any help on how to replace front shock absorbers on ES 300? I have shocks and the bearing, but need some directions. Please help.

 

You will need a spring compressor in order to do the job. All other tools will be metric sockets and wrenches. Once you get the car in the air and remove the front tires, it's kind of self explanatory to get the strut/spring assembly out. Then just a matter of taking it apart and using your new parts and then re-assembly.

 

yes, you will need a spring compressor, and an assortment of socket bits.
and a large wrench.
gl
charley

 

This is the first time I'm doing shocks. Anyone has DIY instructions, or can direct me on step by step basis?
Should I replace also the mountings?

 

This might help from when I did them on my RX300, https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx3...yb-gr-2-a.html

However, I skip some steps with mountings (I have some odd but what I consider valid reasons for this based upon where I used to live in Mexico City).

 

Where can i rent a spring compressor? Should I replace mounting plates?

 

I had attached home made instructions on how to replace front shock absorber on ES300. I did it doing my car it is 2000 year.

I will continue showing the spring compression and assembly

 

That's a good little write up, the pictures are a good feature.

 

I changed mine and it took less than 1/2 hour, did nothing with sway bar links, only removed the clips holding the brake hose and ABS sensors from the strut, left the big nut on the top alone, and removed the three bolts at the top of the tower under the hood, then let the whole thing drop out, removed the two large bolts holding the strut to the front end, removed the three bolts holding the lower ball joint to the lower arm lifted the strut from the car, dropped in the new strut assy......came from a yard.... so did not have to use the spring compressor... if you do go to your local autoparts place , I used autozone, they have a compressor to loan.... then reversed the process. No jack under the suspension, no reason to compress anything..... be careful of the senor and brake line..... get your handy dandy torque wrench out and torque everything according to the FSM, then your good to go. The key is as always look for the simplest, safest way to do things, follow the KISS principle it has worked for me my almost 50 years of wrenching...LOL there have been some times though when I did not follow it and I paid the price.....

CAPN

 

Yes, I agree, doing everything as simple as possible sometimes makes people to use short cuts, which are not recommended.

I'm not a mechanic, just trying to do more stuff on my own. I used original Lexus parts, so I had to compress the spring. I have more pictures and will try to do the assembly part.

Also, you are right have to use the torqu wrench.