hc1001

Hi,

My dad bought a 2004 RX330. the suspension is blown, the thing feels like a boat. i am going to replace his struts for him. are there any DIY writeups? i've searched and couldnt really find anything detailed. im sure its easy but is there a DIY out there with torque values for the bolts, etc... the car does not have the air suspension.

are there any upgrade i should do while im in there? strut mounts?

I searched here and read that a toe alignment is needed when replacing the front struts. i cant imagine why it would. i am not touching the tie rods... can anyone confirm this?

are there any service manuals online i can download or look at for free?

Thanks for any help.

thomas1

I know there is a haynes manual for the RX300/330 and highlander which has the procedure....I have done it on the RX300, it requires a spring compressor which can be bought cheap at Harbor Freight....other than that just normal tools.

thomas1

I also suggest replacing the front shock mounts as they will cause a lot of noise when they deteriate. They have to be removed when replacing the shock.....

salimshah

RX is not a go-cart. So before you go through the expense and time I would suggest do the test by pushing down on each end and letting go.RX should rise up and then dip down and come to rest. If it goes up the second time then replace the shocks/struts.

Salim

RuninRoach

if only my RX could take corners like my integra did.....

hc1001

Thanks for the response guys. im guessing there isnt a DIY with torque values for the bolts or else someone would've posted a link. i might just pickup a haynes manual then.

yep, i've pressed on the corners of the car and it bounces. shocks are definitely dead. i can feel it when i drive, if i hit a dip the car is just bouncing with the spring.

Im a fairly competent DIYer. i work on BMWs mostly. i should be covered on tools. i was just hoping to find torque values for the bolts.

i guess ill replace all the strut mounts while im in there.

i found a haynes manual for the first gen rx and if the second gen is similar, there are two bolts on the lower end of the strut. if you loosen these bolts you can push or pull to adjust camber. i guess you may need an alignment. i havent gotten underneath the rx yet to check things out.

any recommendations on a particular brand/model of mounts and struts?

thanks.

thomas1

Those bolts only hold the strut onto the hub assembly, there is an aftermarket bolt that does adjustment, however you should not need them. The top of the strut has a flat in the shaft and this is very important to make sure that flat is seated in the bearing (strut mount) correctly...The torques:
Strut to upper mounting nuts 59 ft lbs
Strut to suspension support (dampner shaft) nut 36 ft lbs
Strut to steering knuckle bolts/nuts 155 ft lbs.]

Rear strut:
strut to upper mounting nuts 29 ft lbs
Strut to suspension support (dampner shaft) nut 36 ft lbs
Strut to axle cardrier nuts/bolts 188 ft lbs.

Note this is from Haynes book Toyota Highlander Lexus RX300/330

hc1001

Thomas, thanks so much for the torque numbers and the correction on the bottom strut bolts changing wheel alignment.

much appreciated!

LexusLadi

+1 TORQUE Settings

RedGemini

Are Highlander and RX330 struts interchangeable? I found a set of 4 complete that are about $100 cheaper for a Highlander versus the RX.

RedGemini

Does anyone know? I'm finding conflicting compatibility on eBay. It seems struts are the same, but when looking at loaded with springs etc, it's not showing compatible with both. Could it be different spring rates?

thomas1

I would think they are different as the body geometry is different. Just go with the right stuff...The savings will be in your installation.

RedGemini

A little more digging is showing the springs are different between the RX and Highlander. RX springs are a little shorter with slightly lower spring rates. Everything else is the same as far as the rest of the strut assembly parts. I don't want it sitting any higher than it is, so I'll skip the Highlander assemblies. Plus, the extra height might throw off the AFS sensor.

Speaking of the AFS sensor: my headlights seem to be aimed quite low, with the cutoff pattern being only about 20' in front of it, right on a flat road. Should I wait until I get the new struts installed before I adjust them higher? I'm thinking maybe the rear is sitting a little too low, possibly telling AFS to lower the headlight aim. Has anyone else experienced this? Then again, shouldn't the sensor help keep the headlights level depending on the hight of the rear?

I'm only going to replace the rears, since CarFax shows the fronts were replaced about 17k miles ago.

LexusLadi

I would have the dealer adjust them. Those things are very tricky. Just bring it in for service and ask them adjust them up a little more. They shouldn't charge you anything.

RedGemini

The closest dealer is well over an hour away, so I'll try adjusting them myself.