This procedure covers removal and installation of the rear coil springs on a 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla, requiring suspension disassembly and use of a spring compressor.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear coil spring (left or right as needed) × 1 — OEM: 48231-02D20 (Left) or 48231-02D10 (Right)
• Spring seat rubber/isolator × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Shock absorber bumper (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Apply penetrating oil to all suspension fasteners and allow to soak for 15-30 minutes
5. Raise rear of vehicle and support on jack stands placed under chassis reinforcement points (behind rear doors)
6. Remove rear wheel on side being serviced
7. Inspect spring compressor tool for damage or wear; do not use if damaged

Procedure

1. 1

   Support rear suspension
   Position floor jack under the rear lower control arm near the spring seat. Raise jack until it just contacts the control arm with minimal load - this keeps components aligned during disassembly. Do not lift the vehicle.
   ⚠The jack must remain under the control arm throughout disassembly to prevent sudden dropping of suspension components.
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar link
   Locate the rear sway bar link where it connects to the lower control arm. Hold the shaft with an Allen key to prevent spinning, then remove the lower nut using a 14mm wrench. Separate the link from the control arm. Allow the link to hang or support with wire.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove shock absorber lower bolt
   Locate the lower shock absorber mounting bolt that connects to the rear axle carrier. Use a 17mm socket and wrench to remove the bolt completely. The shock will remain attached at the top - allow it to hang freely.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts109 Nm (81 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Lower suspension to access spring
   Slowly and carefully lower the floor jack supporting the control arm. As you lower, the suspension will drop and the spring will become accessible. Lower until there is clear space around the spring to install compressor tools. Do not allow suspension to drop completely or components may separate.
   ⚠Lower very slowly and watch for any binding or misalignment. Stop if anything appears stuck or under tension.
5. 5

   Install spring compressor
   Install the coil spring compressor according to manufacturer instructions. Position compressor hooks on opposite sides of the spring (180 degrees apart), engaging at least 3 full coils on each side. Ensure hooks are fully seated and secure. Verify compressor threads are clean and lubricated.
   ⚠️Compressor hooks MUST be properly seated on the spring coils. Improperly installed compressors can slip and release violently.
6. 6

   Compress coil spring
   Alternately tighten each side of the spring compressor evenly, making several passes. Compress the spring until it is loose in the seats and can move freely. The spring should compress approximately 2-3 inches. Check frequently that compressor hooks remain properly seated during compression.
   ⚠️Tighten compressor evenly. Uneven compression can cause the spring to cock sideways and slip out of the compressor.
7. 7

   Remove coil spring
   With the spring fully compressed and loose, carefully remove it from between the upper and lower seats. Note the orientation of the spring and any rubber isolators. Remove the upper and lower spring seat insulators/rubber pads and inspect for damage. Replace if torn or compressed.
   ⚠Keep hands and body clear of the compressed spring. It remains under high tension.
8. 8

   Transfer compressor to new spring
   If installing a new spring, slowly and evenly release the compressor from the old spring in a controlled area. Install the compressor on the new spring using the same technique as removal, ensuring proper hook engagement. Compress the new spring to approximately the same length as the old spring when removed.
   ⚠️When releasing compressor from old spring, maintain even pressure and work in an area clear of people and objects.
9. 9

   Install spring seat insulators
   Install the lower spring seat rubber/isolator onto the bottom of the new spring with the correct orientation (larger diameter typically faces down). Install the upper spring seat insulator on top of the spring. Verify both insulators are properly positioned.
   ℹ️Spring insulators must be oriented correctly or the spring will not seat properly and may create noise.
10. 10

    Install compressed spring assembly
    Carefully maneuver the compressed spring assembly into position between the upper and lower spring seats. Align the spring end with the step/tab in the lower seat. Raise the floor jack under the control arm to begin compressing the spring into its seats.
    ⚠Ensure spring ends are properly indexed in the seat stops before raising suspension.
11. 11

    Seat spring and raise suspension
    Continue raising the floor jack slowly until the suspension is at normal ride height and the spring is fully seated in both upper and lower seats. The spring should be firmly compressed between the seats with no gaps. Verify proper seating all around.
    ⚠Do not remove spring compressor until spring is confirmed to be fully seated and suspension is at ride height.
12. 12

    Remove spring compressor
    With the suspension at ride height and spring fully seated, slowly and evenly loosen the spring compressor tools. Verify the spring remains properly seated as you release tension. Once completely loose, remove the compressor tools from the spring.
    ⚠If spring begins to shift or move during compressor removal, stop and re-evaluate seating.
13. 13

    Reconnect shock absorber
    Align the lower shock absorber mount with the bracket on the axle carrier. Insert the mounting bolt and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. Ensure shock is not twisted or bound.
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts109 Nm (81 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Position the sway bar link into the lower control arm mount. Install the nut and tighten while holding the shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation. Torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Install wheel and perform final torque
    Install the wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower vehicle until tire just touches ground but weight is still on jack stands. Torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands. With full vehicle weight on wheels, perform a final check of all fastener torques.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat entire procedure for opposite side if both springs are being replaced
2. Control arm bolts were not removed in this procedure; if they were removed for access, they must be torqued to 165 Nm with vehicle weight on wheels
3. Verify all suspension fasteners are torqued to specification
4. Clean tools and properly store spring compressor for future use

Verification

• Bounce each rear corner of the vehicle several times and verify spring does not make noise or shift
• Verify vehicle sits level side-to-side when on flat ground
• Test drive at low speed and verify no clunking, rattling, or abnormal noises from rear suspension
• Check for proper handling and stability - vehicle should not pull or feel unstable
• After 50-100 miles, re-check torque on shock bolts and sway bar link nuts
• Have alignment checked by a professional if vehicle pulls or tire wear is uneven

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