how to tell if my Toyota Highlander Fourth Generation (2020-present) struts need replacing

Toyota Highlander Fourth Generation (2020-present)

Error Codes

4-8 hours

Time

medium

Difficulty

medium

Severity

4 min read

621 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to diagnose and replace struts on your 2020 Toyota Highlander. Step-by-step guide with symptoms, diagnostic steps, and repair instructions.

Affected Component

Suspension

Estimated Time

4-8 hours

⚠️ Safety Warnings

Important safety information - read before proceeding

•Always use jack stands when working under a lifted vehicle.
•Disconnect the battery before working on electrical components in the vehicle.

Symptoms

•Vehicle exhibits a bouncy or unstable ride over bumps.
•Excessive body roll during cornering.
•Front-end dives during braking.
•Unusual noises (clunking or knocking) from the suspension while driving.
•Uneven tire wear, particularly on the inner or outer edges.
•Difficulty maintaining alignment.

Diagnostic Steps

1
Visually inspect the struts for signs of leakage or damage.
2
Perform a bounce test by pushing down on the front and rear corners of the vehicle and observing the oscillation.
3
Check for any abnormal noises when driving over bumps or during turns.
4
Inspect tire condition and wear patterns for unevenness.
5
Evaluate the ride quality during a test drive on various road conditions.

Solution

💡 Expert Tip

For complex repairs like this, consider taking photos at each step. This helps if you need to reverse a step or consult with a mechanic. Also, keep all removed parts organized - you may need to reference them during reassembly.

Verification

After completing the repair, verify that the issue has been resolved:

✓Test the affected component to ensure it functions correctly
✓Check for any error codes or warning lights
✓Monitor the vehicle for a few days to ensure the issue does not recur

Prevention Tips

To prevent this issue from occurring again:

•Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
•Address warning signs early before they develop into major issues
•Use quality parts and fluids recommended for your vehicle
•Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance

Tools & Equipment Required

•Hydraulic jack
•Jack stands
•Socket set
•Torque wrench
•Wrench set

Parts Required

•Front struts (pair)
•Rear struts (pair)
•New strut mount hardware (if necessary)

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Symptoms

•Vehicle exhibits a bouncy or unstable ride over bumps.

•Excessive body roll during cornering.

•Front-end dives during braking.

•Unusual noises (clunking or knocking) from the suspension while driving.

•Uneven tire wear, particularly on the inner or outer edges.

•Difficulty maintaining alignment.

Diagnostic Steps

1
Visually inspect the struts for signs of leakage or damage.
2
Perform a bounce test by pushing down on the front and rear corners of the vehicle and observing the oscillation.
3
Check for any abnormal noises when driving over bumps or during turns.
4
Inspect tire condition and wear patterns for unevenness.
5
Evaluate the ride quality during a test drive on various road conditions.

Solution

1. Preparation

Gather all necessary tools and parts.
Ensure the vehicle is parked on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
Wear safety glasses and gloves for protection.

2. Lift the Vehicle

Use a hydraulic jack to lift the front or rear of the vehicle, depending on which struts are being replaced.
Secure the vehicle on jack stands for safety.
Remove the wheels using a socket set.

3. Remove the Old Struts

Front Struts:
1. Disconnect the brake line bracket from the strut.
2. Remove the sway bar link from the strut using a wrench.
3. Unscrew the top strut mount nuts under the hood to free the strut.
4. Remove the lower strut mounting bolts using a socket set.
5. Carefully extract the strut from the vehicle.
Rear Struts:
1. Remove the lower strut mounting bolts using a socket set.
2. Disconnect the top strut mount nuts from inside the trunk.
3. Carefully extract the strut from the vehicle.

4. Install New Struts

Front Struts:
1. Position the new strut into place and secure it with the lower mounting bolts. Torque to manufacturer specifications (typically around 80 ft-lbs).
2. Reattach the top strut mount nuts and torque them as specified (around 30 ft-lbs).
3. Reconnect the sway bar link and brake line bracket.
Rear Struts:
1. Insert the new strut into place and secure it with the lower mounting bolts, torquing to manufacturer specifications (around 60 ft-lbs).
2. Attach the top strut mount nuts and torque them as specified (around 30 ft-lbs).

5. Reassemble and Lower the Vehicle

Reinstall the wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
Lower the vehicle from the jack stands using the hydraulic jack.
Torque the lug nuts to the proper specifications (typically 80 ft-lbs).

6. Final Checks

Recheck all connections and ensure everything is tightened according to specifications.
Test drive the vehicle to ensure proper function of the new struts.