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Autopapyrus · Toyota Highlander XU50
https://autopapyrus.com/guides/toyota/highlander/front-strut-replacement/
Compiled automatically from service literature and owner experience. Specs are for the typical configuration — check them against your exact car before you start.

Toyota Highlander XU50: Front Strut Replacement

On the Highlander XU50, the front strut combines the shock absorber and coil spring in a single unit, so when the shock wears out the whole assembly is replaced. Typical signs of wear are oil leaking from the strut body, knocking over bumps, and body sway. A wheel alignment is required after replacement.

Difficulty: Medium Time: 2-3 hours for both struts Steps: 11 Tools: 12-22 mm socket and wrench set, torque wrench, E14 Torx socket (for the upper mount), floor jack, jack stands, pry bar

Part

  • 🔩 Complete front strut assembly with spring: 48510-0E240 (left) and 48520-0E240 (right) for FWD, or 48510-0E530 / 48520-0E530 for AWD. Aftermarket equivalents: KYB SR4151 / SR4152, Monroe 171479 / 171480. Replace in pairs for even wear and consistent handling

Step by step

11 steps
  1. Raise the front of the vehicle with a jack, support it on jack stands, and remove the front wheels.
  2. Open the hood and remove the 3 upper nuts that secure the strut to the body (E14 Torx socket or 12 mm, depending on trim). The wrench reaches them through the opening in the strut tower under the hood. Do not loosen the center nut on the strut rod. That nut is for disassembling the strut mount bearing and requires spring compressors.
  3. From underneath, disconnect the sway bar link from the strut (14 mm nut, tighten to 75 N·m (55 lb-ft) on reassembly).
  4. Remove the 2 bolts that secure the strut to the steering knuckle (18 mm socket). The bolts have eccentric washers. Note the position of the alignment marks so you can approximately restore the camber on reassembly.
  5. Pull the strut downward, guide the upper mounting studs out of the holes in the body tower, and remove the strut assembly.
  6. Inspect the new strut and make sure the strut mount bearing, rod dust boot, and bump stop are in place. Install the strut in reverse order: first insert the upper mounting studs into the tower holes, then bring the lower end up to the knuckle.
  7. Start the upper nuts by hand (do not fully tighten yet), install the lower bolts through the knuckle, and line up the eccentric marks with their original position.
  8. Tighten the upper nuts to 80 N·m (59 lb-ft).
  9. Tighten the lower bolts that secure the strut to the knuckle to 210 N·m (155 lb-ft).
  10. Reconnect the sway bar link and tighten the nut to 75 N·m (55 lb-ft).
  11. Install the wheels and lower the vehicle. Have the alignment done within the next few days, since the eccentric bolts only give an approximate camber setting.

Common mistakes and warnings

  • Never loosen the center nut on the strut rod without spring compressors. The compressed spring can fly out and cause injury. Buy a complete strut assembly with the spring and strut mount bearing already installed. Replacing struts without a follow-up wheel alignment causes uneven tire wear and worse handling. If you have no experience working on suspensions, take the car to a repair shop.
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