Quick answer: Front Strut Replacement on a 2014–2019 Toyota Highlander is rated Advanced and takes about 2-3 hours. You'll need 12 tools for this job, and parts cost about $315. This guide walks you through the full job step by step, including the mistakes to avoid.
| Part Name |
Part Number |
Price |
Buy |
| Front Strut Assembly |
TRQ SCA31156 |
$244.95 |
|
| Strut Mount |
— |
$50.00 |
|
| Strut Bumper |
— |
$20.00 |
|
About prices: shown prices are typical retail averages and change frequently; cheaper alternatives may be available. Confirm the current price before buying.
💡 Pro tip: Order all parts at once to save on shipping
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps carefully
1
Loosen lugs and support the vehicle
The 2014–2019 Toyota Highlander (XU50, 3rd generation) uses MacPherson struts up front. This is the heaviest vehicle in the strut group (~4,400+ lbs) — use high-capacity jack stands and consider quick-struts (complete assemblies) rather than rebuilding. You'll need: complete strut assembly, sockets, rust penetrant, jack and stands. Lug nuts are 76–83 ft-lbs (103–113 Nm) for all 3rd-gen trims. If you have AWD: be careful not to let the knuckle hang on the CV axle — support it properly. The Highlander's weight means the strut-to-knuckle bolts are very tight (reported 155 ft-lbs from third-party sources — verify against Toyota FSM). Loosen lug nuts while on the ground, then jack up and support with stands.
🔧 Mechanic's note — Ray Delgado
I loosen the Highlander lugs and I already soaked the strut hardware with penetrating oil last night — I have snapped a strut bolt and had to cut it out. The soak makes the whole job civilized.
2
Support the knuckle and disconnect links
Support the knuckle with a jack — critical on the Highlander because if you have AWD, letting the knuckle drop will stress the CV axle. Disconnect the sway bar end link from the SIDE of the strut body (it must be disconnected before dropping the knuckle). Disconnect the ABS sensor wire and brake hose from their brackets. The Highlander's end link and brackets are robust due to the vehicle's weight. Soak the strut-to-knuckle bolts with penetrant — at 155 ft-lbs and with the Highlander's exposure, they may be very tight.
🔧 Mechanic's note — Tom Becker
I support the Highlander knuckle and disconnect the links — the strut mount nuts get tightened in stages, alternating sides. I have seen a mount sit crooked from one nut run down first, and it clunks over every bump.
3
Separate the strut from the knuckle
For AWD models: do NOT let the knuckle hang on the CV axle; the axle joint can separate or be damaged. Keep the knuckle supported throughout. The strut is now free at the bottom.
4
Unbolt the upper mount and remove the strut
Remove the upper mount nuts. Lower the strut out through the wheel well. The exact nut count wasn't FSM-confirmed — count them as you remove and ensure you get them all.
5
Install the new strut assembly
Install the new complete strut assembly (quick-strut strongly recommended for the Highlander — rebuilding is not worth it on this heavy SUV). Position it in the tower and start the upper nuts by hand. Align the bottom with the knuckle and install the clamp bolts. Torque to Toyota spec (reported 155 ft-lbs from third-party sources — verify against the FSM before finalizing). The Highlander's weight demands proper torque — don't guess. Reconnect the sway bar end link to the side of the strut body. Reattach the brake hose and ABS sensor to their brackets. Ensure the AWD CV axle wasn't stressed.
6
Torque upper nuts, reinstall wheel, and align
Torque the upper mount nuts to Toyota spec (verify against FSM). Reinstall the cowl trim if you moved it. Reinstall the wheel and torque lug nuts to 76–83 ft-lbs in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle. Bounce the suspension to settle it. You MUST get a wheel alignment — the Highlander's alignment is critical for tire wear given its weight. Test drive: the Highlander should feel stable and planted. Listen for clunks. If you have AWD, listen for CV joint clicking on turns (indicating axle damage from the knuckle dropping). The Highlander's ride should be comfortable and controlled with new struts.
All Done!
Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- • Not properly securing the vehicle before starting the repair
- • Over-tightening or under-tightening the strut mounting bolts
- • Neglecting to perform a wheel alignment after replacing the struts
