Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
LEXUS RX (MHU3_, GSU3_, MCU3_) 350 AWD (GSU35_), LEXUS RX (MHU3_, GSU3_, MCU3_) 330 AWD (MCU38) View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

How to change rear shock strut on LEXUS RX400h 2 (XU30) [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]

video
All the parts you need to replace – Shock Absorber for RX (MHU3_, GSU3_, MCU3_) and other LEXUS models
Tools
Replacement: suspension strut – Lexus RX XU30. Tools you'll need:
Wire brush
WD-40 spray
Brake cleaner
Copper grease
Combination spanner #17
Combination spanner #19
Drive socket # 10
Drive socket # 12
Drive socket # 14
Drive socket # 17
Drive socket # 19
Wheel impact socket #21
Ratchet wrench
Torque wrench
Plastic trim tool
Chain wrench
Hydraulic strut spring compressor
Hydraulic transmission jack
Wheel chock
Replacement: suspension strut – Lexus RX XU30. AUTODOC recommends:
  • Both shock struts of the rear suspension should be replaced simultaneously.
  • The replacement procedure is identical for the left and right shock struts of the rear suspension.
  • All work should be done with the engine stopped.
Replacement: suspension strut – Lexus RX XU30. Use the following procedure:
  1. Step 1
    How to change Shock Absorber on Lexus RX XU30 2003 - free PDF and video manuals
    Open the boot lid.
  2. Step 2
    How to replace LEXUS RX (MHU3_, GSU3_, MCU3_) 400h AWD (MHU38_) 2004 Shock Absorber - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Move the folding shelf and detach it from the retainers. By doing this, you will get access to the side trim plastic panels.
  3. Step 3
    Lexus RX XU30 300 (MCU35_) 2005 Shock Absorber replacement: free workshop manuals
    Remove the suspension strut mount cap. Use a plastic trim tool.
  4. Step 4
    Changing Shock Absorber on LEXUS RX (MHU3_, GSU3_, MCU3_) 350 AWD (GSU35_) 2006 by yourself
    Loosen the upper fastener of the shock strut mount. Use a drive socket #14. Use a ratchet wrench.
  5. Step 5
    How to remove LEXUS RX 350 (GSU30_) 2007 Shock Absorber - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Secure the wheels with chocks.
  6. Step 6
    How to replace Shock Absorber on LEXUS RX (MHU3_, GSU3_, MCU3_) 2008: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #21.
  7. Step 7
    How hard is it to do yourself: Shock Absorber replacement on Lexus RX XU30 330 (MCU38_) 2003 - download illustrated guide
    Raise the rear of the car and secure on supports.
  8. Step 8
    Need to know how to renew Shock Absorber on LEXUS RX 2004? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Unscrew the wheel bolts.
    Replacement: suspension strut – Lexus RX XU30. Tip:
    To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when unscrewing the bolts.
  9. Step 9
    Changing of Shock Absorber on Lexus RX XU30 2005 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Remove the wheel.
  10. Step 10
    LEXUS RX 300 (MCU35_) Shock Absorber replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Clean the stabiliser link fasteners. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  11. Step 11
    Replacing Shock Absorber on Lexus RX XU30 2007 400h AWD (MHU38_) by yourself
    Unscrew the fastener connecting the stabilizer link to the shock strut. Use a drive socket #17. Use a ratchet wrench.
  12. Step 12
    RX (MHU3_, GSU3_, MCU3_) 350 (GSU30_) 2008 Shock Absorber DIY replacement workshop manual
    Remove the stabilizer rod.
  13. Step 13
    How to change Shock Absorber on LEXUS RX (MHU3_, GSU3_, MCU3_) 2003 - tips and tricks
    Clean the ABS sensor fastener. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  14. Step 14
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement Lexus RX XU30 2004 350 (GSU30_) Shock Absorber
    Unscrew the ABS sensor fastener. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
  15. Step 15
    DIY replacement of Shock Absorber on LEXUS RX (MHU3_, GSU3_, MCU3_) 400h (MHU38_) 2005 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Clean the fasteners connecting the shock strut to the steering knuckle. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  16. Step 16
    How to change Shock Absorber on Lexus RX XU30 2003 - free PDF and video manuals
    Clean the fastener of the bracket that connects the brake hose to the shock strut. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  17. Step 17
    How to replace LEXUS RX (MHU3_, GSU3_, MCU3_) 400h AWD (MHU38_) 2004 Shock Absorber - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Unscrew the brake hose fastening bracket from the shock strut. Use a drive socket #12. Use a ratchet wrench.
  18. Step 18
    Lexus RX XU30 300 (MCU35_) 2005 Shock Absorber replacement: free workshop manuals
    Loosen the fastener that connects the suspension strut to the rear knuckle. Use a combination spanner #19. Use a drive socket #19. Use a ratchet wrench.
  19. Step 19
    Changing Shock Absorber on LEXUS RX (MHU3_, GSU3_, MCU3_) 350 AWD (GSU35_) 2006 by yourself
    Support the stub axle. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
  20. Step 20
    Unscrew the fastener that connects the suspension strut to the rear knuckle. Use a combination spanner #19. Use a drive socket #19. Use a ratchet wrench.
    Step 21
    How to remove LEXUS RX 350 (GSU30_) 2007 Shock Absorber - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Remove the fastening bolts.
  21. Step 22
    How to replace Shock Absorber on LEXUS RX (MHU3_, GSU3_, MCU3_) 2008: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Clean the ABS sensor fastener. Use WD-40 spray.
  22. Step 23
    How hard is it to do yourself: Shock Absorber replacement on Lexus RX XU30 330 (MCU38_) 2003 - download illustrated guide
    Unscrew the ABS sensor fastener. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
  23. Step 24
    Need to know how to renew Shock Absorber on LEXUS RX 2004? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Unscrew the top fastening of the shock strut mount. Use a drive socket #14. Use a ratchet wrench.
  24. Step 25
    Changing of Shock Absorber on Lexus RX XU30 2005 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Remove the suspension strut.
  25. Step 26
    LEXUS RX 300 (MCU35_) Shock Absorber replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Set the shock absorber strut on the spring compressor tool.
    Replacement: suspension strut – Lexus RX XU30. AUTODOC experts recommend:
    Note that when using a spring compressor, spring coils need to be securely gripped, compressing the spring on the opposite sides.Ensure the correct position of the spring in the retainer.Make sure that the spring coils tightly entered the lock handles.
  26. Step 27
    Replacing Shock Absorber on Lexus RX XU30 2007 400h AWD (MHU38_) by yourself
    Compress the spring.
  27. Step 28
    RX (MHU3_, GSU3_, MCU3_) 350 (GSU30_) 2008 Shock Absorber DIY replacement workshop manual
    Remove the strut piston rod nut. Use a chain wrench. Use a drive socket #19. Use a ratchet wrench.
  28. Step 29
    How to change Shock Absorber on LEXUS RX (MHU3_, GSU3_, MCU3_) 2003 - tips and tricks
    Release the coil spring.
  29. Step 30
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement Lexus RX XU30 2004 350 (GSU30_) Shock Absorber
    Remove the top strut mount.
  30. Step 31
    DIY replacement of Shock Absorber on LEXUS RX (MHU3_, GSU3_, MCU3_) 400h (MHU38_) 2005 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Remove the shock absorber dust cap and the bump stop.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Replacement: suspension strut – Lexus RX XU30. Carefully inspect the mount, the boot, and the bump stop of the shock absorber. Replace if necessary.
  31. Step 32
    How to change Shock Absorber on Lexus RX XU30 2003 - free PDF and video manuals
    Remove the spring.
  32. Step 33
    How to replace LEXUS RX (MHU3_, GSU3_, MCU3_) 400h AWD (MHU38_) 2004 Shock Absorber - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Remove the old shock absorber from the hydraulic coil spring compressor.
    Replacement: suspension strut – Lexus RX XU30. Tip from AUTODOC:
    Before installing a new shock absorber you should pump it manually 3-5 times.
  33. Step 34
    Lexus RX XU30 300 (MCU35_) 2005 Shock Absorber replacement: free workshop manuals
    Install the new shock absorber on the hydraulic coil spring compressor.
  34. Step 35
    Changing Shock Absorber on LEXUS RX (MHU3_, GSU3_, MCU3_) 350 AWD (GSU35_) 2006 by yourself
    Install the spring on the shock absorber.
  35. Step 36
    Install the dust sleeve and the bump stop on the new shock absorber.
    Step 37
    How to remove LEXUS RX 350 (GSU30_) 2007 Shock Absorber - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Compress the spring.
  36. Step 38
    How to replace Shock Absorber on LEXUS RX (MHU3_, GSU3_, MCU3_) 2008: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Install the upper strut mount and the strut mount bearing.
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DIY LEXUS RX (MHU3_, GSU3_, MCU3_) Shock Absorber replacement - online guide
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