Strut Change and Alignment

Thanks for the note! However, I'm unsure what is the upper steering bearing? I've watched a number of tutorials and this item never came up. Perahps it is because I'm replacing the entire struct assembly, and this is one of the parts within? Any information would be appreciated

 

That part is referred to as the front suspension support subassembly in the factory repair manual. It is the upper portion of the strut assembly, and allows the strut to pivot as the steering wheel is turned.

 

You do not want to go through all the work of strut replacement and not change that bearing. Its already basicly being taken off when you change the strut.

Its a high wear item. The entire front end weight of the car sits on that bearing. Last time I bought that oem part from Toyota was $50 each.

You will notice the steering being much much easier to turn after replacement. Takes a big load off the electric steering system.

 

Thanks Patrick. I found the following illustrations to help identify the part, shared here for others.

BTW, is there an online version of the factory repair manual I can reference, particularly on front and rear struct assemblies replacement?