Replace both front strut assemblies on a 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla, including removal of strut-to-knuckle mounting and upper strut tower connections.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front strut assembly (left) × 1 — 48510-02N30 or equivalent complete assembly
• Front strut assembly (right) × 1 — 48520-02N30 or equivalent complete assembly
• Strut-to-knuckle bolts and nuts × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated front jacking point
5. Support vehicle on jack stands placed at manufacturer-specified front support points
6. Remove both front wheels completely
7. Spray penetrating oil on strut-to-knuckle bolts and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes if fasteners show corrosion

Procedure

1. 1

   Access strut tower mounting area
   Open hood and locate the strut tower mounting area. On the driver side, you may need to move the windshield washer fluid reservoir aside for better access. The strut tower nuts are visible from the engine bay. Clean any dirt or debris from around the three upper strut tower nuts using a wire brush.
2. 2

   Disconnect ABS sensor wire (driver side)
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor wire bracket attached to the strut body on the driver side. Remove the bolt or clip securing the sensor wire bracket to the strut. Carefully move the wire aside to prevent damage during strut removal. The passenger side typically has the wire routed differently and may not require disconnection.
3. 3

   Disconnect brake hose bracket
   Locate the brake hose bracket bolted to the strut body. Remove the mounting bolt securing the brake hose bracket to the strut. Do NOT disconnect the brake line itself. Carefully support the brake hose to prevent stress on the line during strut removal.
4. 4

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two bolts connecting the strut to the steering knuckle at the bottom of the strut assembly. These are large 17mm bolts passing through the strut bracket. Support the knuckle assembly with one hand or a jack positioned under the lower control arm. Remove both strut-to-knuckle bolts completely. The knuckle may now pivot outward slightly; this is normal.
   ⚠Support the knuckle and hub assembly before removing the second bolt to prevent it from dropping and damaging the CV axle boot or brake components.
5. 5

   Remove upper strut tower nuts
   From the engine bay, locate the three 14mm nuts securing the strut mount to the strut tower. Have an assistant support the strut assembly from below, or use a floor jack positioned under the strut body to support its weight. Remove all three upper strut tower nuts. Do NOT remove the large center nut on the strut shaft at this time if working with complete assemblies.
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavy (approximately 20-25 lbs). Ensure it is properly supported before removing the final upper nut to prevent it from falling.
6. 6

   Remove strut assembly
   Carefully lower and maneuver the strut assembly out from the wheel well. You may need to angle it and pull the knuckle outward slightly to clear the strut from the mounting area. Remove the strut completely from the vehicle. Repeat steps 2-6 for the opposite side strut.
7. 7

   Inspect mounting surfaces
   Inspect the strut tower mounting surface for cracks, rust, or damage. Clean the mounting surface with a wire brush if necessary. Inspect the steering knuckle mounting points for damage or elongated bolt holes. Check that the knuckle moves freely and the wheel bearing has no excessive play.
8. 8

   Install new strut assembly
   Position the new strut assembly into the wheel well, aligning the upper mounting studs with the holes in the strut tower. Guide the lower strut bracket into position on the steering knuckle. Install the three upper strut tower nuts finger-tight to hold the assembly in place.
9. 9

   Install strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Align the steering knuckle with the strut mounting bracket. You may need to use a pry bar to align the holes. Install both new strut-to-knuckle bolts with nuts. Ensure bolts are inserted from the proper direction (typically from the front of the vehicle). Thread nuts onto bolts finger-tight initially.
10. 10

    Torque strut-to-knuckle bolts
    Using a torque wrench, tighten both strut-to-knuckle bolts to specification. Torque in a cross pattern if possible. Hold the nut side with a wrench while torquing the bolt head to prevent spinning.
    ⚠️CRITICAL TORQUE: These bolts secure the steering knuckle to the strut. Improper torque can result in separation and complete loss of vehicle control.
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts109 Nm (81 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Torque upper strut tower nuts
    From the engine bay, torque all three upper strut tower nuts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even loading of the mount. Use a torque wrench and 14mm socket.
    ⚠️CRITICAL TORQUE: These nuts secure the strut mount. Under-torquing can allow the strut to separate from the vehicle body during operation.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect brake hose and ABS sensor
    Reattach the brake hose bracket to the strut body using the mounting bolt. Reconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor wire bracket to the strut if it was removed. Ensure no wires are pinched or under tension.
13. 13

    Complete second side installation
    Repeat steps 8-12 for the opposite side strut assembly. Ensure all fasteners are properly torqued on both sides before proceeding.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheels
    Install both front wheels, threading lug nuts by hand initially to prevent cross-threading. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern snug but not fully torqued while vehicle is still on jack stands.
15. 15

    Lower vehicle and final torque
    Remove jack stands and carefully lower vehicle to the ground. With vehicle weight on all four wheels, torque all wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern using a torque wrench.
    ⚠️CRITICAL TORQUE: Wheel lug nuts must be torqued to exact specification. Under-torquing can allow wheel to detach during operation.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners have been installed and torqued to specification
2. Reposition windshield washer reservoir if it was moved during installation
3. Close hood and remove wheel chocks from rear wheels

Verification

• Start vehicle and turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary, listening for any unusual noises from strut mounts
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area, checking for proper handling and unusual noises over bumps
• Inspect all mounting points for any signs of movement or looseness after test drive
• REQUIRED: Schedule professional wheel alignment immediately after strut replacement. Alignment parameters have been altered and improper alignment will cause premature tire wear and handling issues
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check torque on all strut mounting fasteners to ensure none have loosened

More procedures for this vehicle