OEM 2003 Toyota Corolla Coil Springs

2003 Toyota Corolla Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to overhaul the front shock absorber with coil spring on 2003 Toyota Corolla?

  A: The initial step in front shock absorber coil repair requires tire removal followed by disconnecting the front stabilizer link assembly LH through nut removal; when the ball joint rotates with the nut apply a 6 mm hexagon wrench to retain the stud position. Before continuing with front flexible hose removal you must first separate the bolt and cut the hose loose with its speed sensor in case ABS is installed. The front shock absorber with coil spring can be removed after disconnecting its two bolts and nuts from the lower side while stopping the bolt rotation before removing the three nuts from the upper side. Secure the front shock absorber with coil spring inside a vise through installing two bracket-side nuts and a bolt. First remove the front suspension support dust cover LH from the location then prepare the front coil spring LH compression task by using Special Service Tool: 09727-30021 and avoid applying power through an impact wrench since it can harm the tool. First use Special Service Tool: 09729-22031 to maintain the front coil spring seat upper right-hand position as you eliminate the nut before removing the front suspension support sub-assembly LH alongside the dust seal, coil spring seat upper LH, coil spring insulator upper LH, coil spring LH, spring bumper LH, and coil spring insulator lower LH. The shock absorber needs an inspection through rod extension and compression checks for resistance and sound irregularities after which it should be replaced. The shock absorber installation requires placing the front coil spring insulator lower LH onto the shock absorber and attaching the front spring bumper LH to the piston rod while using Special Service Tool: 09727-30021 to compress the front coil spring LH. You should first place the lower end of coil spring into the gap of spring lower seat before installing front coil spring insulator upper LH and attaching front coil spring seat upper LH with its mark pointing outward. The front suspension support LH dust seal and sub-assembly should be reinstalled using Special Service Tool: 09729-22031 to maintain coil seat upper LH position then torquing a new nut to 47 Nm (479 kgf-cm, 35 ft. lbs.). Put on the front suspension support dust cover LH then coat the sub-assembly LH with MP grease No.2 while keeping it off the rubber surfaces. Reassemble and tighten the shock absorber by installing its two bolts and three nuts to 39 Nm (398 kgf-cm, 29 ft. lbs.) and 153 Nm (1,560 kgf-cm, 113 ft. lbs.) respectively while stopping the bolt from rotating before torquing the nut. Reinstall the front flexible hose and speed sensor if applicable then torque the front stabilizer link assembly LH using a nut while torquing it to 74 Nm (755 kgf-cm, 55 ft. lbs.). Finish the installation with front wheel installation followed by 103 Nm (1,050 kgf-cm, 76 ft. lbs.) torque and proceed with front wheel alignment check and adjustment. During shock absorber disposal extend the piston rod completely before drilling into the cylinder to release gas inside while being cautious about flying debris and remembering that the gas does not have odor or poison effects.