This procedure replaces the front strut bearing (upper strut mount bearing) on a 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla, restoring smooth steering and eliminating clunking noises from the front suspension.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front strut bearing/mount assembly (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Front strut bearing/mount assembly (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Strut-to-knuckle pinch bolts and nuts × 2 — Recommended replacement
• Sway bar link (if worn) × 1 — Inspect during procedure

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake. Chock rear wheels securely.
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is still on ground.
3. Raise front of vehicle using appropriate jacking point and support on jack stands rated for vehicle weight.
4. Remove front wheels completely.
5. Spray penetrating oil on strut tower nuts, strut-to-knuckle bolts, and sway bar link nuts if corrosion is present. Allow 15 minutes to penetrate.
6. Take photos of strut orientation and brake line routing for reference during reassembly.

Procedure

1. 1

   Access strut tower mounting nuts
   Open the hood and locate the three strut tower nuts at the top of the strut tower in the engine bay. On the driver side, you may need to move the washer fluid reservoir aside for better access. Clean debris from around the nuts to prevent contamination from falling into the strut mount area.
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar link from strut
   Locate the sway bar link connecting the sway bar to the strut assembly. Hold the ball joint stud with a 6mm Allen key to prevent spinning, then remove the upper nut using a 14mm socket. Disconnect the sway bar link from the strut. If the ball joint spins freely, use a ball joint separator or carefully cut the nut off.
   ⚠Do not allow the sway bar link ball joint to spin excessively as this can damage the boot and joint.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove brake line bracket from strut
   Locate the brake line bracket bolted to the strut body. Remove the bolt securing the brake line bracket to the strut using a 10mm socket. Carefully move the brake line aside without kinking or stressing the line. Do not disconnect the brake line itself.
   ⚠Do not allow brake line to hang unsupported or become kinked. Support with wire if necessary.
4. 4

   Separate strut from steering knuckle
   Locate the two bolts securing the strut to the steering knuckle. These are pinch bolts with nuts on the backside. Hold the nut with a 19mm wrench and remove the bolt with a 19mm socket. Remove both bolts completely. Spread the knuckle clamp slightly with a pry bar if needed, then pull the knuckle away from the strut. You may need to rotate the hub assembly to create clearance.
   ⚠The knuckle clamp is designed to pinch the strut shaft. Do not force or pry excessively as this can damage the knuckle.
   Torque spec

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts116 Nm (86 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Support and remove strut assembly
   Support the weight of the strut assembly from below using your hand or a piece of wood. From under the hood, remove the three 14mm strut tower nuts using a socket and ratchet. Once the nuts are removed, carefully lower the strut assembly down and out of the wheel well. The strut is heavy and may shift suddenly when the last nut is removed.
   ⚠️The strut assembly is heavy and awkward. Ensure you have proper support before removing the final tower nut to prevent the assembly from falling.
   Torque spec

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

   Install spring compressor
   Place the strut assembly on a stable work surface. Install the spring compressor tool on the coil spring, ensuring the compressor hooks engage at least three coils on opposite sides of the spring. Alternate tightening the compressor bolts evenly and gradually until the spring tension is relieved from the upper mount. You should see a visible gap between the spring and the upper mount when properly compressed. Compress at least 2 inches.
   ⚠️Spring compressors must be installed correctly and tightened evenly. Uneven compression or improper hook engagement can cause the spring to violently release, causing severe injury or death.
   ⚠️Never place any body part in the path of a compressed spring. Always compress springs in a controlled manner.
7. 7

   Mark spring and mount orientation
   Before disassembly, use a paint marker or tape to mark the orientation of the spring end relative to the strut body and the orientation of the upper mount relative to the spring. Note the position of any alignment tabs or notches. This ensures correct reassembly alignment for proper steering geometry.
8. 8

   Remove strut shaft nut and disassemble
   Hold the strut shaft with a 6mm Allen key inserted into the top of the shaft. Remove the 17mm shaft nut using a socket and ratchet. Remove the upper mount, bearing, spring seat, dust boot, and bump stop in order, noting their orientation and sequence. Inspect all components for wear, cracks, or damage. The bearing should rotate smoothly without grinding or notching.
   ⚠Keep components in order of removal to ensure correct reassembly sequence.
9. 9

   Install new strut bearing and mount
   Clean the strut shaft threads with a wire brush. Install the new bump stop, dust boot, spring seat, bearing, and upper mount in the reverse order of removal, aligning all components according to your reference marks. Ensure the bearing is properly seated and the spring seat aligns with any locating tabs. Apply a thin coat of white lithium grease to the bearing if not pre-greased.
10. 10

    Install and torque strut shaft nut
    Thread the strut shaft nut onto the shaft by hand. Hold the shaft with the 6mm Allen key and torque the shaft nut to 52 Nm (38 lb-ft) using a torque wrench. Verify the upper mount can still rotate freely after torquing, indicating proper bearing installation.
    ℹ️This torque value is for the center shaft nut, not the strut tower nuts. Do not overtighten as this can damage the bearing.
11. 11

    Release spring compressor
    Slowly and evenly release the spring compressor tension by alternating between the compressor bolts. The spring should seat properly into the upper mount and lower seat. Once the spring is fully seated and under natural tension, completely remove the spring compressor tool. Verify the spring ends are properly positioned in the upper and lower seats.
    ⚠️Release spring tension slowly and evenly. Rapid release can cause the spring to shift violently.
12. 12

    Install strut assembly into vehicle
    Lift the strut assembly into position, guiding the upper mount studs through the strut tower holes. Align the orientation of the upper mount to match the original position. From under the hood, install the three strut tower nuts finger-tight. Ensure the upper mount is properly seated against the tower before proceeding.
13. 13

    Torque strut tower nuts
    Using a torque wrench and 14mm socket, torque the three strut tower nuts to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) in a star pattern to ensure even seating. Do not overtighten as this can damage the mount or bearing.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect strut to steering knuckle
    Guide the lower end of the strut into the steering knuckle clamp. Align the bolt holes and install the two strut-to-knuckle bolts from the front, with nuts on the rear. Hand-tighten both bolts. Using a 19mm wrench on the nut and 19mm socket on the bolt, torque both bolts to 116 Nm (86 lb-ft). Ensure the knuckle is fully seated on the strut before final torquing.
    Torque spec

    Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts116 Nm (86 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reconnect brake line and sway bar link
    Reinstall the brake line bracket to the strut and tighten the 10mm bolt securely. Reconnect the sway bar link to the strut. Hold the ball joint stud with a 6mm Allen key and torque the nut to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft) using a 14mm socket and torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link58 Nm (43 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Install wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the front wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tires just touch the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded. Torque the wheel 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. Repeat all steps for the opposite side if replacing both strut bearings.
2. Double-check all torque specifications have been met, particularly strut tower nuts, strut-to-knuckle bolts, and wheel lug nuts.
3. Verify brake lines are properly secured and not kinked or rubbing against any components.
4. Close hood and ensure washer fluid reservoir is properly repositioned if it was moved.

Verification

• Start the engine and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary. Listen for any clunking, grinding, or abnormal noises from the strut bearing area.
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area. Turn the steering wheel in both directions and listen for noise. The steering should be smooth and quiet.
• Drive over small bumps and listen for any clunking from the front suspension that would indicate improper installation.
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-torque all wheel lug nuts to 129 Nm (95 lb-ft) to ensure they have not loosened.
• Have a professional alignment performed as strut removal can affect camber and toe settings.

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