Q: How to remove and install rear shock absorbers on 1996 through 2002 Toyota 4Runner?
A: Place a floor jack under the vehicle rear axle, then take off the shock absorber lower bolt that connects to the axle and the bolts from the stabilizer bar bracket. To separate the top of the shock from attaching to the frame, remove the upper mounting nut.There is not a lot of room to tum a wrench or socket up top, so hold the nut and turn the shock instead. Remove the shock absorber.Installation is the reverse of removal. Be sure to install the cushions and retainers in the correct sequence up top and tighten the upper nut and lower bolt to the torque.
Q: How to remove and install the rear shock absorber on 2014 and later on Toyota Highlander?
A: Before raising the vehicle, measure the distance from the ground to the bottom of the rear suspension arm and record the measurement. Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts, then raise the rear of the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands. Remove the rear wheels. Remove the rear suspension arm plastic shield fasteners and shield, if equipped. Place a floor jack with a wooden block under the rear suspension arm below the coil spring pocket and raise the arm approximately 1 inch, keeping the jack in this position. Remove the shock absorber upper and lower mounting nut/bolts, then take out the shock absorber from the brackets. Install the rear shock absorber into the mounting brackets, then install the nut/bolts and temporarily hand tighten them. Using the floor jack, raise the rear suspension arm to simulate the ride height previously measured. Once the rear suspension arm is at the correct ride height, tighten the mounting nuts and bolts to the specified torque. Finally, install the rear wheels and tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque.
Q: How to remove and install shock absorbers on 1995 through 2004 Toyota Tacoma?
A: Loosen the front wheel lug nuts, then raise the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands before removing the front wheels. From underneath, detach the lower end of the shock absorber from the lower control arm by removing the two bolts for 2WD models or the bolt and nut for 4WD models. To remove the upper mounting nut, use a wrench or socket to hold the shock absorber damper rod, ensuring to install the washer and rubber bushing below the nut and the other washer and bushing below the bracket when installing a new shock. Take note of the order of the washers and bushings above and below the upper mounting bracket before pulling out the shock from below. Inspect the rubber bushings for any cracks, tears, or deterioration, and replace them if they are worn or damaged. For installation, reverse the removal process, ensuring to tighten the upper mounting nut and the lower mounting bolt(s) to the specified torque.