Front Shock Absorber: Reassembly

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.

INSTALL FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER
1. Install the front spring bumper to the piston rod.
2. Install the front coil spring lower insulator onto the front shock absorber.
  NOTE: Align the 2 protrusions of the front coil spring lower insulator and the 2 holes in the front shock absorber.
  
  Fig 1: Aligning Protrusions Of Front Coil Spring Lower Insulator
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
3. 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
4. Install the front coil spring to the front shock absorber.
  NOTE: The smaller diameter end of the front coil spring must face upward.
  
  HINT:
  
  Fit the lower end of the front coil spring into the gap of the insulator.
  
  Fig 3: Fitting Lower End Of Front Coil Spring Into Gap Of Insulator
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
5. Install the front coil spring upper insulator as shown in the illustration.
  HINT:
  
  Any misalignment between the front shock absorber lower bracket and the matchmark must be +- 5°.
  
  Fig 4: Identifying Front Coil Spring Upper Insulator
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
6. Install the front coil spring upper seat with the mark facing to the outside of the vehicle.
  HINT:
  
  Any misalignment between the front shock absorber lower bracket and the matchmark must be +- 5°.
  
  Fig 5: Identifying Front Coil Spring Upper Seat With Mark Facing To Outside Of Vehicle
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
7. Install a new front suspension support bearing as shown in the illustration.
  HINT:
  
  If there is foreign matter inside the front suspension support bearing, replace it with a new one.
  
  Fig 6: Identifying Front Suspension Support Bearing
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
8. Install the front suspension support sub-assembly. Temporarily tighten a new lock nut.
  NOTE: Check that the flats on the piston rod and the flats on the front suspension support sub-assembly are aligned.
  
  Fig 7: Installing Front Suspension Support Sub-Assembly
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
9. Remove the SST slowly in order to release the coil spring.
  NOTE: Do not use an impact wrench.
  
  Any misalignment between the front shock absorber lower bracket and the matchmark must be +- 5°.
  
  Fig 8: Releasing Coil Spring
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002