Tsubasa Hood Strut Install & Review for (2020-2024) Toyota Highlanders PART 1

[@FCM415]

Im thinking about installing auto folding mirrors. Another headscratching omission.

[@vietbubbletea]

A sponsor sent a set of auto folding mirrors to me, don't know when I'll have time to make a video on it though...

[@threejeeps4419]

@@vietbubbletea enjoyed the vid and I feel pain...'oh s..t' Good idea to reverse the brackets. Can you post the mfg & model for the folding mirrors? Thank you

[@vietbubbletea]

@@threejeeps4419 The box is written in Chinese but the brand seems to be labeled as 4S with a product number Q/SKLF 6-2020.

[@toronado455]

you know, on the 2022 Camry it has a prop rod instead of struts, but the factory mounting holes are still there, so that makes it super easy to retrofit struts on a new Camry. however on a Highlander, you need a kit like you demonstrated in the video. it's kind of a bummer Toyota didn't provide mounting points on the Highlander.

[@charleysanti]

Maybe this will help some folks out, after watching the install I figured it might be better to put some double sided tape on the bottom washer to hold it in place against the metal. That way you just need to worry about threading the nut as opposed to trying to get them both on at the same time with one hand.

[@pcimprezzive]

Nice option! Thought some drilling was needed but glad it's a bolt on. Only thing that concerns me is the quality of those air struts and mounting brackets. Will see what you think about the 2nd install!

[@vietbubbletea]

I hear ya as I share the same concerns, only time will tell and I will report my findings if there are issues in the future. Another reason why I didn't drill into my hood! Who knows if I end up unknowingly weakening the structural integrity of the hood or not...

[@FCM415]

Only downside is that Toyota dealership mechanics don’t expect it and don’t trust aftermarkets as a safety rule so they almost always support it with grip wrenches that damage the supports. Bastards

[@daniyarshldenov9085]

Hi, thanks for instructions! Could you tell about where did you get 3M double sided plates for installing under those brackets?

[@vietbubbletea]

Sure, you can find the 3M tape for cheap on Amazon, here's the link! amzn.to/3wEH8wE

[@lwrgbr]

cant get the strut to release and get smaller

[@hill115side]

I bought the same kit, seems the shocks have too much pressure, you can see the hood bending a little at the top connecting points. Would anyone know if there are others replacement shocks with less pressure?

[@vietbubbletea]

Did add spacers in between the brackets and hood like I did? That helped with the flexing of the hood when closing it.

[@stephenso4440]

I came across the same problem, those struts actually stuck at a position which's fully extended. End up I removed them and push those struts downwards with my body weight to get them works. Even after I have (carried out pre workout exercise) for those struts, still wouldn't confidently shut the hood by reaching the top for the hood panel. I will pull it from underneath to shut it. Still, found that those struts have way over pressurised.

[@vietbubbletea]

@@stephenso4440 Sorry that you're having this experience. I think the manufacturer may be using a different shock since my video review. I've personally switched to Redline Tuning Struts and have had no issues since installation.

[@cawv98]

Does fit on 2022 Toyota Highlander xle too?

[@vietbubbletea]

Yes, it will fit all 4th generation Highlanders including all trim levels.

[@StephenHeuman]

My kit didn't come with the little nuts you screw into the underside on the piece that you screw onto the car with the washers. It did come with the 2 rectangler pieces of metal with the threads, so I used that to secure the piece. Is that ok?

[@vietbubbletea]

Not sure, they must have changed some of the hardware in the kit but as long as the mounting point doesn't budge then you're okay.

[@StephenHeuman]

Yeah, it was actually that rectangler washer that you used to fill the gap between the hood bracket and the hood. Also, is there any special procedure to remove the struts other than just pull them out of the ball socket? I accidentally put one in backwards so I just kinda pried it off, but not sure of that was ok. Great channel, I'm enjoying your videos, already subscribed

[@vietbubbletea]

@@StephenHeuman Yup, Just pry the metal c-clamp out with a flat head and you can remove the strut with ease. It also wouldn't hurt to email the seller if you feel the bolts are missing to see if they'll send you a replacement set. Thanks for the support!

[@depecheddurand]

My concern is if these shocks fail while we are changing air filter or something like that.That thing is gonna down pretty quick what do you think of that. Are these fail proof?

[@vietbubbletea]

No product is fail proof my friend however I know members who have these struts installed for over a year with no issues. When I tested them, I found that one strut can support the weight of the hood when opened. I would imagine that having two struts supporting the hood will give you peace of mind if you are concerned with both failing at the same time and crashing down on your head. In the real world, if these gas shocks fail or leak, you would know if the shocks no longer support the weight of the hood upon opening or it would slowly close gradually.

[@jesusrosales1303]

Can you please resend the information where I can purchase these hood struts.

[@vietbubbletea]

@@jesusrosales1303 TSUBASA Lift Supports for Toyota Highlander XU70 2019-2024 Front Bonnet Hood Modify Carbon Fiber Gas Charged Shock Dampers Spring Struts Bar (2PCS) (Normal Black) a.co/d/0rvyGUt

[@muddnyreye]

Bring your gorgeous sister back !

[@65kevinlee]

great video. [s it compatible with my 2022 highlander platinum gas version ?

[@vietbubbletea]

Yes, it fits all 4th generation 2020 - 2022 Toyota Highlander trims since the frame is unchanged.

[@65kevinlee]

thank yo

[@veryprettywoman1]

Having same problem w 2017 highlander. Every bell and whistle except hood struts. So heavy for this 60+ aged gal. Is is a useable strut for my year of highlander?

[@vietbubbletea]

The mounting bracket may be slightly different for a 2017 but I've seen them on Ebay and install similar to the set I reviewed. Here's a link I found: www.ebay.com/itm/154558541204?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=TgnZ8cpTRge&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=RII2UzJBTAm&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

[@veryprettywoman1]

@@vietbubbletea Thank you so much. I really appreciate the help.

[@wlit]

Thank you for the video. I feel your disappointment on uninstall the struts and reinstall it 😅

[@tombishop8083]

Great vids guy. Is the hood as fully open using the struts as it is with the stock pulldown brace in place?

[@vietbubbletea]

I didn't measure the before/after height but it's very comparable, you won't notice any clearance issues compared to the prop rod.

[@TheNiustarr]

The description on amazon says this fits a 2019 to 2024 but i dont think thats accurate. Have you had experience helping someone with a 2019 install these or the redline tunning kit?

[@vietbubbletea]

Not sure why they changed the model year but the 4th generation Highlander XU70 only applies to 2020-2024 models. If you have a 2019, your chassis code is XU50 so here is the correct product for your car. amzn.to/437ieF5

[@צביקהשטרן-ג9ט]

Hi Ton When you go to the link in Amazon it's saying that currently unavailable for all the colors. Is there another way to find them? Or you have a link to the expensive one? Thanx Zvika

[@vietbubbletea]

Hi Zvika, I just checked and Amazon US says it's all still in stock, I wonder if it is different if you live in a different country. If you rather check out the premium Redline Tuning hood struts, here's the link: www.redlinetuning.com/2019-Toyota-highlander-Hood-QuickLIFT-PLUS-p/21-27018-02.htm Its too bad you don't have Facebook because we are running a group-buy discount for it right now.

[@צביקהשטרן-ג9ט]

@@vietbubbletea hi Ton I just paid for the item, the expensive one waiting for them to arrive to me and I will let you know.

Hi.What do you think is the problem I installed one and unfortunately I can't close it🤔😅

[@vietbubbletea]

I had the same issue at the 16:46 mark in the video. I switched the brackets to the other side and it closed fine afterwards.

@@vietbubbletea No I can't move it down at all. I put the bracket on right

[@vietbubbletea]

If you bought the correct kit, you should check with the vendor if you're having clearance issues. Hard to diagnos without seeing what your setup looks like

@@vietbubbletea The two telescopes are so strong together that I can't fold the hood down, so I only left one on one side so I can close it. I bought the plain black one for $38. Thanks for the replies next will be the tailgate led panel ;)

[@vietbubbletea]

Hmm, if you bought it from Amazon, I'd try asking the vendor to send you a replacement set. Overtime, you'll want both working properly so it doesn't cause your hood to bend to one side in the future.

[@thienthan324]

Ill admit, It’s nice to have the struts. But I have never need to open my hood since I got the car 7 months ago. And I think I will rarely need to open it. So It’s a low priority for me. But we’ll see after the 3 yrs 36 miles warranty. Hehe

[@vietbubbletea]

Oh man, I would encourage you to pop the hood and do a quick visual inspection at least every other month as a preventative measure to protect your investment. Toyotas use soy based wiring insulation which makes it a sweet snack for rats and squirrels to chew on. Personally, I check monthly to make sure there aren't any rodent nests or chewed up wiring while I glance at the fluid levels. This practice was reinforced as habit now after I found fur and hair on my motor which confirmed that something slept there overnight while the engine was warm.

[@thienthan324]

@@vietbubbletea I’ll check from now on, hehe

[@xmandough]

When you first installed the left side, it looked wrong already because the bottom hole was supposed to slide into the bottom bolt. 😂

[@vietbubbletea]

Thats what I get for following their instructions! lol

[@PrimeGameZone]

Hey brother, I dont hear any sound..

[@vietbubbletea]

Sound works on my end, did reloading the video help?

[@PrimeGameZone]

Ok sound is working now, thank you for your reply. Ps. I was talking with my brother today about me getting those installed in my 22 Highlander.

[@vietbubbletea]

@@PrimeGameZone Nice, I'm uploading my review for the higher end Redline Tuning struts in a few hours too so you can do a comparison! Stay tuned!

[@grunherzjg-5443]

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