Neighbor's 2011 Highlander is exhibiting some nasty noises from the Passenger-Front Strut Mount. During a test drive, the struts feel decently worn (140K+) but the fronts are definitely more worn than the rears.
His primary concern is the strut mount noise, he is actually content with how the vehicle drives. So, he just wants the cheapest solution to make the noise go away.
If I price out aftermarket KYB struts, KYB mounts and a genuine Toyota boot/upper insulator, it comes out to $408 for parts. If I price out two KYB Strut-Plus units for the front, it is actually $20 less and the entire assembly carries a lifetime warranty. Plus less work for me.
But here's the issue: if I only replace the fronts with pre-assembled units, what is the likelihood that it will cause a "Carolina squat?" We all know that new springs can sometimes "raise" vehicles...
His primary concern is the strut mount noise, he is actually content with how the vehicle drives. So, he just wants the cheapest solution to make the noise go away.
If I price out aftermarket KYB struts, KYB mounts and a genuine Toyota boot/upper insulator, it comes out to $408 for parts. If I price out two KYB Strut-Plus units for the front, it is actually $20 less and the entire assembly carries a lifetime warranty. Plus less work for me.
But here's the issue: if I only replace the fronts with pre-assembled units, what is the likelihood that it will cause a "Carolina squat?" We all know that new springs can sometimes "raise" vehicles...
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