How to Replace the Shock Absorbers on a Toyota

Most Toyota cars and trucks use a combination of struts for the front suspension and shock absorbers with separate coils for the rear suspension. These shock absorbers dampen the ride and help prevent the rear end from oscillating up and down out of control. When the shocks blow out, the vehicle can become difficult to drive, possibly even causing an accident. In this case, the project vehicle is a 2005 Toyota Corolla, but the process is similar for other Toyota vehicles.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Jack
• Jack stands
• Tire iron
• 3/8-inch ratchet and socket set
• Replacement shock absorbers

1. • 1

     Lift up the rear end of the car using the jack and place it on a pair of jack stands, with another pair of stands underneath the axle beam. Remove the rear wheels with the tire iron. Open the trunk and remove the spare tire and tools. Pull the carpet to the side to access the rear upper shock bolts.

   • 2

     Unbolt the upper shock bolts using an open-end wrench. Crawl underneath the car and remove the lower shock mounts using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Then take the shocks off of the mounts and discard them.

   • 3

     Set the replacement shocks on the rear beam and install them using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Then guide the upper shock mounts into the shock towers. Go into the trunk and bolt them in place using an open-end wrench. Reassemble the trunk by putting back the spare tire and tool kit. Then lower the vehicle off the jack stands using the jack.