Sienna

How to Replace the Rear Liftgate Shocks on a 2004-2010 Toyota Sienna

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Replace Rear Liftgate Shocks
Replace Rear Liftgate Shocks

The tailgate on our 2004 Toyota Sienna wouldn’t go up all the way on its own so it was about time to replace the shocks.  I ordered them from Amazon and you can click on the link below.  They are an exact replacement and fit perfectly.

How to Replace the Rear Liftgate Shocks on a 2004-2010 Toyota Sienna:

Equipment:

  • 2004-2010 Toyota Sienna (probably about any year though)

Parts Needed:

Tools Needed:

Step 1: Prep the new shocks for installation.

Before you get the old shocks removed from the van and find yourself holding the tailgate up with your shoulder and then realize the clips need to be removed/moved on the replacement shocks before you can install them, let’s do it ahead of time so we’re ready.
Stick the tip of your needle-nose pliers in the notch on either side of the spring clip (see picture, two pictures below) and pry out and then slide the spring clip toward the end of the shock so it looks like below.  You don’t need to completely remove them.

Step 2: Open the lift gate.

You cannot get at them if the tail gate is not open.

Step 3: Remove the spring clips from each end of ONE of the original lift gate shocks.

Replace ONE shock at a time because the tailgate is heavy and one shock will not hold up the lift gate and you’ll have to have someone help you or hold it up with your shoulder like I did 🙂  Important: Do not pry the spring clip straight off/out!  Slide it out the end, through the channel you’ll find it pinched into on each side.
You’ll be familiar with this if you prepped the new shocks like I said in step 1.
Stick the tip of your needle nose pliers in the notch on either side of the spring clip:
Pull the clip away a bit and then you can slide it straight out the end.  In the picture below I needed to pull the clip out (towards the camera) and then up and to the right to slide it out.
If you get the clip off this far you can take the shock straight off:

Step 4: Remove the shock.

The shock will come straight off if you pull it straight away from the door/body of the van.  Note: Be ready to support the tailgate when you take it off.

Step 5: Install the new shock.

Slip on the new shocks and then carefully slide the clip springs back into place.

Step 6: Repeat steps 3-5 for the other shock.

You just saved yourself at least $100 for not much work versus taking it to the dealer.

Click here to see ALL 30+ of my Toyota Sienna posts.

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John Mueller
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4 Comments

  • Thanks for taking the time to share all this knowledge. Very kind of you. My liftgate shocks are replaced now and I spent $50! You’re awesome!

    Reply

  • It is very noble of you to set up this site. Thank you.
    Can the sienna 2008 model power operated tail gate struts be replaced as easily ?
    The dealer tells me that there is considerable work taking off panels etc to replace them.
    I will appreciate your help in this.
    Tom

    Reply

    • Thanks for the question Tom. The 2008 is identical to the 2004 model and you do not need to remove any panels to replace your liftgate shocks. Follow along with this article and you’ll be able to replace your shocks and save a lot of money. Thanks!

      Reply

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