DIY Front Lowering Springs for a Corolla 03 - 08

[RinconRolla98]

This is a DIY for a 9th gen from OEM to H&R springs .




First you just crack loose the lug nuts .



Then you slide your floor jack to and place it at the strongest point of your corolla . Usally it's where your OEM jack would go .



Then with a allen key and a open end wrench you remove the top nut for the sway bar link .



Then you push it out of the way . If it feels stuck then with a RUBBER mallet gently tap it out .



In this situation I placed a floor jack under the lower control arm and slightly lowered the corolla , As it is resting on the control arm pushing up so that it closes the spring before removing the upper nut for the strut .



Then I removed the two nuts for the bottom strut but do not remove the bolt so that it keeps the strut in place and the tension of the spring .



Then you go to the top of the strut and remove the nut that holds the top of the strut .



Then you raise your corolla up slowly so that the spring opens up and releases the spring tension and once that is completed you remove the bolts for the bottom strut . Then you remove the OEM spring and replace it with the aftermarket spring . ( Reminder : When you are putting this all back together use some anti seize for your bolts and studs so that the next time you need to get in there it will be easy to remove . )



Then you snug the lug nuts in a star formation and then lower the car until the tire touches the ground and then tighten up the rest of the way and torque if needed .



Then when you are done it should looks like this . In this vehicle we put H&R springs.

[NMGeorge]

nice job with the photos and instructions

[RinconRolla98]

This is a DIY for a 9th gen from OEM to H&R springs .



First you just crack loose the lug nuts .



Then you slide your floor jack to and place it at the strongest point of your corolla . Usally it's where your OEM jack would go .



Then you go to the trunk and pull away the carpet and the top of the rear strut wgere the nut is will be exposed . Then you take your allen key and open end wrench and you remove the nut all the way first .



Then you go to the bottom of the strut with a torque wrench and you remove the bottom nut that is holding the bottom of the strut . Once you remove the nut then you get a rubber mallot and you gently tap the strut to the side as it slides on the bottom welded bolt but be careful cause it will snap down to the floor because of the tension of the spring , If you like you can put a blanket there or something to soften the blow . But it's not enough to do any damage to the strut or floor . It will only snap downward .



Then you remove the OEM spring and replace it with your aftermarket spring . Then you just reverse the instalment . You might need a spring compressor tool to put the rear back on . Then when you are done it should looks like this . In this vehicle we put H&R springs.



Then you snug the lug nuts in a star formation and then lower the car until the tire touches the ground and then tighten up the rest of the way and torque if needed .

[silver04rollas]

Excellent post. I will see if this could get added to a sticky.


Edit: I discussed with my fellow moderators on the possibility to make this a sticky. However, as my fellow moderators pointed out that some critical elements in a "good installation" process are missing and I am not sure if it truly is a DIY in the light of the following:

1 - Removing/installing the rear springs require a spring compressor. The thread makes it seems like you just turn a couple of bolts, remove, then install in reverse, when in actuality, using a spring compressor takes some knowledge with attention to safety.
The spring breaking loose can be very dangerous and cause serious injury. That is missing from the thread.

2 - You should not use a torque wrench to remove a tight bolts.

I think these two critical elements make it somewhat of a more complex process that may requires some professional help.

Thanks so much for posting a great thread, though.

[silver04rollas]

Excellent post. I will see if this could get added to a sticky.

Edit: I discussed with my fellow moderators on the possibility to make this a sticky. However, as my fellow moderators pointed out that some critical elements in a "good installation" process are missing and I am not sure if it truly is a DIY in the light of the following:

1 - Removing/installing the rear springs require a spring compressor. The thread makes it seems like you just turn a couple of bolts, remove, then install in reverse, when in actuality, using a spring compressor takes some knowledge with attention to safety.
The spring breaking loose can be very dangerous and cause serious injury. That is missing from the thread.

2 - You should not use a torque wrench to remove a tight bolts.

I think these two critical elements make it somewhat of a more complex process that may requires some professional help.

Thanks so much for posting a great thread, though.

[RinconRolla98]

Yea I did put you might need a spring compressor but I have something that puts it back I just didnt photo it , But yes you do need a spring compressor . The myth that toyota springs have that much tension is faulse and I dont see how using a torque wrench is harmful on tight bolts ? WHat do you think was used before air compressors ...LMAO ... But everyone has there own way , I was just trying to help out fellow members and share my experience

[invader]

Yet more info:

http://www.diymytoyota.com/corolla/i...ering-springs/

http://www.diymytoyota.com/corolla/l...-and-pictures/

[La-Firma-Racing]

dude can you post one picture before and one after the change?

[Jay-P]

This will come in handy for me, appreciate the write up.

[05xrssam]

i have an 05 xrs, looking to do struts and lowering springs at the same time, any suggestions of what brands i should go with??

[Archer0T8]

Originally Posted by RinconRolla98

The myth that toyota springs have that much tension is faulse

Not the tension you need to be concerned about, but the potential energy in the compressed springs... even slightly compressed, say 3 or 4 inches, and those springs can easily release enough energy to be equivalent to a direct punch by a pro boxer.