Toyota Highlander Front Struts are How Much?

[@les5058]

Last year I replaced all 4 struts on my wife's 2006 GS300. 90 thousand miles on it. We bought the car new in 2005 and it has been just a fantastic vehicle . Im 76 and have had a ton of new cars and trucks and This GS is amazing . Just the best automobile we have ever owned. So one rear strut started leaking oil and after a while started clunking. So I decided to just replace all 4 struts since the car was 18 years old . I was going to go Toyota oem struts until I got the price from my local dealer . These are just standard struts , no electronic stuff and it was going to be like 1400 bucks just to buy the 4 struts soand I went on Rock auto and purchased KYB. replacements which were about 500 bucks for all 4 and then bought all the miscellaneous rubber. cushions and stuff from My dealer . Now My dealer quoted me 4 grand parts and labor installed and after I regained consciousness I passed. So I spent about 8 hours over two days because I am a cleaner and detailed the suspension so no labor cost and I think I had about 7 to 8 hundred bucks in total. Parts. I did compare my old struts to the new KYB struts and they were an exact match as the factory were also KYBs and looked and marked identically. So my one concern was initially that they seemed pretty stiff. . Kind of like when you buy new tires . But now with about 8 thousand miles on her and 18 months of use They are exactly like the factory struts felt and I could not be happier.

[@billsimpson604]

Loved the squeaking sound, Peter. That was perfect.

[@researchgeneral7977]

Read your comment right at the point he made the sound 😅

[@hitek49]

You have the best Toyota Maintenance Videos on the internet! Thank you Sir!

[@jimmyjimjims7483]

I always get OEM when I can for my Toyotas but when it comes to things like this I won't, sorry Toyota I'm not gonna let you probe inside my rear for my wallet. I've put KYB complete struts on my last 3 vehicles and they're fine especially for the price. I actually just had to do all 4 complete struts for my 2007 Camry and I bought a full strut assembly set (complete struts) from KYB through Rockauto for $600 and put them on in an afternoon, rides absolutely fine. My 1993 Previa has had KYB shocks since 2012 and they're still doing fine 12 years later. Again I love using OEM parts but if Toyota is going to mark them up to that extent I'll go elsewhere

[@bigdaddymak1439]

KYB makes Toyota struts

[@MavHunter20XX]

@@bigdaddymak1439 do you mean they're the OEM manufacturer?

[@bigdaddymak1439]

@@MavHunter20XX yes

[@aliciamiller2224]

I did the same with 4 KYB complete units on my Camry. After a month they started clunking over speed bumps. Shortly after that they started buzzing very loud when I hit certain types of bumps, especially on the freeway. Thinking about just taking them apart, putting some lowering springs on, and seeing if I can add a cushion or something to get rid of the buzzing and clunking.

[@davidh7339]

​@aliciamiller2224 Can you exchange them under warranty? I see the KYB's on RockAuto's website come with a Lifetime Warranty.

[@Jim-re3sr]

My 2006 ford explorer 4.6 4x4 193k only replaced radiator. It's all about maintenance and not abusing your car. Great video

[@KefleSeyoum]

I’ve found KYBs to be very good replacements on my Sienna. Thanks for the video!

[@glennfields8121]

I admire your honesty. Your comparison of the cost of OEM and the aftermarket difference in cost makes complete sense. I have used aftermarket complete assemblies with no problem whatsoever. The quality of the aftermarket struts was just as good and maybe even better than OEM. Thank you for your video.

[@GoofieNewfie69]

My 97 Camry had her OEM struts replaced with Canadian Tire Monroe struts in 2006 for less then half the price of of oem. In 2021 I traded it for a Sienna and the Monroes where still fine. Some stuff go oem, but defiantly not everything

[@picklerix6162]

I replaced the struts on my relative’s Murano with Monroe strut assemblies. They worked just fine.

[@smokeandmirrors5960]

Monroe is utter junk

[@GoofieNewfie69]

@@smokeandmirrors5960 Yea , I know they only last a little over 15 years and 260,000 kilometers. OEM is much better they last 8 years an 100,000 klicks and over twice as expensive. It's much better to pay twice as money for half the service time

[@GD_MoonBlister]

Great video again! I also try to replace toyota parts for oem toyota parts especially when it involves the engine. But for shocks no. I replaced my 08 Tundra OEM shocks (non Bilstein) with Bilsteins about 2 years ago, couldnt be happier. Thanks for sharing and stay well!!!

[@RonRussell-sj1zf]

Thanks Peter, I have an '07 HL with 217K and original strut assemblies, this gives me an idea of which way to go should the time come, so far they are still working well.

[@ian0841]

Excellent explanation. I priced out the parts a while back and thought I was doing something wrong. I couldn't believe how much money each strut was. I have had heard some folks claim the ride is better with the OEM struts vs the aftermarket quick strut assemblies.

[@stevenbaker5099]

Thanks Peter for thoroughly explaining.

[@jeancassel]

@@stevenbaker5099 It is true the ride is better with OEM toyota struts. 3 years ago, I replaced with KYB excel-g and they seem fine at first (because you will be comparing it with the replaced broken ones). But as weeks go by, as you go your normal route, you will notice it's just stiff. You will feel almost every bumps in the road. Couple weeks ago, I replaced it with OEM ones, and the ride is much better, more compliant, softer. Sure, stiffer is better for super spirited driving, but i'm past that time in my life now, I prefer a comfortable ride after a hard days work heading home. Yes, they're definitely pricey, but for the quality of life I desire, it's worth every penny.

[@glock22357]

What you heard is useless information, and logical fallacy. People replace struts because they need to be, they don't work anymore. So even relatively cheap, but properly functioning, replacement quick-strut assemblies will ride better. Because they're replacing busted, broken units that ride & handle like crap. Of course anyone with a brain will replace worn OEM shocks & struts with higher performing AM units, and both save money and have better vehicle dynamics. It's only idiots that trust dealerships and shops to make product choices for them that get ripped off.

[@ian0841]

@@glock22357 I believe you read into my message wrong, and insulting the intelligence of people doesn't get anyone anywhere on here. I was comparing the ride of a new OEM strut vs new aftermarket strut. Sorry, I should have clarified.

[@nightdipper5178]

Same with front axles but I like oem so I rebooted my 99 4r rather than replace with after market. I thought the boots were ripped, but it was just some grease seeping out the ends of the boots. I think the oem axles may be made of a better material than aftermarket, gives me a warm feeling. Struts I would go KYB.

[@galaxygs96]

I use aftermarket KYB Struts on my lexus, and it's perfectly fine and dirt cheap

[@rustynail7866]

Improved the handling on my 4Runner.

[@Daryl-S]

Great video and thank you for the tip about integrity of used coils.

[@LAactor]

Glad to see you back here my friend. Hope you saw what I wrote before the video became KAput! I know you don't like it, but you have to play by their rules and as they ask if you want them to give you the money from views and clicks. Storytime. When I was starting out and they didn't have the hard partner restrictions, they asked me to post a video edit exactly how they wanted it. It was my psa about haters. Well I wanted to put an intro into it. And they declined me. Saying in a nice way a rejection. It would have helped my channel immensely, but no. I should have listened, and then my partnership got taken because they limited the partner program to above 1k sub accounts. And so that was that. I was in the early days when they have 1000x less numbers than now. exponential growth and I was left behind even though I helped build the community. Learn from my mistakes. Glad to see you back even if only once per week.

[@joedominick7517]

Petr, your the best ! I do enjoy your detailed videos.

[@ralphturner3798]

Even when I'm not interested in the subject matter, and that's the case with this video, I nevertheless like to watch your videos. I like your voice and I like the way you present things. Thanks.

[@brentkiely657]

his videos are much better paced at .25 speed faster

[@texaspowerman]

I had a similar issue. I put in BCracing coilovers. It’s $1250 for all 4. They are significantly more customizable, you can get custom spring rates if you want a little softer or stiffer ride. You can adjust the height and you have 30 compression/rebound adjustments. I can set them for how I like the ride. If I’m carrying a heavy load or a lot of passengers I can adjust them in a minute or so. They are fully assembled and ready to go. They even include the adjusting wrenches. If you ever have to replace the damper they are $95. But I’ve had mine for over 10 years and they still work fine. The Toyota struts were ok but the BC’s were a much better and more comfortable ride. Sometimes OEM is not the way.

[@2reelyakrz481]

Thank you for sharing this!!! I appreciate your honesty and trying to save the customer money. I believe that is a good trait in a mechanic. For most parts for Highlander, we go OEM as I believe they are generally more consistent in good quality. However, in this case, since our Highlander is old, I'd be inclined to go aftermarket. This may be the case with other parts too. You have made me aware that pricing needs to be checked on everything. Thanks again

[@2reelyakrz481]

We have an unidentified noise and slight "clunk" we can feel through the steering wheel from the front of our 2008 Highlander. Nobody has been able to figure out where it's coming from. Feels like a linkage connection or bad bushing, but nothing seems loose anywhere. The only components they haven't been able to fully check are the struts. Not looking forward to replacing them if that's what it is

[@TheMrDrMs]

I did all 4 shocks on my '11 rx350. Oh man, I'm from the new england and you should have seen what I needed to do to get the rear shocks off. Being where you are, I'm sure you wouldn't be surprised, but I'm lucky I only had to replace 1 mounting bracket. Edit: Other's are saying non-oem are fine, but in my experience with non-oem, the ride is never the same. And being a lexus, I wanted to maintain that ride quality, and didn't want to gamble it. Maybe it would have been worth it, but the labor for me to take the front struts apart was still there, so might as well just gone OEM, and I would never would have bought a whole after market aseembly.

[@luisjimenez5898]

I just bought KYB struts for my 2006 Toyota Sienna 8 passengers.

[@bbhoustontx]

I try to find low mileage used ones that someone either took off to upgrade or from a salvage yard. I picked up front struts for 2005 4x4 4-runner that the guy took off at 9k to put aftermarkets on for $199 both .... still have them on.

[@BenMcghie]

Agreed. If it's not the complete coil spring and shock absorber ready to install on vehicle, it shouldn't be called a strut. Many KYB shocks come with integrated spring seat as part of the shock body. Just as the mounting tab is also part of the shock body (or welded on). But it ain't a complete strut because it has no spring component and is not ready to support the vehicle. I am okay with aftermarket suspension on my Tacoma. I like the option to buy different levels of performance and to suit the different lift components (small spacer blocks or addaleafs or whatever). The trick is to buy a decent quality component if you expect it to last.

[@sterlingpaul3004]

I would go with KYB struts and they may be the same producer for OEM parts anyways or at least very close.

[@fw1421]

A couple of years ago I went to my selling Toyota dealer to get an estimate on my 2011 Rav4 Limited 3.5l V-6 for struts and shocks. They wanted $3200!!! Outrageous. I haven’t gone back to the dealer for service since. I bought KYB shocks for less than $500 and did it myself. I’m tired of getting screwed by dealers..

[@zaffo757]

I use cheap replacement quick struts. But then again i buy $3-4,000 cars. Its the seal and the gas charge escaped. Then the oil begins to escape.

[@freddyhollingsworth5945]

460,000 miles on my 03 Grand Marquis, still the original suspension and still as smooth as butter, but it did need 1 alignment at 250,000 miles. I personally think people go "overboard" on shocks and struts and waste $$$$.... yes, they can wear out on some vehicles....

[@thomasroberts8024]

Forewarned is forearmed! Thanks for the heads up. Need to double my contributions to the piggy bank for coming maintenance items........

[@MavHunter20XX]

It's that voice I hear every time I drain my gear oil.

[@zaffo757]

True....I'm feeling a bit unsettled about this observation

[@MavHunter20XX]

@@zaffo757 speak for yourself. The voice is soothing and helps guide me when working on my toyota

[@MavHunter20XX]

@@zaffo757 I find it soothing and instills confidence when I'm working on my toyota

[@zaffo757]

@@MavHunter20XX oh me too...Now I know what "living rent free in head" feels like 😁

[@lpad9651]

For my friend's 2004 Toyota Avalon, OEM struts ala carte was $2,000. Each. Just parts. KYB complete not available for that year. Luckily I found Gabriel for $99 each. Complete. They work ok.

[@terebrate]

12:55 Yes, well said, Petr, that is "shocking"

[@thomas5714]

Thank you Petr. I just went through this on my 306k Corolla. I was infuriated Toyota does not supply an entire assembly. I think this is to drive the customer to the dealerships, like an unspoken agreement. It's INSANE. The important piece for the DYI'er is you need a spring compressor to assemble the strut. Those hand turn down tools are DANGEROUS as they come from China and are made of very cheap steel that fails - and you do not want to be near much less holding a compressed spring when the tools fails - it can, has and will maim or kill you. Professional shops use a hydraulic spring compressor - and buying one of those for a one time job is cost prohibitive for something that takes up space or you put on eBay for 1/2 the price you paid for it.

[@lawrenceralph7481]

Thanks. Services used to be $1000. Now it's $3000.

[@glock22357]

WTF are you talking about? What "services"?

[@rossjohnson2478]

Anyone remember when you could buy windshield wipers for $5, now they are over $25.

[@philindeblanc]

Interestingly mine has the same exact issue...just its a 2014. 145K miles

[@JohnDelong-qm9iv]

Many parts could be designed to allow replacement of worn seals while reusing the bulk of the unit.

[@bigdaddymak1439]

You can get KYB complete struts on RockAuto which is the OEM supplier for Toyota for 170 you get everything. You just have to know who makes Toyota parts.

[@jonathanratliff4780]

@@bigdaddymak1439 yes every manufacturer has different suppliers but KYB has never been an OEM for a Toyota

[@davidh7339]

Those KYB's come with a Lifetime Warranty as well.

[@jamram9924]

@@jonathanratliff4780We service Toyotas/Lexus and Honda in our shop. Every OEM strut and shock from Toyota either has a sticker or stamping KYB at the bottom of the struts. On domestically produced Tundras were seeing Bilsteins on some models and Tokico on Tacomas and 4 Runners.

[@hpronto]

@@jonathanratliff4780 I've just replaced original struts on a Prius. It had both Toyota part numbers and KYB engraved in the metal

[@blipco5]

I bought complete Monroe Quick Struts. Cheap and easy peasy. 👍

[@russtaylor385]

Oh yeah - helpful entertaining and interesting! Thanks Petr

[@Spillmansgarage]

I’ve tried aftermarket and the only consistently good manufacturer I have ever used is Bilstein. I’ve tried KYB, Monroe, etc. they always come back with a “clunking” noise. Sounds like ball joints, but it’s not. If it’s not Bilstein or OEM, I don’t buy it.

[@michaelanthony5799]

This is what I was worried about OK Bilstein makes sense to me as well as OEM. Pay now or pay latter comes to mind I do not want to do this project and have my car making clunking noises shortly afterwards. High price to pay though!

[@jimv1484]

Great video......thank you!

[@Katy-Did]

Thanks for the video! Very informative!

[@DallasACdotcom]

That strut sound is exactly like my 2003 tundra. I am on my 4th set since 2005.

[@Mach141]

It can get complex. Prices for assemblies versus prices for individual components, OEM quality vs aftermarket (some aftermarket is lesser quality, some greater) takes experience to know any of this of course. I think you did well for this customer, i was going to suggest the same, buy toyota shocks and reuse the rest. If it was a Nissan, you probably would have needed new springs also.

[@thechuckster6838]

Go to a junkyard and get a working strut assembly. For a car that has over 200k, it's not worth spending that kind of money.

[@bobs8976]

thanks Petr

[@imageaware]

Replacing just the rear struts on my LS400 cost me more than the total purchase cost of any other car I've owned.

[@davidcamacho3513]

KYB’s are good. Come complete & are affordable.

[@agostinodibella9939]

I have heard that the springs on the quick struts have a different spring rate and the ride can be harsh.

[@jhopk83388]

My 2013 highlander with 99k , the dust covers are all mangled. Should I go through the effort of fixing this or wait till I do the entire strut . Thanks in advance Toyota fam. 😊

[@rightlanehog3151]

Petr, What happened to your last video? 🤔

[@mattmcrae1458]

The hero we needed 😅

[@josie1130]

You’re so smart!

[@moretackle1]

For a 2010 Highlander. I went the aftermarket way. Saved me much aggrevation.

[@jonathanratliff4780]

Let’s see for the years remaining you have your vehicle if you still feel the same way. How long did the original ones last?

[@slalomking]

@@jonathanratliff4780my Camry has 300k miles on original struts

[@slalomking]

I have 300k miles on my Camry struts.

[@jonathanratliff4780]

@@slalomking awesome! YupI have 298k miles on my 2009 Corolla, original struts here as well 👊

[@Pallidus_Rider]

Toyota parts used to be a selling point, as Toyotas were cheap maintain. Not so anymore, even though parts are outsourced to other companies by Toyota.

[@johnkessler9878]

Dealership wanted $400 for a rear bearing. Koyo makes them for toyota. Bought that bearing online for just under $100.

[@michaelanthony5799]

I have a 2013 Highlander as well I am in shock at the prices for OEM struts that is $3000.00 vs $600.00 for KYB from RockAuto my Highlander is 11 years old with 120K miles on it. As much as I prefer OEM I will order the KYB from RockAuto I can replace these 5 times before I reach the cost of OEM.

[@franks5553]

I'm sure that Bilstein makes complete strut assembles for this car that are just as good as OEM at a fraction of the cost.

[@bblod4896]

Cool.

[@robineggb]

exellent

[@jimmyg5636]

My rear shock was 750$. There was no aftermarket equivalent. Unless I would have changed my entire suspension

[@glock22357]

Tell us the vehicle details. I'd bet you're wrong.

[@weloveups831]

I have found it is a pay me now or pay me later! Aftermarket do not last has long as OEM. And at times do not function as well. You may end up replacing the aftermarket at least once May be even twice. When OEM will still be working fine.

[@danc9440]

OEM ain't cheap but the alternative will cost you in the long run... Thanks for posting up Peter!

[@glock22357]

It depends on the parts. Most suspension parts can be bought cheaper AND better in the after-market. Especially struts and shocks....there is a world of better performing and cheaper alternatives for most vehicles.

[@SpresHome]

@@glock22357agreed, plus I just get the lifetime warranty from the closest auto parts store and hold onto the receipts. I don’t mind doing the job again if it’s free.

[@craigjorgensen4637]

Aftermarket isn’t necessarily a dirty word! Some aftermarket parts are equal or superior to OEM replacements! Shocks are a great example.

[@massimohanson6882]

We’re r u located

[@JesusGonzalez-ol5yo]

DUDE THEY SELL ORIGINAL PARTS EVEYWHERE IKE ADVANCE AUTO PARTS O'REILLY 'S JUST GET PART NUMBER THATS IT YOU WILL SAVE A TON OF MONEY ANOTHER THING WHAT DO YOU PREFER AN AFTER MARKET ONE OR A BROCKEN ONE YOU CHOOSE

[@MavHunter20XX]

What do you think of KYB brand?

[@jonathanratliff4780]

Not too bad… But not OEM quality but I guess you wouldn’t expect it to be

[@luvingfully]

I installed KYB on a 2000 Nissan Maxima GLE front and rear and was very satisfied with them. kYB was recommended by others on a Nissan Maxima enthusiast forum. Find a forum dedicated to your make and model and see what others say about KYB.

[@jonathanratliff4780]

@@luvingfully time is the essence of durability. Have great day now

[@ddk80]

I just put Mando quick struts on my RAV4. They are the OEM manufacturer for Hyundai/Kia and are made in Korea. We’ll see how long they last.

[@glock22357]

@@jonathanratliff4780 KYB is better than OEM. Demonstrably so. So are quite a few AM shock & strut manufacturers.

[@user-tb7rn1il3q]

I like the way cars ride with worn out shocks or struts. No reason to change them.

[@c.h.r.i.s2253]

Vehicle identification number number Is what you are saying when you say vin number

[@gailsmith9835]

Struts suck... do not buy vehicles with struts... in the old days if you hit a pothole and ruined a shock no big deal just change it. Probably with 3 bolts. Nothing else to do. Nowadays in the world of struts you must change spring plus shock plus bearings on strut. Plus you must have an alignment done. At additional cost.

[@NomenClature-o8s]

But once, cry once. I only buy Toyota parts. The dealership usually has an online price that is a lot less than over the counter.

[@MavHunter20XX]

You call it shock, I call it damper. But I'm coming from a different industry.

[@Randomname183]

Cool.

[@richardepstein3494]

I call it corporate greed!

[@peanutbutterjellyjam2179]

You should tell the cost instead of trying to drag on the video.

[@jjranger5022]

OEM is garbage I always upgrade , springs and shocks on my 4 runner are old man emu , rear links rock man off road links , upper control arms azonic lowers are Moab , longer cv axels and a after market drive shaft