Rear Strut help - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

1991celicaTN · 02-04-2010, 11:40 AM

i am replacing the struts in a 1991 ST Coupe. I need help as I have never done struts before. I can't afford to take to the stealership and I have a great shop available for me to use that has everthing I would need. I can't find any pics or information on what it needed or recommended to replace at the same time as the struts and whether I need to have anything other than struts to do the complete job. I am doing it this weekend and I really hope someone can assist. I do have a general manual that I got at the parts store for 20 bucks that give a generic description of what to do but I would like some personal advice on this one as well. Thanks and send me some links or whatever can help.

RobMilkshakes · 02-04-2010, 04:48 PM

I guess take a look at everything while you're taking things apart, try to replace rubber parts (insulators, strut mounts etc) if worn/cracked.

If you have access to a shop you should have everything you need. I guess try to make sure you also have a torch available, the bolts on the bottom of the strut housing that conneted to the knuckle were held in with red loctite, had to heat them to break them loose.

If you have any questions at all, I'll be glad to help.

1991celicaTN · 02-05-2010, 07:31 AM

Thanks for the info. I opened the box and it contains a strut and some sort of wire hanger (for brakes?) and that is all. The diagram in the box shows some rubber pieces for the top and bottom and I guess those are dampeners or something. The boot is the other part that keeps dust and stuff out and then the mount. The current struts are making a heck of a rattling noise and I am not sure if the mount needs to be replaced. I think that there is some sort of rubber seat on it as well and if worn it may need replacing. This car was purchased for 300 bucks and I am well into 900 in repairs at this point. I hope the bleeding stops soon or I may have more invested than I originally wanted. The nest thing is the idle. It is revving to 2700-3000 while in park or neutral and I have tried all I can think of to get it down. I am not sure if there is a secret to this as well. I will post a question and hopefully someone can help.
Thanks again!

RobMilkshakes · 02-05-2010, 09:24 AM

well, a good test for the mount is before you remove the strut, give it a good shake back and forth, if it moves around then mount is probably shot.

as for the idle, have you looked for vacuum leaks?

1991celicaTN · 02-09-2010, 12:03 PM

I completed the struts this weekend and am impressed with the outcome. The struts were completely dead but now they are tight. I almost screwed up one of the mounts but was lucky. Thanks to all of the insight and assistance on this job. I even replaced the headliner! The headliner was really simple except for putting the hardware back in place. Learned a few tips and now it looks great. next thing is to paint some of the interior pieces to match the red paint job.

RobMilkshakes · 02-09-2010, 01:42 PM

Good to hear!

Yeah, the difference between worn/blown struts and new ones is pretty astounding. I was shocked by the difference, I did not know mine were as bad as they were. Mine you could push down with out any effort and they would not rebound at all. Now I just need to get muh H&Rs