damage, and check the coil spring for chips or cracks in the coating, as well as the spring seal for cuts and deterioration. If any issues are found, proceed to disassemble the strut, and for Lexus models with modulated air suspension, replace the strut assembly if faulty. To install, guide the strut assembly into the fenderwell, insert the three upper mounting studs through the shock tower holes, and install the nuts to secure the strut. Slide the steering knuckle into the strut flange, insert the two bolts, match the previously marked position of the strut to the steering knuckle, and tighten them to the specified torque. Reattach the brake hose bracket and the wheel speed sensor wiring harness bracket, then install the wheel and lug nuts, lower the vehicle, and tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque. Finally, tighten the three upper mounting nuts to the specified torque and, if applicable, attach the air-line to the top of the strut before installing the cap.
Posted by ToyotaPartsDeal Specialist 
