Front Shock Absorber: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Toyota Land Cruiser. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

DRAIN ACTIVE HEIGHT CONTROL SUSPENSION FLUID
1. Connect the hose to the bleeder plug for the damping force control actuator and loosen the bleeder plug.
  CAUTION: While the fluid is being discharged, the vehicle height will lower suddenly.
  
  Fig 1: Connecting Hose To Bleeder Plug
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
2. After the fluid pressure has dropped and oil has drained out, tighten the bleeder plug and remove the hose.
  Torque: 8.3 N*m (84 kgf*cm, 73 in.*lbf)
REMOVE FRONT WHEEL
Torque: 131 N*m (1,340 kgf*cm, 97 ft.*lbf)
REMOVE FRONT FENDER APRON SUB-ASSEMBLY
REMOVE FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER ASSEMBLY
1. Remove the bolt and nut, and disconnect the shock absorber from the lower arm suspension arm.
  Torque: 135 N*m (1,400 kgf*cm, 101 ft.*lbf)
  
  Fig 2: Removing Bolt, Nut & Shock Absorber
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
2. Remove the 2 bolts and disconnect the pressure hose.
  Torque: 18 N*m (185 kgf*cm, 13 ft.*lbf)
3. Remove the O-ring and back up ring from the pressure hose.
  HINT:
  
  At the time of installation, replace the used O-ring and back up ring with new ones.
4. While holding the cushion, remove the nut, cushion, retainer and shock absorber.
  Torque: 78 N*m (795 kgf*cm, 57 ft.*lbf)
  
  Fig 3: Removing Bolts & Pressure Hose
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
5. Remove the cushion and retainer from the shock absorber.