sagging rear suspension

[StephanieD]

I hope this isn't a frequently asked question - I did search the forum.

The rear end of my Corolla sits rather low. My last 'older' car was a mid-90s Protegé (just sold it). It sat up really high in the rear. I put a small hitch on the Corolla and it almost drags on the group. A see newer Corollas and they do not sit as low.

Is there a cheap way to "preload" the springs or something like that? I saw some rubber spacers at the local auto parts store and tried to install them myself. Now I am no mechanic (my total mechanical experience is that I changed my oil once) but the spacers were too small and could easily be pulled out with almost no force after I set the car back down off the jack. I asked if they sold larger spacers but those were the largest rubber spacers they had. The car store guy was surprised that they were too small for a Corolla's springs. They sell adjustable metal spacers but the guy said they can cause the springs to break.

Any suggestions?

If this is an FAQ can someone let me know what key words to search for?

Thank you!

[fishexpo101]

Could be the springs on the car are tired and worn out. Even if you don't load the car with that much weight and cargo, given enough time and the right conditions - the springs can start to sag / droop. Check by measuring the ride height front and rear, side to side. The car should be fairly even all the way around (measure from the ground up to the bottom of a body seam. Can't really go by a visual inspection, as the way the rear fender is designed, makes it look like the rear end is sagging.

If you hitched a trailer and it sags significantly, either you have too much tongue weight (percentage of total trailer weight) or the springs are really shot.

[DMC6453]

I had the same problem with my 98 Corolla and recently fixed it by installing new rear springs and struts (original struts were shot and original springs were fatigued). When replaced the car had nearly 187,000 miles!

[brooklyn99corolla]

i have the same problem! corolla looks like a low rider in the back! is it easy to replace the rear springs and struts? can i do this myself? anyone have part numbers?

[DMC6453]

I used coil springs Duralast Part number CS9647 (SOLD IN PAIRS) from autozone and Monroe struts part numbers 801953 and 801954 (right and left rear struts are different part numbers) from Pep boys but they are also available from Kragen.

I used a Haynes repair manual and a friend helped me. you will need a strut spring compressor (I bought one on ebay and have used it for my Corolla and my DeLorean and it cost about $50) - it is better to go with the jaw type strut spring compressor like I bought as it is much safer.

In short I did the following
-disconnected brake line from strut
-disconnected rear sway bar link from strut
-removed the three nuts from the top of strut assembly (accessible from inside car)
-disconnected strut from lower control arm
-removed strut assembly from car
-compressed spring
-dissassembled strut assembly & transfer components from old strut to new one
-install new spring on strut - compress spring
reassemble strut assembly
-put strut assemble back in car in reverse order of taking out

I hope this helps.. get a haynes repair manual.. it will make the job easier
-Chris

p.s. let me know how it goes and if you need more help just ask

[brooklyn99corolla]

Thanks for the info, will prob do this when it gets warmer to cold right now!! Thanks Again!!