Replace both front coil springs on a 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla by removing the strut assemblies, compressing and replacing the springs, and reinstalling.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front coil spring - left × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• Front coil spring - right × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• Strut mount bearing (recommended) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Strut mount insulator (recommended) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Strut bumper and boot (recommended) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands positioned on chassis frame rails - never support on control arms
4. Remove both front wheels completely
5. Spray all fasteners to be removed with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes
6. Take photos of strut assembly orientation before disassembly for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar link from strut
   Locate the sway bar link connecting to the front strut assembly. Hold the ball stud shaft with an Allen key to prevent spinning, then remove the upper nut securing the link to the strut. The link can remain attached to the sway bar.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Separate ball joint from steering knuckle
   Remove the cotter pin and castle nut from the lower ball joint where it connects to the steering knuckle. Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to break the taper connection between the ball joint and knuckle. Do not damage the ball joint boot if reusing the control arm. Apply penetrating oil if joint is seized.
   ⚠Support the knuckle and brake assembly with wire or a bungee cord after separation to prevent stress on the brake hose and ABS sensor wire.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut84 Nm (62 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two bolts connecting the bottom of the strut to the steering knuckle. These are large 17mm or 19mm bolts. Remove both bolts completely and pull the knuckle assembly away from the strut. You may need to use a pry bar to separate the connection if corrosion is present. Support the knuckle assembly with wire to prevent brake line damage.
   ⚠Do not allow the knuckle assembly to hang by the brake hose or ABS sensor wire. Secure it with wire or support it on a jack stand.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove strut tower mounting nuts
   Open the hood and locate the three strut tower mounting nuts at the top of the strut assembly. These are accessible from the engine bay. Remove all three nuts while supporting the strut assembly from below with your hand or a helper. Carefully lower the complete strut assembly out of the wheel well.
   ⚠Support the strut assembly before removing the final nut to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Compress the coil spring
   Place the strut assembly in a secure vise or on a stable workbench. Install the spring compressor tools on opposite sides of the coil spring (180 degrees apart), ensuring the compressor hooks are fully engaged in the spring coils at least 2-3 coils away from the spring ends. Alternately tighten each compressor evenly and slowly until the spring is compressed enough that the upper strut mount moves freely and is no longer under spring tension. This requires significant compression - continue until there is visible gap between the spring and the upper mount seat.
   ⚠️Ensure spring compressor hooks are fully seated in the coils before applying compression. Tighten compressors evenly and alternately - never fully compress one side before the other. Stand to the side, never in line with the spring ends while compressing.
   ⚠️Verify the spring is fully compressed and upper mount is completely free before attempting to remove the strut shaft nut. Insufficient compression can cause violent spring release.
6. 6

   Remove upper strut mount and spring
   With the spring fully compressed, hold the strut shaft with a socket or Allen key to prevent rotation, then remove the upper strut shaft nut. Carefully remove the upper mount, bearing plate, spring seat, and insulator components in order, noting their exact orientation. Remove the compressed spring assembly with compressors still installed. Remove the lower spring insulator and bumper from the strut shaft.
   ⚠️Keep spring compressors installed and tight throughout this step. Do not attempt to remove compressors until the new spring is installed on the strut.
   ℹ️Lay out all removed components in order of removal to ensure correct reassembly sequence.
7. 7

   Transfer spring compressors to new spring
   With the old spring still compressed and secured, install the spring compressors on the new spring in the same positions (180 degrees apart). Compress the new spring to approximately the same compressed length as the old spring before removing compressors from the old spring. Verify the new spring matches the old spring in overall length, wire diameter, and number of coils before proceeding.
   ⚠New springs must match OEM specifications exactly. Mismatched springs side-to-side will cause vehicle pull and uneven handling.
8. 8

   Install new spring and reassemble strut
   Install new or cleaned lower spring insulator and bumper onto the strut shaft. Position the compressed new spring onto the strut with the spring end properly seated in the lower spring seat pocket - verify the spring end tang is located in the seat recess. Install the upper spring seat, bearing plate (if equipped), upper insulator, and strut mount in reverse order of removal, ensuring proper orientation matches your reference photos. The spring upper end must seat properly in the upper spring seat pocket.
   ⚠️Verify both spring ends are properly seated in their respective seat pockets before installing the strut shaft nut. Improper seating can cause spring ejection when compressors are released.
9. 9

   Install and torque strut shaft nut
   Hold the strut shaft to prevent rotation and install the strut shaft nut. Torque the nut to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) - this is the same specification as the strut tower nuts. Verify the upper mount assembly is centered and all components are properly aligned before final tightening.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Release spring compressors
    Carefully and evenly loosen both spring compressors alternately, releasing tension gradually. Monitor the spring seating as you release tension - stop immediately if the spring appears to be shifting out of position. Once all tension is released and the spring is fully seated top and bottom, remove the compressor tools completely.
    ⚠️Release compressors slowly and evenly. If the spring shifts or appears unseated, re-compress immediately and correct the seating before proceeding.
11. 11

    Install strut assembly into vehicle
    Lift the complete strut assembly into position in the wheel well. Align the three upper mounting studs with the strut tower holes and start all three nuts by hand. Do not fully tighten yet. Guide the lower strut into position to align with the steering knuckle mounting holes.
12. 12

    Connect strut to steering knuckle
    Pull the steering knuckle into position against the strut and align the bolt holes. Insert both strut-to-knuckle bolts and install nuts. Torque both bolts to 109 Nm (81 lb-ft). Ensure the knuckle is fully seated against the strut before tightening.
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts109 Nm (81 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Torque strut tower nuts
    From the engine bay, torque all three strut tower mounting nuts to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) in a star pattern to ensure even seating of the mount.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect ball joint and sway bar link
    Reconnect the lower ball joint to the steering knuckle. Install the castle nut and torque to 84 Nm (62 lb-ft). Install a new cotter pin and bend ends to secure. Reconnect the sway bar link to the strut, holding the ball stud shaft with an Allen key while torquing the nut to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut84 Nm (62 lb-ft)

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

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform steps 1-14 for the opposite side front strut assembly, ensuring both new springs are identical and properly installed.
16. 16

    Install wheels and lower vehicle
    Install both front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the wheels just contact the ground but the suspension is not yet loaded. Torque lug nuts to 129 Nm (95 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners have been properly torqued to specification
2. Bounce each corner of the vehicle several times to settle the suspension and verify no unusual noises
3. Check that all brake lines, ABS sensor wires, and other components are properly routed and secured

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle in a safe area at low speed, verifying normal handling and no unusual noises from the front suspension
• Listen for any clicking, popping, or clunking noises which could indicate improper assembly
• Verify the vehicle sits level side-to-side with no sagging
• Schedule a professional front-end alignment within 24 hours of completing this repair - alignment is mandatory after spring replacement
• Re-torque all critical fasteners (strut tower nuts, strut bolts, ball joint nut, lug nuts) after 50-100 miles of driving

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