OEM 2002 Toyota Echo Coil Springs

2002 Toyota Echo Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How do you remove and install the coil spring and associated components on 2002 Toyota Echo?

  A: The coil spring removal process begins by taking out the rear wheels before undoing the package tray trim by removing both the high-mounted stop light and its 2 clips. First remove the rear seat by unmounting the rear seat cushion and seatback and by taking off the 2 bolts and seatback side hinge from a split type rear seat model. The next step requires removal of both the door scuff plate and door opening trim but before that unstuck the quarter trim by disassembling the bolt and rear seat outer belt. When working on the roof side inner garnish of a 2-door vehicle you should first disconnect the front seat outer belt shoulder anchor then remove the bolt before removing the garnish. After taking out the room partition board begin supporting the rear axle beam through jacks installed at both sides. Start by holding the piston rod and uninstalling the 2 nuts which will expose the washer and upper suspension support before unfastening the shock absorber nut and washer and finishing by taking off the lower suspension support. First disconnect the lower side set nut from the shock absorber located on the opposite side and then remove the washer. After lowering the jacks slowly, you can remove the coil spring together with its upper and lower insulators. The shock absorber rod needs compression and extension for inspection to detect abnormal resistance or unusual sounds so the shock absorber should be replaced if problems are discovered. Before disposing of the shock absorber extend the rod completely and drill a hole into the cylinder to release the gas inside while taking precautions against flying chips and understanding that the gas is non-poisonous and colorless and odorless. Start shock absorber installation by positioning the upper insulator to meet the coil spring end and then add both lower insulator and coil spring to the axle beam. Both shock absorbers should be attached to the axle beam during the jack lift with washers and nuts under 49 Nm (500 kgf-cm, 36 ft. lbs.) torque following suspension stabilization. After installing the lower suspension support to the shock absorber you must place the upper suspension support with washer on the body while holding the piston rod to position it 15-18 mm (0.591-0.709 inch) below the lower nut before torquing both nuts to 25 Nm (250 kgf-cm, 18 ft.-lbs.). The procedure includes removing jacks and following with the room partition board installation before moving to the roof side inner garnish then the front seat outer belt shoulder anchor with bolt torqued to 41 Nm (420 kgf-cm, 30 ft. lbs.) specific to the 2-door model. Proceed by installing the quarter trim and rear seat outer belt using the provided bolt while torquing them both to 41 Nm (420 kgf-cm, 30 ft. lbs.). After placing the rear seat install the seatback side hinge with its two bolts torqued to 37 Nm (380 kgf-cm, 27 ft. lbs.) before laying the rear seat cushion and seatback. Utilize the package tray trim along with rear wheels for installation before securing them by torquing wheels to 103 Nm (1,050 kgf-cm, 76 ft. lbs.).