How to Replace Corolla Struts

Struts are larger shock absorbers that use coil springs and other components to reduce the effects of the road on a car. In many cases, it may be easier and safer to replace an entire strut assembly rather than the individual components. It's a process that requires caution and at least two people in most cases. Replacing struts on a Toyota Corolla is a process very similar to most other vehicles. You need to change both struts together.

Instructions

Removal

1

Raise the front end of the Corolla and support it on jack stands. Remove the front wheels.

2

Unbolt and remove bracket for the speed sensor wiring (if the car has ABS) and the brake hose from the strut using a wrench.

3

Unscrew and remove the nut at the upper end of the vertical stabilizer bar where it connects to the strut using your wrench and disconnect the bar from the strut.

4

Mark the relationship of the strut to the steering knuckle using a permanent marker or a sharp-pointed scribe.

5

Remove the nuts for the strut-to-steering knuckle bolts using your wrench. Knock out the bolts with a punch ad hammer.

6

Separate the strut from the knuckle, making sure you don't make the steering knuckle fall out or overextend the CV joint.

7

Remove the three upper mounting nuts with your wrench while a second person supports the strut and then lower it out of the fender well.

Installation

8

Guide the replacement strut so it goes into the fender well and the three upper studs fit into the holes at the top of the tower. Connect the three nuts without tightening them yet.

9

Insert the steering knuckle into the strut's flange, insert its bolts and then tighten the nuts to 113 foot pounds. Reconnect the stabilizer bar using its upper nut.

10

Reconnect the wiring and hose brackets with their bolts.

11

Reconnect the wheels and lower the Corolla off the jack stands after replacing both struts.

12

Tighten the upper mounting nuts for both struts to 29 foot pounds.