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I got an email from Toyota of Decatur for a Black Friday sale. Now thru Nov 27.
25% off all genuine Toyota parts. Free ground shipping over $75. https://autoparts.toyotaofdecatur.com/
I ordered some ignition coil from them through a previous sale. They were slow to ship. It took some follow up email, but they were responsive and I did eventually receive them.
Once I figure out how to find the correct Toyota parts numbers, I want to order the parts for the gen3 brake upgrade and the stainless steel brake line upgrade. I'm also due for brakes and rotors.
I compiled all the caliper part numbers here. I would also recc the full-length bleeder screw caps for the front and rear calipers. The upgraded 2nd gen HL and 3rd gen RX rear calipers require a different bleeder cap, but the caps are some-what interchangeable. If you're staying with 2nd gen rears, you'll need four front bleeder caps
The 25% off sale is back for President's Day. Last time, although Matt made it about as easy as could be, I didn't get it all figured out in time. I did order the (VVTi line) Lexus 04004-29131 Pipe, Oil Cooler from Lexus (not yet installed).
So now I am looking to order the Engine Cooler Line & gasket. And all the things needed for the Gen3 Upgrade.
So here's what I'm planning to order. Please don't hesitate to set me straight if I got something wrong or am missing something. They won't ship rotors.
Part name. Part number. Price before 25% discount.
(Engine Cooler Line) Pipe, Oil, No.2 15772-31030 $24.12
Gasket 90430-16016 2 $2.58
CALIPER UPGRADE parts from 4th gen 2020+ Highlander*
(* details in comment #5 by MattRx)
Cylinder Assy, Disc Brake, RH 47730-0E070 $152.75
Left Brake Caliper 47750-0E070 $152.75
Flange Bolt 90105-A0435 $3.88 for 2
Gasket, Flexible 47389-97201 $6.93
After the discount, the OEM calipers are $115. So, still more expensive than Raybestos (~$100) or remanufactured (~$60 + 45 refundable core charge). I think, worth it?
I'm afraid my mechanic won't use anything but OEM parts. OTOH, I may just need to find another technician willing to do all this.
**Prices are before the 25% discount. These are the prices I wrote down in November. They've all gone up by a few cents.
Last edited by Luv07RX350; 02-22-24 at 09:59 PM.
Reason: accuracy
OEM calipers are 100% worth it. The one time I got them, they were new straight from Japan and not rebuilt, and have all the associated hardware (slide pins, bleeder screw, bracket) to just go right on
Cooler pipe and associated gaskets is correct
Calipers and bolts listed are for the 4th gen 2020+ Highlander. These calipers will work mind you, and they’re bigger than the 3rd gen RX (340mm rotor vs 328mm rotor). The two caveats are that they require 18” wheels instead of 17” wheels, and they use M14 mounting bolts instead of M12, so the knuckle needs to be drilled with a 9/16” drill bit
Sway bar bushings are for the 16mm sway bar on a Highlander or sport package RX. I would go under car and measure with a caliper. If your car is a regular AWD, it’ll come with a 14mm rear sway bar and 48818-48030 bushings
Full length bleeder caps will be a nice touch 👍🏻
90080-17225 and 90080-17215 strut tower M10 x 1.25 nuts look like one and the same
Strut lock nuts are spot on, nyloc one with flange is for the front, the oblong locking nut is for the rear
Thank you!
I will take a look at the 3rd gen calipers, but yes it is AWD with tow hitch and I do think the current wheels are 18". The current tires were invoiced as 235/55/18.
I ordered a digital caliper to measure the sway bar if it comes in time. I don't understand all the connections or the sway bar / bushings, but I'll look for a video.
Looking forward to better braking. (I liked your recent post about reducing the "soft" feeling too, I prefer a more responsive feeling, but not driving nor technical enough to make that change worthwhile / doable.)
The two caveats are that they require 18” wheels instead of 17” wheels, and they use M14 mounting bolts instead of M12, so the knuckle needs to be drilled with a 9/16” drill bit
Sway bar bushings are for the 16mm sway bar on a Highlander or sport package RX. I would go under car and measure with a caliper.
Digital caliper arrived. I watched a few videos to figure out what to measure.
Sway Bar Link Replacement
The nut measured 16mm reaching via the wheel well. Your comment and the video say it should be 14mm though so to be sure I'll to need to jack it up to see what I'm doing.
( Or was I supposed to measure the circumference of the sway bar link? )
The 18" wheels were a factory installed option from purchase. Would that change the sway bar link? Seems unlikely. (I added all the installed options to my profile.)
Since I have 18" wheel, do you think the 2020 Highlander calipers are the best choice? Is this going to be more problematic for the tech to install due to the drilling required and sway bar differences?
This thread got moved to the Deals forum, so perhaps I will start a new thread in the Gen 2 forum to solicit opinions on the best brake-caliper upgrade for 18" wheels.
These RX all had the same end links between the 04-09 year, FWD, 18" wheels etc. If you want some great end links for these, the aluminum ones for a 2000-2011 Ford Focus from Delphi/Suspensia on Rockauto are a massive upgrade. Aluminum, thicker body, welded nut and half the weight of stock while being way cheaper and stronger. They're cheap too
The nut on the sway bar end links will be 14mm if they are stock, aftermarket ones may be different, but those don't matter. You'll want to measure underneath the car where the bar mounts to the frame via rubber bushings and "C-shaped" clamp brackets, you thankfully don't even need to jack up car to inspect or replace these bushings, you just need to remove the two 12mm bolts (use heat if they are rusted), or read the size on the bushing itself if is still intact.
I don't think a tech would want to be liable to drill out the knuckle holes to accommodate the calipers, you will probably have to DIY that yourself if you want those calipers. It might be best to stick with the 3rd gen RX calipers if you are getting someone else to do it.
These RX all had the same end links between the 04-09 year, FWD, 18" wheels etc. If you want some great end links for these, the aluminum ones for a 2000-2011 Ford Focus from Delphi/Suspensia on Rockauto are a massive upgrade.
I'll go with the Gen3 options in that case.
When I settled on the the 2020+ Highlander calipers, I may have thought that those were the only option for 18" tires. I take notes but forget details since I've been considering this for so long... but not driving far these days. But I would like her ready for longer road trips this spring & summer.
Anything else you'd suggest from the Toyota parts sale or anywhere in advance of my next major service?
I've bought the VVTI and brake line steel upgrades as well as spark plugs & ignition coils.
She's approaching 110k and due for everything: tires, brakes, rotors, and whatever else usually wears out by now.
Last comprehensive service including transfer/diff oil replacement was 60k. At 90k water pump, engine coolant were done. I've replaced the cabin & engine air filter, battery, and one front engine coil.
Good stuff! That's a nice overhaul that'll keep her going for another 110k at least. I'd pick up some sensor cleaner to clean MAF and throttle body. I'd also pick up some synthetic DEXRON VI transmission fluid to flush power steering system too, Toyota T-IV or WS trans fluid will work too in the place of Dex 6. Only requires one bottle/litre and should keep the PS going strong as well. May as well do that anyway as the PS pump has to come off to do the rear VVT-i line anyway. I'd check power steering rack pinion boots and CV axle boots as well for any rips/leaks.
1x 44327-30030 - Aluminum gasket for PS pump hose that may need to come off
Thanks so much. I'll look for a video on how to inspect those things. I watched one a while back on cleaning the MAF sensor and throttle body. It's on my request list for the engine service, though I guess the advantage of doing myself is knowing for sure it was done.
I'll add the PS fluid to the request list with the VVT-i line replacement.
So far, I'm not doing any work myself that involves taking apart hardened parts or judgement calls. I watch all the videos, and wouldn't mind at all doing the work, but I just don't have any experience about in what condition something needs replacing or how much torque is right, etc etc. I tried to change the front spark plugs myself, but lost gumption when there was more resistance than I'd hoped.
For better and worse, my mechanic is kind of by the book. So far he's only agreed to upgrade are the rubber lines with steel. I'm hoping if I bring the calipers he'll see it's doable. I'm looking for another tech, but either I have to drive further to find another Toyota specialist or go to a generalist or shade tree mechanic.
Yup, it was easier to see and measure the sway bar at on the rear, following Matt's instructions. It was 14mm.**
Although not planning to upgrade the rear caliper unless worn out or someone reports a big improvement or mine.
I may start a new thread back in the Gen2 forum to summarize all this and seek advice on brakes, rotors, struts, and anything else I could be paying attention to.
** (For anyone following along, this is for an 07 RX with factory installed 18" wheels and the Towing Prep Package and Premium Plus Package. Has standard 14mm sway bar, not the larger 16mm one.)
Last edited by Luv07RX350; 02-25-24 at 03:28 PM.
Reason: clarity
11-21-23, 12:17 PM
Parts Sale
