AE92 Front strut dilema....

[Valkyrie90AE92]

Hi
Currently in the process of swapping out my front suspension (1990 base model). I finally have the strut disassembled. But, um, I noticed that I dont have a way to open up the original shock. I have a base model sedan, so I got the KYB GR2 shocks, part number 363060. According to most places ( http://www.amazon.com/KYB-363060-GR-...6338689&sr=1-1), this fits the base model Corolla, but I just am not seeing how, unless there is a way to open up the old housing.

Can anyone shed some light on this for me? Or do I have the wrong part? Because that would REALLY suck :o(

Thanks!

[Createdtoburn]

Actually I need to do this same thing soon. My shocks are worn out in the back. I never knew you could get car parts like that from amazon.com haha. I'm not sure about your question though, sorry.

[REN69]

Cartridge?? I believe you need the full strut for sedans... I guess that's what happens when you buy from a non automotive site.

Looking at the KYB online catalog, it's showing both sealed strut and serviceable cartridges for 1990 Corollas, I think you have sealed struts unfortunately, not sure wtf Toyota did or how you can tell you have sealed over serviceable, I'm sure its via the VIN number though.

http://showmetheparts.com/kyb/

[RobMilkshakes]

yeah then you're going to need #s 234035 and 234036

those are the sealed strut numbers

[Valkyrie90AE92]

Well, I used more than Amazon; that was just the easiest link I could find. But going by the KYB site, it seems like the one I got could have easily been the right one for my car, as well. I now realize I have the sealed strut design, which I'll be getting this afternoon. Argh. Thankfully, I got the 363060's for really cheap, so Im not out that much. Just the inconvenience that sucks:o(

Which begs the question: do they have sedans that use the serviceable struts then?

[TRDKAMURI99]

Hey, if you're interested, I have a spare front serviceable strut cases that came out of SR-5. lmk

[RobMilkshakes]

honestly, I'm yet to see one with servicable struts, mine had non servicable ones and the few I've looked at in local yards were the same, but I imagine there easy could have been the possibility.

but sorry to hear about the annoyance. I see this all the time where I work, this happens a lot actually with different types of parts because there was simply no way to figure out what part a person has unless they have it with them.

[Taxi Driver]

Originally Posted by RobMilkshakes

honestly, I'm yet to see one with servicable struts, mine had non servicable ones and the few I've looked at in local yards were the same, but I imagine there easy could have been the possibility.

but sorry to hear about the annoyance. I see this all the time where I work, this happens a lot actually with different types of parts because there was simply no way to figure out what part a person has unless they have it with them.

Exactly. When I replaced my struts, I took one of the worn ones to the parts store in order to ensure an exact replacement. It was actually a bit difficult even with the part in there. I couldn't imagine what it would have been like if I had not brought it in.

I do that with everything I replace from the water pump to the valve cover gasket, etc. Saves so many headaches. Even if you think you are sure of something, having the old part with you will allow you to compare it with the new one in order to ensure that everything is correct.

[Valkyrie90AE92]

Only reason I had pre purchased the cartridges was beause they were buy one get one free. Researched it, and after getting the seemingly correct part number, got them. I wanted the car down for as little time as possible (I live in the boonies, so sometimes I cant go to Advanced or something and get it the same day). Lesson learned, though.

Since I have some experts here: It seems like the top rubber spring seat (shaped like a cone) gets in teh way of the strut bumper and bellow. Is this how it is supposed to be? The originals had long rotted away, so I have nothing to compare it to.

[Taxi Driver]

Originally Posted by Valkyrie90AE92

Only reason I had pre purchased the cartridges was beause they were buy one get one free. Researched it, and after getting the seemingly correct part number, got them. I wanted the car down for as little time as possible (I live in the boonies, so sometimes I cant go to Advanced or something and get it the same day). Lesson learned, though.

Since I have some experts here: It seems like the top rubber spring seat (shaped like a cone) gets in teh way of the strut bumper and bellow. Is this how it is supposed to be? The originals had long rotted away, so I have nothing to compare it to.

I'm not really understanding what you are trying to describe. Are you referring to the upper insulator? This is the rubber piece that the metal spring seat sits on. And then above it you have the suspension support.

I didn't run into any problems myself during re-installation. However, I did need to replace the OEM bumpers (that sit at the base of the strut shaft). They were all cracked and rotted. I also had to replace the suspension supports as the dust seals in them were all rotted and crumbling too.

Maybe you could find a diagram or try to reword what you are trying to describe. Maybe I or someone else could then better help you.

[Valkyrie90AE92]

The upper rubber insulator was too long or not wide enough to accomodate teh strut bumper and bellow. I just ended up cutting a piece of the rubber insulator so that the bumper and bellow would fit perfectly. It could be because I was using an aftermarket one, but in this area, I don't have a choice in the matter, lol.

[toyotaspeed90]

all sedans, from stock, had a sealed strut in the front... KYB does make sealed struts for ae92's. The GT-S had serviceable (where you can buy a cartridge) and SR5's have them in front or rear (I think it's in the rear...)