OEM 2005 Toyota Highlander Suspension Strut Rod

2005 Toyota Highlander Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How do you replace the Suspension Strut Rod assembly rear on 2WD and 4WD models on 2005 Toyota Highlander?

  A: All models with 2WD or 4WD need to start the replacement of the strut rod assembly rear by removing the rear wheel first. Before removal of the parking brake cable you need to jack up the rear axle carrier and remove its bolt and nut. Separate the strut rod on the front side while you remove the bolt and nut yet avoid letting the nut turn. Start by taking the strut rod off the rear axle carrier but maintain stability of the nut during this process. Attach the strut rod assembly rear to its position using both bolt and nut while securing the bolt with torque. After holding the rear axle carrier in place you must bolt and nut the strut rod onto the inner portion while tightening the bolt for a temporary fastening. Use a wood block for support under the jack to stabilize the suspension while avoiding damage and ensure the bolt installed on the suspension arm assembly No.1 spans horizontally across the rear axle hub center when working with two-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive requires a horizontal position of the rear drive shaft assembly. With all strut rod assembly rear bolt torques set at 80 Nm (816 kgf-cm, 59 ft. lbs.), the parking brake cable assembly can be installed using a bolt along with a nut. The cable bolt should reach 39 Nm (400 kgf-cm, 29 ft. lbs.) in torque and the nut requires a tightening force of 6.0 Nm (61 kgf-cm, 53 inch lbs.). Install the rear wheel last before torqueing it to 103 Nm (1,050 kgf-cm, 76 ft. lbs) while checking the rear wheel alignment.