Here’s how to replace the front struts on a Toyota or Lexus with double wishbone front suspension.
Struts or shock absorbers become worn over time, causing a ride that is bouncy, sloppy handling and tire wear. A shock absorber or strut is responsible for controlling the rebounding action of the spring after a vehicle’s wheel has taken the impact of a road imperfection.
To learn more about what’s inside a strut/shock absorber, check out this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncyKSDq2FDs
In this video, front struts are replaced on a Lexus GS. The procedure should be the same for the Lexus IS, GS and LS series of sedans, and similar for many other vehicles with double wishbone front suspension. The vehicle in this video exhibited a lot of bounce on the highway, and after replacing the struts the car feels more taught.
The strut is the assembly of the spring and shock absorber, and must be removed from the vehicle before replacement. The strut is held in by three bolts under the hood, and one bolt at the lower control arm. However, the ABS sensor and upper control arm have to be unbolted in order to get enough room to get the strut out.
Once removed, the springs are compressed and the strut mount nut removed. This releases the preload on the strut, allowing you to change it. Take caution when using spring compressors since they are dangerous – it is highly recommended to use a vice and compressors that have a locking safety pin.
Replacement is the reverse of disassembly. Comparing the old strut vs new strut upon rebound reveals that the old strut was slightly worn (still rebounded, although slowly), though the improvement in ride quality increased significantly.
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Borrow your gf or wife's nail polish, and matchmark everything before taking it apart. Some are tricky to put back right.
Your videos are awesome!!, so relaxing to watch and informative. Can your brother appear in one of your videos? Noticed you had free body diagrams in your videos…looks like you went through engineering school or at least physics
Protect your Jewels…ha ha…good one
I love the fast edits! No fluff, just great 'to-the-point' info!!
why you did use torque wrench?
What's up with the toothbrush?
I urgently need your help. I have a 2006 Lexus GS 300. My shocks are bad. I ordered the
https://www.amazon.com/KYB-551107-Gas-a-Just-Gas-Strut/dp/B003WE5RKE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1543328377&sr=8-1&keywords=kyb+551107+struts
https://www.amazon.com/KYB-551106-Gas-a-Just-Gas-Strut/dp/B003WE5RKE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1543328377&sr=8-1&keywords=kyb+551107+struts
They were delivered yesterday. My mechanic has just told me, that the struts are not a fit for my car. Yet Amazon says they are perfect fits… I want to know, before initiating return to Amazon. I live in Nigeria. The return journey is very expensive for me
Dude I stumbled over your channel, Super awesome! Greetings from Germany!
I watch them in my break at work, even my colleagues are entertained!
NOW WHERE IS SPEEDKAR99 BROTHER?
Didn't torque anything to spec?
Job is not complete until you use your brothers underwear.
Another great video (I enjoy them on Toyota Nation forum as well). I have found that you want to break that 17mm strut nut (center of the mount on top) before removing as it makes it easier to deal with. Trying to break it on the ground is awful – especially if you do not have an impact wrench. Been there, done that. Breaking that nut lose makes your life 137x (that is a calculated value BTW) easier.
Speedkar99, could you create a video on how to install side mirror heater pads? they cost like $10 each on Ebay. The wiring is a little tricky. I think it would a great project for people who live in the cold areas.
Next video
How To Replace Safety Boots…
lol
Kyb sells the boot for about $8 separate from the mount. It's cheaper quality but seems fine. Mine are fine 3 years after I put them in.
Its much easier with McPherson suspension. Also, after strut replacement you need to do alignment.
That's a funny looking torque wrench….
the broken dust cover is too expensive to replace ? i have rx400h, but the rubber part is ripped. should i replace the whole strut too ?
4:18 if you're a man cover your jewel