OEM 2004 Toyota Highlander Shock Absorber

2004 Toyota Highlander Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How can you effectively service and repair the shock absorber in the rear strut assembly on 2004 Toyota Highlander?

  A: A jack should maintain the rear axle carrier position before starting service and repair work on rear strut assemblies of both 2WD and 4WD models. Start the procedure by removing the deck side trim cover LH and the rear wheel before separating the rear stabilizer link assembly LH through nut removal that disconnects it from the shock absorber using a hexagon wrench (5 mm) if necessary to help the ball joint turn with the nut. In 2WD models disconnect the skid control sensor connector then remove two bolts before disconnecting the flexible hose together with the skid control sensor wire from the shock absorber and rear axle carrier. 4WD models require the removal of three bolts and detachment of the speed sensor and flexible hose. First loosen two shock absorber lower side nuts but do not take them out before you jack up the rear axle carrier and then remove the three nuts. Lower the rear axle carrier and remove the shock absorber with coil spring by taking out both the 2 bolts and 2 nuts positioned on its lower side. The installation of rear shock absorber coil spring requires bracket attachment using two nuts, and bolt at the shock absorber's lower section before setting it into a vise. When removing the shock absorber assembly rear LH the operator must tighten the nut while holding the LH support suspension with a bar taped up to protect stud bolts and also compress the coil spring using Special Service Tool: 09727-30021 (09727-00010, 09727-00021, 09727-00031)(s). The usage of an impact wrench is not allowed during this procedure. First remove the nut and collar and LH support suspension, and afterward remove the coil spring together with the spring bumper and insulator lower. Check the shock absorber assembly rear LH by subjecting it to rod compression and extension to detect irregular resistance or sounds which would require replacement. The installation of the shock absorber assembly rear LH begins with spring bumper and insulator lower installation followed by another use of the same Special Service Tool to compress the coil spring. The coil spring should then get installed onto the shock absorber while ensuring lower end placement within lower seat gap. Position the stud bolt at 3.5 degrees to the front of the vehicle within ± 5 degrees. Install the collar on the piston rod before applying a new nut. Then remove the Special Service Tool from the area while rechecking the LH support suspension's direction before tightening the nut to full torque with the aid of a bar taped up for securing the stud bolts at 49 Nm (500 kgf-cm, 36 ft. lbs.). Begin by attaching the rear shock absorber with coil spring to its mounting points through three nuts which require a torque of 58 Nm (590 kgf-cm, 43 ft. lbs.). The next step involves installing the shock absorber with coil spring by using two bolts and their respective nuts where the correct torque value is 180 Nm (1,840 kgf-cm, 133 ft. lbs.). When tightening the nuts, stay vigilant to prevent the bolt from rotating. When installing components on 2WD models, users should attach the flexible hose and skid control sensor wire using 2 bolts to connect specified torque values to the skid control sensor connector. 4WD model installation requires users to use 3 bolts to connect the flexible hose with the speed sensor using appropriate torque values. When installing the rear stabilizer link assembly LH to the shock absorber with its nut apply torque of 39 Nm (400 kgf-cm, 29 ft. lbs.). In case the ball joint rotates with the nut, stabilize the stud using a 5 mm hexagon wrench. Connect and tighten the rear wheel using a torque of 103 Nm (1,050 kgf-cm, 76 ft. lbs.). Confirm proper rear wheel alignment then check the speed sensor of the ABS system. To dispose of the rear LH shock absorber assembly correctly extend the full rod length then drill a cylinder opening which releases the gas contents inside using safety equipment for metal shard protection since the gas is odorless colorless and non-toxic.