More strut replacement questions

[Molerj]

I am going to replace the rear struts in my 93 Corolla LE using the KYB struts. Several questions
1. Is there a thread that shows procedure for rear deck removal?
2. Wasn't planning on replacing mounts if I didn't have to. There isn't any rattling etc. so I'm thinking they may be ok? I know it's hard to say without seeing it, same goes with insulators.
3. KYB has one boot (KYSB 117) for around 28.00 & another (KYB W0133 -1692939 for 20.00. Which one do you guys suggest? Or can I use a Monroe @ 16.00 or another brand?
4. So far Auto Parts Wharehouse & ebay are my best deals that I have found. Don't know if the ebay person has the boots, waiting on a reply.
Any help is appreciated. Spring removal will not be a problem as I have a garage that has a compressor that I have access to.

[96coroll]

As for removing the deck this is not necessary. All you have to do is

1. Pry up the back seat. The clips are located where lets say there was two passengers inbetween there legs.

2. Once that is removed. The two side cushions must be removed which only involves removing the two bolts (14,12 or 10 mm) which will be clearly visible at the bottom of each side cushion. Once the bolts are out just pull out a little on the bottom and lift up and out.


And that will have enough access to the 3 bolts at the top of each strut. I recommend as well to reuse those original nuts.

This is very very simple procedure. Only issue may be that the back seat doesn't want to come easily. You can use a screw driver to pry it up close to the clip located. (didn't have an issue with my 96 but had an issue when we went to change the struts for my cousins 03 camry)

OR if you want an easier way to get it out. Just put ur fist in the center of the cushion and just force the top part of the cushion up over the hock. I did this the first time i went to investigate changing my struts LOL. As i didn't know what i know now

good luck

[speedy25]

Originally Posted by Molerj

2. Wasn't planning on replacing mounts if I didn't have to. There isn't any rattling etc. so I'm thinking they may be ok? I know it's hard to say without seeing it, same goes with insulators.

You wont know about the condition of the tops until you take them apart. Noise isnt a real measurement of whether they are OK or not.

The KYB bump stops and covers are "universal" and each number fits a certain size of strut. Go find the KYB catalog online and confirm the numbers.

I've bought KYB product from Summit Racing over they years with good pricing and little problems.

-SP

[ganda1f]

Nuts that hold the stabilizer bar links to the struts are a pain to remove. Heating the nuts makes it easier, but it is likely that these will have to be cut off. And new links will be necessary.

[96coroll]

Ah yes these sway bar connectors are difficult. But they are doable. Two way:

1)
Clean them nicely. than use some penetrating oil (krown) works best for me. And go at with an allen key in the center and a box wrench over the nut. This will be tough go. But a little trick is to lossen half turn and then tighten back half turn and go loosen one turn. This takes away some of f the dirt from the threads. Using this method will work. Just hold the allen key square. If you strip the allen key go to method two. For both installation and removal don't panic you will still get it off and back on.

2)
Get small vise grip and grap the stud from the back side. Yes they may damage the rubber insulator but i've done it before and had success with no damage. Once the vise grip is on the back of the stud. Get ur socket or air/electric gun and just turn off the nut while holding the vise grips.

This is the easiest and fastest way. Again there is a risk of damaging the rubber. But if your careful you won't. And IMO that rubber doesn't even do that much so if you squeeze it a bit. It don't matter. Cause you will see those connectors aren't exactly that cheap.

-leo

[96coroll]

Oh another trick is. At the back the brake hose goes thru the strut. What you can do instead of removing the connection(making you have to bleed the system i.e more work).

Is remove the slide on clip and than with side cutters cut the metal brake so you can slide out the brake connection in one peice. And same when you install the new one. You can cut the new bracket like a slot slide the connection back in and re install the clip. IMO you not losing very much integrady of the bracket.

[NWMO 95 Prizm Lsi]

Molerj,

Here is a link to a site I found that seems helpful. I'm getting ready to tackle this on my 95' Prizm and was thinking struts only, but it really depends on what I find when I get to it.

frugal mechanic

Chris

[Molerj]

Thanks to all that responded. Ordered the struts & boots today. Took a chance that the mounts are ok. Also, from what I can see on the old ones the insulators look ok, (the boot is ripped so I can see them) I also got everything ready. Got all the nuts cleaned up & loosened up. Put some never seize on & tightened them back up. Had no problems. Even the brake line came loose without much of a problem. Thanks 96coroll for the info about accessing the mounts!

[PhatRoyale]

Just a tip.

You can hit the blue thanks button next time on the bottom right corner of the members post which you find helpful.

[gold94corolla]

Great choice on KYB shocks. You will love them

The install should be very easy. You do not need to remove all of those bolts at the top of the strut mount. Simply pull back the seat side cushion and pop off the black cap to reveal the strut nut. Before you jack up the car, remove this nut and then jack the car up, and the spring will slowly release the strut.



There are also 2 bolts on the bottom, as well as the rear sway bar mount. It is removed with a wrench and hex wrench. My hex nut was stripped (as you can see in the next pics I had a hard time with it) so I had to buy new linkages. And as mentioned, you can easily bend the metal holding in the brake line (I show it here with 2 green arrows).



It should be super easy. To reinstall, simply use the old mounts, isolators, etc and install in reverse order. Put the lower bolts on the strut first, then insert the strut up towards the hole. Lower the car down on the spring until the strut comes through the hole and you can easily bolt it back down.

Hope this helps!

[Molerj]

Just a follow up, did the replacement last week, everything went well, thanks to all who gave me tips. Boot had me a little cofused. I thought it would cover the entire rod but it doesn't. I used a tie wrap to secure it to the bottom of the strut.