This procedure replaces both rear coil springs on the 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla, requiring strut disassembly using a spring compressor to safely remove and install new springs.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear coil spring (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent rated for vehicle weight
• Rear coil spring (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent rated for vehicle weight
• Strut upper mounting nuts (if corroded) × 4 — M10 flange nuts
• Shock absorbers (if replacement needed during inspection) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely with wheel chocks on both sides
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support on jack stands positioned on designated chassis jacking points (refer to owner's manual for locations)
5. Remove both rear wheels completely
6. Inspect spring compressors for damage, wear, or loose components - replace if any defects found
7. Spray penetrating oil on strut mounting nuts in trunk and lower strut mounting bolts - allow 15 minutes to penetrate

Procedure

1. 1

   Access rear strut tower mounting nuts
   Open trunk and remove rear deck trim panels to access strut tower mounting nuts. On sedans, this requires removing the plastic trim clips securing the rear deck board and side trim panels. The strut towers are located behind the rear seat area on each side. Clean dirt and debris from around the upper mounting nuts.
2. 2

   Remove sway bar link connection
   Locate the rear sway bar link connection at the lower control arm or strut bracket. Use an Allen key to hold the sway bar link shaft from spinning while loosening the upper or lower nut (whichever provides access to separate the strut assembly). Remove the nut and disconnect the sway bar link from the strut side. This provides clearance for strut removal.
   ℹ️Some model years may not have rear sway bars. If your vehicle lacks a rear sway bar, skip this step.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect brake line bracket and ABS sensor
   Locate the brake line bracket and ABS wheel speed sensor wire attached to the strut body. Remove the mounting bolt(s) securing the brake line bracket to the strut using a 10mm socket. Carefully separate the ABS sensor wire from any clips on the strut. Do not disconnect the sensor itself, just provide slack in the wiring.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove lower strut mounting bolts
   Support the strut assembly and lower control arm with a floor jack positioned under the control arm. Locate the two horizontal bolts connecting the strut to the rear knuckle/spindle assembly. Remove both bolts completely using a 17mm socket. The strut will now be free at the bottom. Keep the floor jack supporting the control arm to prevent it from dropping.
   ⚠The control arm will drop when weight is removed. Keep the floor jack positioned under the control arm to control descent and prevent damage to brake lines or ABS sensors.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts109 Nm (81 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove upper strut tower mounting nuts and extract strut
   From inside the trunk, remove the three nuts securing the strut upper mount to the strut tower using a 14mm socket. Do NOT remove the large center nut on the strut shaft yet. With all three tower nuts removed, carefully lower and remove the complete strut assembly from the vehicle through the wheel well. Place on a clean workbench.
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavy and may shift position when the final nut is removed. Control the assembly and guide it out carefully to avoid damaging brake components or body panels.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Install spring compressors
   With the strut assembly on a workbench, install at least two spring compressors on opposite sides of the coil spring (180 degrees apart). Position compressor hooks on the coils near the middle of the spring, ensuring equal engagement on both sides. Verify that compressor threads are fully engaged and hooks are seated properly in the coil grooves. Begin tightening compressors gradually, alternating between each compressor to maintain even compression.
   ⚠️This is the most dangerous step. Ensure spring compressors are rated for this application and in good condition. Tighten evenly and gradually. Stand to the side, never directly in line with the spring ends.
7. 7

   Compress spring and remove strut shaft nut
   Continue compressing the spring evenly until you observe approximately 1 inch of clearance between the spring seat and the spring coils on both top and bottom. The spring should no longer be pressing against the seats. Use a wrench to hold the strut shaft (there is a flat section on most shafts) while removing the upper strut shaft nut with a socket. Once nut is removed, carefully remove the upper strut mount, bearing plate, upper spring seat, bump stop, and dust boot in order. Mark orientation with a paint marker.
   ⚠If the spring is not adequately compressed, the upper mount will be under tension and the nut cannot be safely removed. Continue compressing until components move freely.
8. 8

   Remove compressed spring
   With the upper components removed, carefully slide the compressed spring off the strut shaft. Keep the spring compressors installed and tight. Inspect the lower spring seat/insulator on the strut body and remove it. Transfer the lower insulator to the new spring if it is in good condition, or replace if damaged or deteriorated.
9. 9

   Inspect shock absorber
   With the spring removed, thoroughly inspect the shock absorber for oil leakage, physical damage, or excessive wear. Extend and compress the shaft by hand - it should move smoothly with consistent resistance. If leaking, damaged, or offers little resistance, replace the shock absorber before reassembling. This is the ideal time for replacement as the spring is already removed.
   ℹ️Failed shock absorbers may not show obvious external signs. If vehicle had excessive bouncing, uneven tire wear, or the shock has over 80,000 miles, consider replacement.
10. 10

    Install new spring on compressors
    Transfer the spring compressors from the old spring to the new spring, installing them in the same positions (middle of spring, 180 degrees apart). Compress the new spring to approximately the same compressed length as the old spring was when disassembled. Ensure the spring end coils are properly oriented to match the old spring configuration. Install the lower spring insulator on the strut body in the correct orientation.
    ⚠New springs are typically longer than old worn springs. They may require more compression force. Use caution and ensure compressors remain properly seated during compression.
11. 11

    Reassemble strut components
    Slide the compressed new spring onto the strut shaft, aligning the lower spring coil with the stop on the lower insulator. Install components in reverse order: dust boot, bump stop, upper spring seat (noting orientation marks), bearing plate, and upper strut mount. Align the upper spring coil end with the positioning tab on the upper seat. Thread the strut shaft nut onto the shaft by hand. Hold the strut shaft and torque the upper nut to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft).
    ℹ️The bearing plate must be oriented correctly to allow the strut to pivot. Refer to marks made during disassembly or compare to the opposite side if doing one at a time.
    Torque spec

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

    Release spring compressors
    With the strut shaft nut torqued, slowly and evenly loosen both spring compressors, alternating between them. As you release compression, verify that the spring seats properly into both upper and lower spring seats and all components align correctly. If anything appears misaligned, stop and re-compress to correct the issue. Once spring is fully seated and compressors are loose, remove the compressors completely.
    ⚠Release compressors gradually and evenly. Listen for unusual sounds that might indicate misalignment. Stand to the side during release.
13. 13

    Install strut assembly into vehicle
    Position the strut assembly into the strut tower from below through the wheel well. Align the upper mounting studs with the holes in the strut tower. From inside the trunk, thread the three upper mounting nuts onto the studs by hand, then torque to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) in a crossing pattern. Support the lower end of the strut and align it with the mounting holes on the rear knuckle.
    Torque spec

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

    Install lower strut bolts
    Use a floor jack under the control arm to raise the knuckle assembly to align the strut mounting holes. Insert both lower strut mounting bolts through the knuckle and strut bracket. Thread nuts onto the bolts by hand. Torque both bolts to 109 Nm (81 lb-ft).
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts109 Nm (81 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reconnect brake line and sway bar
    Reattach the brake line bracket to the strut body using the mounting bolt and torque to 26 Nm (19 lb-ft). Secure the ABS sensor wire to any clips on the strut. Reconnect the sway bar link to the strut or control arm, holding the shaft with an Allen key while torquing the nut to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform steps 2 through 15 for the opposite rear strut assembly, replacing the second coil spring using the same procedures and torque specifications.
17. 17

    Install wheels and lower vehicle
    Install both rear wheels and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until wheels just contact the ground but vehicle weight is still on jack stands. Torque lug nuts to 129 Nm (95 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands. Torque lug nuts again in star pattern to final specification to ensure proper seating.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall rear deck trim panels and secure all clips in trunk area
2. Remove wheel chocks from front wheels
3. Rock vehicle side to side to settle suspension components into normal position
4. Verify all tools and parts have been removed from wheel wells and trunk

Verification

• Test drive vehicle in safe area at low speeds, listening for unusual noises from rear suspension
• Verify vehicle sits level and ride height appears normal compared to before repair
• Check for any rattles or clunks over bumps that might indicate loose components
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-torque wheel lug nuts to specification
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment within one week, as spring replacement affects rear suspension geometry and will cause uneven tire wear if not aligned

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