1999 Corolla Strut Upgrade

[shahee1]

I went to upgrade the front strut from OE KYB with an OE replacement McPherson Sensa Trac Strut from Advance Auto Parts and when I try to transfer the spring from old strut to the new strut there is not enough height on the strut to clear the spring even though it is really compressed. I went back to advance to see if there is a recommended coil that should be used with that strut but they said it should work with the stock spring on the car. Any of you guys run into problem replacing the front strut??? Anyone use this particular model???

[BLUEMEANIE]

Are you using a spring compressor?

[shahee1]

Yes ... and I noticed put McPherson Strut ... it is a Monroe.

[rlee777]

The spring needs to be compressed more. Can you put the old strut back in fine? If so, then try to pull out the piston of the Sensatrac completely (it should be moveable by hand) and reseat.

If neither the old nor the new strut can go back into the spring assembly, then you will need ANOTHER spring compressor. Set these on the open areas of the compressed spring and further compress the spring. BE CAREFUL! Now it should fit fine with the new strut.

If you feel at all uncomfortable, carefully take the assembly into a local shop and have them finish the job. Good luck.

BTW I just noted in your other post that the new Sensatrac is 1.5" shorter. This is not good. Looks like they sold you the wrong application strut or a defective strut. The extended piston length should be the same as OEM.