Need step by step instructions replacing front struts 04 avalon

just behind the fuel flap

Step by step instructions below

http://my06xb.blogspot.com/2016/03/front-strut-replacement.html

the strut only need replacing if there is alot of bounce in the car, or if there leaking, or the main reason is there broken. that would be the only reasons to replace struts

I suggest that you visit the autozone.com website and register the car. It doesn't cost anything and you will have access to an online repair manual for the car. Pretty handy. The steps for replacing the brakes should be available there. Hope this helped and best wishes.

CHANGING STRUTS REQUIRES A SPECIAL TOOL YOU RENT AT ANY PARTS STORE. THEY ARE NOT BAD FOR SOMEONE WHO KNOWS HOW TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS. THE TOOL HAS INSTRUCTIONS AS LONG AS YOU FOLLOW THEM STEP BY STEP, YOU'LL BE FINE. SHOPS MAKE WAY TOO MUCH MONEY ON THAT STUFF. THEY GET A 30-40 PERCENT DISCOUNT ON THE PARTS; THEY CHARGE YOU 15 PERCENT MORE THAN WHAT YOU WOULD PAY; AND THEY CHARGE TOO MUCH FOR LABOR. GET A BOOK NEXT TIME AND RENT THE TOOL. YOU'D BE SURPRISED HOW EASY THEY ARE.

you probly do not have one . un less you bought life time warranty struts

no it will not affect most of the time the front struts will go before the rear beaning that the front will receive more punishment then the rear

Yes you need a strut compressor not the macpherson style of old days. You need to remove alot of stuff,like the brake calipers,the wheel bearing lock pin,the front abs sensor, then remove the strut/spring assembly. You need an air wrench. Try pepboys or ntb for a better price,installed. Don't try this on your own based on what you said. Serious injury or death will result from improper use of tools or wrong installation.

Ford has a technical service bulletin out on this vehicle that may help solve your problem. The number is 04-6-1.
Here is the info:

ISSUE: Some 2000-2004 Focus vehicles may exhibit a front end creaking, crunching, grinding and/or rattling noise from the front suspension while driving at slow speeds, over bumps, and/or while turning.
ACTION: Noise, vibration, harness (NVH) conditions may originate from many areas. A thorough inspection of the front suspension is necessary to determine the cause. To service, refer to the following Service Procedure and inspect the suggested areas first.
SERVICE PROCEDURE

1. Inspect front strut fasteners and confirm that they are tightened to the correct torque.
   1. Front strut to front knuckle, (one (1) driver / one (1) passenger), 90 N-m (67 lb-ft).
   2. Front strut mount to body, (three (3) driver / three (3) passenger), 30 N-m (22 lb-ft).
   3. Front strut rod to strut mount, (one (1) driver / one (1) passenger), 66 N-m (49 lb-ft). NOTE: MEASUREMENT OF TORQUE MUST BE DONE IN THE TIGHTENING DIRECTION. NOTE: IN ORDER TO APPLY THE PROPER TORQUE TO THE FRONT STRUT ROD TO STRUT MOUNT FASTENER, A HEX KEY WILL BE REQUIRED TO HOLD THE STRUT ROD IN PLACE WHILE TIGHTENING THE NUT.
      
2. Inspect for loose stabilizer bar end links.
   1. Firmly grasp the links and shake them - both along the direction of the link and transverse to the link orientation in the inboard/outboard vehicle direction. If looseness is felt continue on to Step 2b, if no looseness is felt continue on to Step 3.
   2. Inspect the link end joints. If they do not appear severely corroded, torque the nuts (use anti-rotation feature to prevent ball joint damage) to 50 N-m (36 lb-ft), and repeat Step 2a. If links still feel loose after tightening or if the joint shows evidence of severe corrosion, replace the link (YS4Z-5K484-AA).
3. Inspect for the top spring sleeve coming out of position. This may cause a squeaking noise between the sleeve and indent on the ridge of the upper spring seat, or it may cause a clicking noise between the spring and upper spring seat if the sleeve is completely out of position. If the sleeve is out of position continue on to Step 3a, if the sleeve is positioned properly continue on to Step 4.
   1. Install a new rubber sleeve (1S4Z-8484-AA). Install the new rubber sleeve starting from the top of the spring coil where it contacts the spring plate.
4. If the noise is a clicking or popping from the front strut, install a service spring end cap (4S4Z-5L302-AA) on to the top spring tip. Reassemble and reinstall strut per the Workshop Manual Section 204-01.

remove the rear seat.
(pull up on the front of the rear seat to remove)