This procedure covers the complete removal and installation of the rear strut assemblies on a 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla, including disconnection from the knuckle and sway bar link.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear strut assembly (complete) × 2 — KYB or OEM equivalent - left and right specific
• Strut tower mounting nuts (if corroded) × 6 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands placed on designated jacking points on the chassis/pinch welds
4. Remove rear wheels completely
5. Spray penetrating oil on strut-to-knuckle bolts and sway bar link nuts; allow to soak 10-15 minutes
6. Open rear hatch or trunk and locate strut tower access (may require removal of interior trim panels or cargo covers on some models)

Procedure

1. 1

   Access rear strut tower mounting nuts
   From inside the trunk, locate the strut tower mounting point. Remove any carpet, cargo tray, or plastic trim panels blocking access to the three strut tower nuts. The nuts are typically covered by a plastic cap that pries off.
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar link from strut
   Locate the sway bar link connection to the strut assembly. Use an Allen key to hold the shaft of the sway bar link from rotating while loosening the upper nut with a 14mm wrench or socket. Remove the nut completely and disconnect the link from the strut. Allow the link to hang from the sway bar.
   ℹ️The sway bar link shaft may spin freely if worn. Use an Allen key inserted into the shaft end to prevent rotation.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link58 Nm (43 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Support the rear knuckle assembly with a jack or secure support to prevent it from dropping. Locate the two bolts connecting the strut to the rear knuckle (lower mounting point). Use a 17mm socket and wrench to remove both bolts completely. Note the orientation of any alignment eccentric washers or cams if present.
   ⚠Support the knuckle assembly before removing these bolts to prevent sudden drop and damage to brake lines or ABS sensors.
   Torque spec

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts133 Nm (98 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove strut tower mounting nuts
   From inside the trunk, use a 14mm socket to remove the three nuts securing the strut to the strut tower. Hold the strut from underneath to prevent it from falling once the last nut is removed.
   ⚠Have an assistant support the strut from below or use a jack to prevent the strut assembly from falling when the last nut is removed.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove strut assembly from vehicle
   Carefully lower and maneuver the strut assembly out from the wheel well. Guide it past the brake components and suspension arms. The strut will typically come out toward the rear and down. Inspect the removed strut for leaks, damage, or worn mounting hardware.
6. 6

   Prepare new strut assembly
   If installing a complete strut assembly, verify it matches the removed unit (left vs right specific on some models). If transferring components from old strut, use a spring compressor to safely disassemble and reassemble. Ensure the spring isolator, bump stop, and upper mount are properly positioned on the new strut.
   ⚠️Spring compressor use requires extreme caution. Compress spring evenly and only enough to remove tension from upper mount. Follow compressor manufacturer instructions exactly.
7. 7

   Install new strut into strut tower
   Guide the new strut assembly up through the wheel well and align the three upper mounting studs with the holes in the strut tower. Install the three upper nuts hand-tight first to hold the strut in position. Do not fully torque at this time.
8. 8

   Connect strut to knuckle
   Raise the knuckle assembly using a jack or support to align the strut-to-knuckle bolt holes. Install both strut-to-knuckle bolts with any alignment eccentric washers in their original orientation. Install nuts and torque to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts133 Nm (98 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect sway bar link
   Align the sway bar link to the mounting point on the strut assembly. Install the nut and torque to specification while holding the shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link58 Nm (43 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Torque strut tower nuts
    From inside the trunk, torque the three strut tower mounting nuts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even seating.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform steps 2 through 10 for the opposite rear strut assembly. Ensure both sides are completed before proceeding to final steps.
12. 12

    Install wheels and lower vehicle
    Install rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower vehicle until wheels just contact the ground but suspension is not yet fully loaded. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Then fully lower vehicle to ground and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Final torque verification with vehicle weight on suspension
    With the vehicle completely on the ground and suspension at normal ride height, re-verify torque on the strut-to-knuckle bolts. If any control arm bolts were loosened during the procedure, torque them to specification now with vehicle weight on wheels.
    ⚠This step is critical. Suspension bushings must be torqued at normal ride height to prevent premature wear and failure.
    Torque spec

    Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts133 Nm (98 lb-ft)

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall any interior trim panels, cargo covers, or carpet removed to access strut towers
2. Replace any plastic caps over strut tower nuts
3. Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify proper operation before returning to normal service

Verification

• Test drive vehicle and verify no abnormal noises from rear suspension (clunks, rattles, or squeaks)
• Verify vehicle tracks straight and handling feels normal with no pulling to either side
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-torque wheel lug nuts to specification
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment as strut replacement affects suspension geometry and alignment angles
• Visually inspect for any fluid leaks from new struts after first few days of driving

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