Complete replacement of both front strut assemblies, including removal of wheels, detaching steering knuckle connections, and installing new strut assemblies with proper torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front strut assembly - left × 1 — Toyota 48510-06510 or equivalent complete assembly
• Front strut assembly - right × 1 — Toyota 48520-06510 or equivalent complete assembly
• Cotter pin for ball joint × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Lift front of vehicle with floor jack at designated lift points
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at manufacturer-specified support points on frame rails
6. Remove front wheels completely and set aside
7. Spray all nuts and bolts to be removed with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes
8. Open hood and locate strut tower mounting nuts - three nuts per side visible at top of each strut tower

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar link from strut
   Locate the sway bar link connecting the stabilizer bar to the strut assembly. Insert a 6mm Allen key into the top of the link shaft to hold it stationary. Using a 14mm socket, remove the upper nut connecting the link to the strut. The link will remain attached to the sway bar. If the ball joint spins, apply additional pressure on the Allen key or use locking pliers.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove brake line bracket from strut
   Locate the brake line bracket mounted to the strut body with a single bolt. This prevents the brake line from hanging unsupported. Remove the mounting bolt (typically 10mm) and carefully position the brake line to the side. Do not disconnect the brake line itself or allow it to hang with tension.
3. 3

   Mark strut-to-knuckle alignment
   Before removing the strut-to-knuckle bolts, use a paint pen or scribe to mark the current position of the strut relative to the steering knuckle. This alignment affects camber angle and will help with initial reassembly positioning, though professional alignment will still be required.
4. 4

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two large bolts connecting the bottom of the strut to the steering knuckle (17mm). Support the knuckle and strut assembly with one hand. Remove both bolts completely. The strut assembly may need to be pried away from the knuckle using a pry bar - the fit is tight. Once separated, the knuckle will pivot outward on the lower control arm ball joint.
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavy and will become free once tower nuts are removed. Ensure you have adequate support before proceeding to next step.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove strut tower mounting nuts
   Working from the engine bay, locate the three nuts (19mm) at the top of the strut tower. Have an assistant support the strut assembly from below, or use a suitable support. Remove all three nuts and retain any washers or bushings. Carefully lower the strut assembly down and out through the wheel well. Note the orientation and order of any upper mounting components for reinstallation.
   ⚠The strut assembly weighs approximately 20-25 lbs and can fall suddenly once the last nut is removed.
   Torque spec

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

   Inspect and prepare new strut assembly
   Remove the new strut assembly from packaging. Verify it matches the old assembly in orientation and mounting configuration. If reusing upper strut mounts or insulators, inspect them for cracking, deterioration, or wear - replace if any damage is present. Ensure the dust boot is properly installed and the strut shaft moves smoothly through its full range of travel. Compare the extended and compressed lengths to the old strut to verify correct application.
7. 7

   Install new strut assembly into tower
   From below the vehicle, lift the new strut assembly up through the wheel well, aligning the upper mounting studs with the holes in the strut tower. Ensure any upper insulators, washers, or bearings are properly oriented per the service manual or original configuration. Have an assistant start the three upper mounting nuts from the engine bay while you support the strut from below. Hand-tighten all three nuts to hold the assembly in place but do not fully torque yet.
8. 8

   Connect strut to steering knuckle
   Rotate the steering knuckle as needed to align with the strut mounting holes. If necessary, use a pry bar to align the knuckle bolt holes with the strut bracket. Align the strut using the marks made during disassembly. Insert both strut-to-knuckle bolts and ensure they pass completely through. Install nuts and hand-tighten. Using a 17mm socket and torque wrench, torque both bolts to specification in an alternating pattern.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Torque strut tower nuts
   Working from the engine bay with a torque wrench and 19mm socket, torque all three strut tower mounting nuts to specification in a star pattern. This ensures even compression of the upper strut mount bushing. Verify all three nuts are properly seated and torqued.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reattach brake line bracket and sway bar link
    Reinstall the brake line bracket to the strut body and secure with its mounting bolt. Connect the sway bar link to the strut. Insert a 6mm Allen key into the top of the link shaft to prevent spinning. Install the nut and torque to specification while holding the shaft stationary. Verify the brake line is properly routed and not kinked or stretched.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Repeat for opposite side
    Repeat steps 1 through 10 for the opposite front strut assembly. Ensure all torque specifications are met and all components are properly secured on both sides before proceeding.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheels
    Mount the front wheels onto the hubs, ensuring the mounting surfaces are clean. Install all lug nuts and hand-tighten in a star pattern. Carefully raise the vehicle slightly using the floor jack to remove tension from the jack stands. Remove jack stands and lower the vehicle completely to the ground. With the vehicle weight on the wheels, torque all lug nuts to specification using a star pattern with a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. All critical fasteners have been torqued to specification during installation steps
2. Verify brake lines are properly routed and secured with no kinks or tension
3. Double-check that all three strut tower nuts on each side are fully torqued
4. Confirm sway bar links are properly connected on both sides

Verification

• Bounce each front corner of the vehicle several times - struts should dampen the motion within 1-2 cycles with no unusual noises
• Turn steering wheel full lock in both directions while stationary - verify no binding, rubbing, or unusual sounds
• Visually inspect all connection points for proper seating and torque
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area - verify normal handling with no clunking, rattling, or pulling to one side
• Schedule professional wheel alignment immediately - camber, caster, and toe will be out of specification after strut replacement
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque all wheel lug nuts to specification and verify all strut mounting hardware remains tight

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