Front Shock Absorber: Disassembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Lexus ES 350. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

FIX FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER WITH COIL SPRING
1. As shown in the illustration, secure the front shock absorber with coil spring in a vise using aluminum plates by clamping onto a double nutted bolt affixed to the bracket at the bottom of the absorber.
  
  Fig 1: Identifying Double Nutted Bolt Length
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
REMOVE FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER
1. Using SST, compress the front coil spring.
  SST 09727-30021 (09727-00010,09727-00021, 09727-00031)
  
  NOTE: Do not use an impact wrench.
  
  HINT:
  
  If the front coil spring is compressed at an angle, using 2 SST will make the work easier.
  
  Fig 2: Compressing Front Coil Spring
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
2. Remove the front suspension support sub-assembly, front suspension support bearing, front coil spring upper seat, front coil spring upper insulator, front coil spring, front spring bumper, and front coil spring lower insulator from the front shock absorber.