2003 DIY Strut replacement 1st time advice

[robert7059]

Have a 2003 Corolla LE with approx 130K miles on it and decided I'd give it a try at changing out the shocks and struts. It doesn't look too hard but I did have a couple questions and any advice anyone could give to make the job easier would be great as well.

I purchased KYB brand stuts but didn't purchase any mounting kits on the advice of another individual. However, I am wondering if I need to do that. I noticed that the new struts do not come with the rubber spring liner. Can I use the one from the original or should I purchase new?

Also compressing the spring is about the only thing that I have any concern over. I have read so many different things about what to do, not to do, etc. What kind of spring compressor is best? Is the store rental ones ok or should I purchase my own?

Lastly, I planned on using regular hand tools. Should I invest in any air tools for the job?

Thanks

[Tacobale]

Make sure you use the kind that locks.

[invader]

The bellows (accordeon shaped strut shaft protector boot) should be replaced. KYB and others' replacement bellows are actually made of plastic. Regular spring compressors work ok. You can clean out the strut mount bearings and repack with grease. Air tools are not really needed. It will then need a front wheel alignment. If you can reinstall front struts at about the same camber angle by lifting steering knuckle up from under the rotor when tightening the 2 strut bolts, toe alignment won't be changed as much. You can check camber angle with carpenter's bubble level stood up against the tire with car on the ground before and after strut replacement.

[techtalk]

Originally Posted by robert7059

Also compressing the spring is about the only thing that I have any concern over. I have read so many different things about what to do, not to do, etc. What kind of spring compressor is best? Is the store rental ones ok or should I purchase my own?

Lastly, I planned on using regular hand tools. Should I invest in any air tools for the job?

Thanks

Robert,

When I replace shocks or struts I find that the spring compressor that I bought from O'Riley works perfectly fine. Just be extremely careful to read all of the instructions provided by the compressor manufacturer and you'll be fine. As for the which tools you need for the job, I always get away with using commonplace hand tools

One more thing, I would advise replacing the front and rear coil spring insulators (also referred to as shock or strut boots) when you have all of the suspension components disassembled. It's only a $11-16 part if you order it from toyotapartszone.com and it's not that big of a deal to swap out.


Good luck!

[invader]

The upper insulator (boot) is usually called a bellow from aftermarket part distributors... Available on its own from Toyota, it comes with a bumper from other part distributors.

[robert7059]

Originally Posted by techtalk

Robert,


One more thing, I would advise replacing the front and rear coil spring insulators (also referred to as shock or strut boots) when you have all of the suspension components disassembled. It's only a $11-16 part if you order it from toyotapartszone.com and it's not that big of a deal to swap out.

Do I need to find KYB brand specific boots and insulators since I bought KYB struts or will any brand work with these struts?

Thanks for the advice everyone!

[invader]

Any brand will work... Toyota's upper front spring insulator also includes the boot. Like most aftermarket bellows (boots), KYB's are made of cheapish plastic, and they come with their own bumper that fit poorly, and they do not include the upper spring insulator which doesn't need to be replaced. Front lower spring insulators do wear out and are also inexpensive.
There are no replaceable boots on the rear struts, and the rear upper spring insulators don't need to be replaced.

So to recap, you're looking at replacing all 4 struts (front struts/rear shock absorbers), front upper spring insulators (insulator and boot together in one piece), and front lower spring insulators.

Toyota parts available for even less from: https://www.1sttoyotaparts.com/oempartscat.html

Front illustration: http://www.utoyot8.com/Picture.aspx?...ccode=&ppName=

Rear illustration: http://www.utoyot8.com/Picture.aspx?...ccode=&ppName=

[mikered30]

Ever replace the top mounts when doing strut work? Is that pm or just overkill? How much better is KYB over Monroe and is there a company that sells the entire strut set out of the box? How do you know when the springs are shot and not just the struts?

[invader]

Originally Posted by mikered30

Ever replace the top mounts when doing strut work? Is that pm or just overkill? How much better is KYB over Monroe and is there a company that sells the entire strut set out of the box? How do you know when the springs are shot and not just the struts?

The top mounts didn't have much grease in them originally, but since I cleaned them out and repacked with grease the first time I replaced the struts, they've been fine and have retained their grease well. I also repainted them the last time, and they're still good after 224000 kms in rugged conditions.
KYB GR2 are like OEM's and are considerably better than African built Monroe's. Looks like Monroe's Quick-Struts are not available for 9th gen Corolla... Tokico HP blue struts have better compression and rebound damping, and perform beautifully.
OEM springs hold up very well. Replace in pairs if broken or if it has severe erosion.