How to Replace the Springs in a Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla is the best selling car in history. It has undergone 10 generations and remains one of the hottest selling cars. The springs in the Corolla are part of the MacPherson struts which gives the Corolla exceptional handling and a smooth ride. Replacing the springs in the Toyota Corolla does not require any special tools.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Replacement springs
• Safety goggles
• Floor jack and stands
• Socket wrench and sockets
• Box wrench
• Adjustable crescent wrench
• Lug wrench
• Torque wrench
• Spring compressor and associated tools
• Strut or pipe vise

1. Replacing the Front Springs

   • 1

     Raise the Corolla and block the wheels securely with jack stands before disconnecting the front stabilizer link from the shock absorber assembly.

   • 2

     Remove the bolt and disconnect the front hose if equipped with ABS. Remove the speed sensor.

   • 3

     Take off the two bolts from the top of the shock absorber assembly and the three nuts from the bottom of the shock assembly.

   • 4

     Remove the shock absorber assembly and spring. Attach the assembly into a vise by attaching two nuts and a bolt to the lower bracket of the assembly. Connect the spring compressor.

   • 5

     Take off the front suspension support dust cover, compress the spring and remove the nut in order to disassemble the front suspension support assembly.

   • 6

     Replace the spring and inspect all parts for signs of wear before reassembling the shock absorber/spring assembly. Tighten and torque the nuts and bolts to manufacturer's specifications.

   • 7

     Put the wheels back on the Corolla and align the front wheels. Perform a safety check before road testing the car.

   Replacing the Rear Springs

   • 1

     Disconnect the negative battery cable and remove the seat cushion and trim necessary to access the strut tower. Raise the Corolla, block the wheels with jack stands and support the rear axle with a jack.

   • 2

     Take off the wheel, sensor wire (if equipped with ABS), and stabilizer bar.

   • 3

     Loosen the fasteners which hold the strut on the axle carrier. Put a jack beneath the axle carrier and remove/disconnect the strut-to-strut tower nuts and the strut.

   • 4

     Put the strut into a strut or pipe vise (to avoid damage), disassemble the strut and attach a compressor to the spring in order to remove it from the strut. This step can be dangerous and the spring has to be compressed slowly to avoid the potential for bodily injury.

   • 5

     Replace the spring and inspect the components of the strut assembly for signs of wear before reassembling the strut.

   • 6

     Reattach the strut assembly and wheels onto the Corolla. Lower the vehicle and bounce it up and down to set the suspension.

   • 7

     Put the seat cushion and trim back in place and reconnect the negative cable on the battery. Perform a safety check before road testing the Corolla.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy powder-coated springs which are coated with a rust proofing before the powder paint is applied and baked on. This process makes the spring much more resistant to corrosion.

• Take the pressure off the springs before disassembling. This is potentially very dangerous as the springs carry a great deal of force which is expended when their restraints are released.

• On a Corolla equipped with airbags, wait at least 90 seconds after disconnecting the battery before proceeding.