Had a mechanic install my new TRD suspension April 2018. Recently heard some front end squeaking. My suspension is essentially BRAND new. So, I had another mechanic take a look. Turns out the circled washer below wasn’t installed by the first mechanic. Big no-no.


As a result, the stem ate through the strut mount rubber and started rubbing against the metal strut mount plate. Metal on metal contact led to this damage.

Driver side is pretty seriously compromised.


Passenger side doesn’t look nearly as sketchy.


I had the NEW mechanic replace and install both strut mounts correctly. I asked him to give me the old ones.

Now the dilemma. Toyota no longer makes the TRD suspension and I think I need to replace my damaged struts. The almost exact replacement would be the Bilstein 6112 ($700).

I’m inclined to ask the original mechanic to pay for new 6112s as my current suspension has been compromised. What would you do?


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Doesn't hurt to ask.

Thanks. Want to crowdsource options first.

What would you ask for?


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Well it looks like you paid labor to install the new set but I would ask for a partial refund as it was installed incorrectly the first time.

After 2 years I suspect it might be hard to receive any compensation, it certainly doesn’t hurt to ask. I would put together some facts and photos to make your case easier to present. I think a partial refund is reasonable, but you could aim higher for a replacement shock, but I wouldn’t hold my breath.

Just be nice a respectful and don’t go in hot and start demanding things. If you have a long working relationship with this mechanic that generally goes a long way and is something to highlight if you start to meet some resistance.