Strut replacement

Joined
May 28, 2020
Messages
942
Location
MS
Installing new struts on our 2015 Toyota Avalon XLE with 114,000 miles on the car. Looking up torque specs for the two large bolts on the bottom of the struts. 214 foot lbs! My torque wrench is 150 foot lbs. Time to come up with a new wrench.
 
Changing struts in my old Corolla was my first use of my new battery powered impact wrench. Highly recommended if you don't already have an impact. Four or 5 uggas on the bottom bolts and you should be good to go.
 
  • Like
Reactions: wlk
Nah, just added some thread locker and a 1/4 turn more, they won't come out. Don't remember ever torquing a strut/shock ever and never had one budge before.
Now if an excuse for the wife, yes need a tool dear! ;-)


I can't say i've used a torque wrench on strut bolts. Usually a breaker bar to get it good,n,tight.
 
The bolts on my WDH called for 380+ ft-lbs.

1781623627531.webp
 
I've never used a torque wrench on them. I use a breaker bar and tighten them good and never had an issue. Torque to 150 then use a breaker bar and give it some more. Are you compressing and reusing the springs. if not don't be upset the ride becomes harsher if not awful. The factory springs are nice riding. The ones that come in the assembly have always been harsh riding I no longer buy them just the strut and change them over. Unless they're very rusted or have collapsed and ride low I'd always reuse them.
 
When we just did the front end of an '03 Astro AWD he kept asking me, "Does that have a torque spec?"

I kept telling him I'm sure it does, but I don't care what it is (he trusts my judgment). Even on tie rods -- at least in steel knuckles -- it's Gutentight plus more until the cotter aligns. The two things I always torque are axle nuts and lugnuts.
 
I'll say that strut-to-knuckle bolts are not highly sensitive fasteners unless there is a camber bolt involved. However, if they do see a lot of rust/corrosion so if you tighten them using your favorite high-power 1/2" gun and give it the full beans, they might be extremely hard to remove next time once corrosion is factored in.
 
Back
Top Bottom