Replace the front strut mount assemblies, which support the strut and provide a pivot point for steering while isolating road vibration from the chassis.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front strut mount assembly (left) × 1 — Toyota 48609-06200 or equivalent
• Front strut mount assembly (right) × 1 — Toyota 48609-06200 or equivalent
• Strut mount bearing (if not included) × 2 — Verify bearing included with mount kit

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
3. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands placed on chassis reinforcement points
4. Remove both front wheels completely
5. Spray penetrating oil on strut tower nuts, strut-to-knuckle bolts, and sway bar link nuts; allow to penetrate 10-15 minutes
6. Take photos of component orientation for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Access strut tower mounting nuts
   Open hood and locate the three strut tower mounting nuts visible from the engine bay. On the driver side, you may need to move aside wiring harnesses or the windshield washer reservoir for better access. Do not remove the nuts yet.
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar link from strut
   Locate the sway bar link connecting to the strut assembly. Using a 14mm socket on the nut and 6mm Allen key to hold the shaft from rotating, remove the upper sway bar link nut. If the shaft spins freely, use locking pliers on the ball joint boot (not the boot itself). Separate the link from the strut.
   ⚠Do not damage the rubber boot on the ball joint. If boot is torn or cracked, replace the sway bar link.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove brake line bracket from strut
   Locate the brake line bracket bolted to the strut body (typically one or two 10mm bolts). Remove the bolt(s) and carefully reposition the brake line to provide clearance. Do not disconnect, kink, or place tension on the brake line.
4. 4

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two large bolts connecting the bottom of the strut to the steering knuckle. Support the strut assembly with one hand. Using a 19mm socket and breaker bar, remove both bolts completely. Note the orientation of any alignment adjustment markings or cams.
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavy and will become free once the top nuts are removed. Ensure you can safely support its weight.
   Torque spec

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts122 Nm (90 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove strut tower mounting nuts and extract strut
   Return to the engine bay. While supporting the strut from below (or have an assistant hold it), use a 14mm socket to remove the three strut tower mounting nuts. Carefully lower the strut assembly down and out through the wheel well. Maneuver past the control arm and extract the complete assembly.
   ⚠Do not allow the strut assembly to fall. The weight can cause injury or damage components.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Compress coil spring
   Place the strut assembly in a secure vise or strut holding fixture. Install coil spring compressors on opposite sides of the spring, ensuring hooks are fully engaged on spring coils. Gradually tighten the compressors in alternating sequence (3-4 turns each side) until spring tension is completely relieved from the upper mount. The mount should have visible play when properly compressed.
   ⚠️CRITICAL STEP: Ensure spring compressors are properly installed per manufacturer instructions. Uneven compression or improper hook engagement can cause catastrophic failure. Compress evenly and gradually.
   ⚠️Verify spring is fully compressed before proceeding. There must be no tension on the upper mount nut.
7. 7

   Remove strut shaft nut and upper mount
   Hold the strut shaft with a 6mm Allen key inserted in the top center of the shaft. Using a 22mm deep socket, remove the shaft nut. Carefully lift off the upper mount assembly, bearing, spring seat, and any spacers or insulators. Keep components in order for reference.
   ⚠If the spring is not fully compressed and you feel resistance on the nut, STOP and compress the spring more before proceeding.
8. 8

   Inspect and prepare components
   Inspect the strut shaft for damage, scoring, or leaking seals. Inspect the spring for cracks or damage. Clean the strut shaft threads with a wire brush. Verify the new strut mount includes the bearing assembly; if separate, ensure you have the correct bearing orientation (consult parts diagram).
9. 9

   Install new strut mount
   Install components onto the strut shaft in correct order: dust boot (if equipped), spring, spring seat, bearing, and new upper mount. Ensure the mount studs align with the proper orientation (reference your photos). Thread the shaft nut onto the strut shaft by hand.
   ⚠Verify bearing orientation matches OEM configuration. The bearing must rotate freely without binding.
10. 10

    Tighten shaft nut and release spring
    Hold the strut shaft with the Allen key and torque the shaft nut to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) using the 22mm deep socket. Gradually and evenly release the spring compressors in alternating sequence. Once fully released, verify the spring seats properly in the upper and lower perches with no gaps or misalignment. Remove spring compressors.
    ⚠️Release spring tension slowly and evenly. Monitor component alignment as tension is released.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install strut assembly into vehicle
    Guide the strut assembly up through the wheel well and align the three upper mount studs with the holes in the strut tower. Install the three mounting nuts and hand-tighten. Align the lower strut bracket with the steering knuckle holes.
12. 12

    Install strut-to-knuckle bolts
    Insert both strut-to-knuckle bolts from the front, ensuring proper alignment. Install nuts on the rear side. If original bolts had alignment cams or markings, match the previous orientation. Torque both bolts to 122 Nm (90 lb-ft).
    Torque spec

    Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts122 Nm (90 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Torque strut tower nuts
    Return to the engine bay and torque the three strut tower mounting nuts to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) in a star pattern to ensure even seating.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect brake line bracket and sway bar link
    Reinstall the brake line bracket bolt(s) to the strut body. Connect the sway bar link to the strut and install the nut. Hold the shaft with the Allen key and torque the nut to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel and thread all lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground (weight not fully on wheel). Torque lug nuts to 136 Nm (100 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands. Repeat entire procedure for opposite side.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all brake line brackets are securely fastened and brake lines have no kinks or tension
2. Verify all fasteners have been installed and torqued to specification
3. Check that spring compressors have been completely removed from both assemblies
4. Reposition any wiring harnesses or components moved during strut tower access

Verification

• With vehicle on level ground, bounce each corner of the front end firmly. Struts should rebound smoothly with no clunking, grinding, or rattling noises
• Turn steering wheel fully lock-to-lock while stationary. Movement should be smooth with no binding or unusual noises from strut mounts
• Visually inspect strut tower nuts from engine bay to confirm all three are tight with no gaps
• Test drive at low speed in a safe area. Listen for any abnormal noises over bumps or during turns
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment within one week of completion, as strut replacement affects camber and caster settings

More procedures for this vehicle