The Toyota Corolla is one of the most dependable cars on the road, known for its reliability and long-lasting performance. However, like any vehicle, it requires regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. One important task that may come up over time is replacing the shocks and struts. If you're looking to do this yourself, here's a detailed guide to help you through the process.
Before beginning, make sure you have a safe and well-lit workspace—ideally a garage or a flat area outdoors. Gather all the necessary tools, including a jack, jack stands, wrenches, and a torque wrench. It’s also essential to purchase the correct replacement parts from a trusted source. You can find genuine Toyota parts by visiting our store.
Now, let’s walk through the steps for replacing both front and rear shocks and struts.
**Front Shocks and Struts Replacement**
1. Park the Corolla on level ground and engage the parking brake. Use a jack to lift the front of the car and secure it with jack stands. Loosen and remove the front wheels. Locate the front suspension components, which are typically found near the springs and connected to the frame.
2. Identify the wheel hub and the brake hose attached to the strut. Disconnect the anti-lock brake sensor and its mounting bracket. Remove the nut from the stabilizer link, which is located halfway down the strut assembly. Then, take out the lower bolts and the upper nuts connecting the strut to the frame. Repeat the process for the other side.
3. Once the strut is removed, take off the dust cover and compress the spring using a spring compressor tool. Carefully lay out all the components in the order they were removed: mounting bracket, dust seal, upper spring seat, upper insulator, coil spring, spring bumper, and lower insulator. Replace any worn-out parts and reassemble the strut. Torque the strut nut to 35 ft-lbs, then release the spring pressure.
4. Reinstall the strut by attaching the upper bolts to the body and tightening them to 29 ft-lbs. Secure the lower bolts to 113 ft-lbs. Reconnect the brake hose and anti-lock sensor brackets, tightening them to 21 ft-lbs. Install the stabilizer link nut and torque it to 55 ft-lbs. Repeat the process on the other side.
**Rear Struts Replacement**
1. Begin by disconnecting the negative battery cable and removing the rear seat cushions. Lift the rear of the car using a jack and support it with jack stands. Remove the rear wheels.
2. Disconnect the brackets and sensors from the rear strut and the stabilizer bar link. Support the lower end of the strut with a jack stand. Loosen and remove the lower bolts, then take off the upper mounting nuts. Do the same for the other side.
3. Once the strut is out, use a spring compressor tool to safely compress the spring. Remove the center nut and carefully take apart the components in the order they came off. Replace any damaged parts and reassemble the strut in reverse order. Torque the center nut to 36 ft-lbs.
4. Reinstall the strut by attaching it to the frame and securing the upper mounting nuts to 29 ft-lbs. Hand-tighten the strut to the arm and connect the link nut. Reattach any brackets or sensors. Repeat for the other side.
5. Put the rear wheels back on and lower the car. Bounce the rear of the vehicle to settle the suspension. Torque the strut-to-arm bolt to 188 ft-lbs. Finally, replace the rear seat cushions and reconnect the negative battery cable.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully replaced the shocks and struts on your Toyota Corolla. This maintenance task not only improves ride quality but also enhances safety and handling.
If you’re interested in similar projects, check out these related posts:
- [Toyota Yaris Maintenance – Strut and Shock Replacement](link)
- [Toyota Camry Maintenance – Shock and Strut Replacement](link)
- [Toyota Avalon Maintenance – Shock and Strut Replacement](link)
- [Toyota Sequoia Maintenance – Replace Brake Pads](link)
- [Toyota Front Brake Pad Replacement – 04465-35290](link)
- [Toyota Tundra Maintenance – Change Brake Pads](link)
Remember, if you're unsure about any step, it's always a good idea to consult a professional mechanic. Stay safe and happy driving!
J.B Machinery (Ningbo) Co., Ltd. , https://www.jbcastings.com