This procedure covers replacement of the rear strut mount (upper mount and bearing assembly) on a 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla with 1.8L engine, requiring removal of the strut assembly from the vehicle.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear strut mount assembly × 1 — Toyota OEM part number 48609-02200 or equivalent
• Strut mount bearing (if not included with mount) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Strut bumper and dust boot (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Gather all tools and replacement parts before beginning work
4. Apply penetrating oil to all fasteners at least 15 minutes before disassembly if vehicle has significant corrosion
5. Verify replacement strut mount matches original equipment before beginning disassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear wheel
   Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove completely). Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at designated rear jacking point. Support vehicle on jack stands placed at manufacturer-specified points on rear subframe or pinch welds. Remove wheel lug nuts and wheel.
2. 2

   Access rear strut tower mount
   Open trunk and locate the interior trim panel covering the strut tower on the side being serviced. Remove plastic clips or fasteners securing the rear package shelf trim or side trim panel. Carefully pull back trim to expose the strut tower nuts (typically 3 nuts visible from trunk area). Clean area around nuts to prevent debris from falling into trunk.
3. 3

   Disconnect sway bar link (if necessary for access)
   Locate the sway bar end link connection to the strut. Using a 14mm wrench to hold the shaft with Allen key socket, remove the upper sway bar link nut with a 17mm socket. This provides additional working clearance for strut removal. Mark orientation if needed for reassembly.
   ℹ️Some model years may not require sway bar disconnection depending on access clearance.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link58 Nm (43 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Support strut assembly
   Using a floor jack with a block of wood or jack adapter, position jack under the lower control arm or knuckle to support the weight of the strut assembly. Apply just enough upward pressure to slightly compress the suspension, but do not lift the vehicle.
   ⚠The strut assembly will drop when upper nuts are removed. Properly support the assembly before loosening top mount fasteners.
5. 5

   Remove strut tower nuts
   From inside the trunk, hold the center strut rod with a 19mm wrench or suitable tool to prevent spinning. Remove the three strut tower mounting nuts using a 14mm socket. Keep nuts and any washers organized for reassembly. Do not allow the strut shaft to spin excessively during removal.
   ⚠If the strut shaft spins freely, the internal damper may be damaged or the mount may be seized. This requires careful attention during removal.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two bolts connecting the bottom of the strut to the rear knuckle. Remove the two strut-to-knuckle bolts using a 17mm socket and wrench. Note the orientation of any alignment marks or eccentric washers if present. Carefully lower the jack supporting the strut and guide the strut assembly out from the wheelwell, being careful not to damage the brake hose or ABS sensor wire.
   Torque spec

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts116 Nm (86 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Compress coil spring
   Place strut assembly in a secure vise or strut holding fixture. Install spring compressor tools on opposite sides of the coil spring (180 degrees apart). Compress the spring slowly and evenly, alternating between compressors, until tension is released from the upper strut mount. Continue compressing until there is at least 10mm of clearance between spring and upper mount seat.
   ⚠️Ensure spring compressors are properly engaged with spring coils and tightened per tool manufacturer instructions. An improperly compressed spring can violently release and cause severe injury.
8. 8

   Remove strut shaft nut and upper mount
   Hold the strut shaft with a 19mm wrench or appropriate tool to prevent rotation. Using a 17mm socket, remove the strut shaft retaining nut at the top of the assembly. Remove the upper strut mount, bearing assembly, spring seat, and any insulators or bushings. Note the order and orientation of all components for correct reassembly.
   ⚠Keep spring compressors engaged while removing upper mount components. Do not release spring tension until reassembly is complete.
9. 9

   Inspect components and install new strut mount
   Inspect the coil spring for cracks or damage, the strut body for leaks, and the bump stop/dust boot for deterioration. Clean the strut shaft threads with a wire brush. Install components in reverse order: bump stop and dust boot (if replacing), spring lower seat, coil spring (noting directional markings if present), spring upper seat, bearing assembly, new strut mount, and washer. Ensure all components are properly aligned and seated.
10. 10

    Install strut shaft nut
    Hold the strut shaft with a 19mm wrench to prevent rotation. Install and tighten the strut shaft nut using a 17mm socket. While a specific torque is not provided in the database for this fastener, tighten securely (typically 60-75 Nm for this application, verify with service manual). Verify the bearing rotates smoothly and the mount is properly seated.
    ℹ️Consult a factory service manual for exact strut shaft nut torque specification if available.
11. 11

    Release spring compressors
    Slowly and evenly release tension on the spring compressors, alternating between tools. Ensure the spring seats properly in both upper and lower spring seats as tension is released. Once spring is fully seated and compressors are loose, remove the spring compressor tools.
    ⚠Release spring tension gradually. Verify spring is seating correctly during release to prevent sudden shifts.
12. 12

    Install strut assembly to vehicle
    Carefully guide the strut assembly into the wheelwell, threading the upper studs through the strut tower holes. Support the strut with the floor jack under the lower control arm or knuckle. Align the lower strut bracket with the knuckle mounting holes. Install the two strut-to-knuckle bolts finger-tight. From the trunk, install the three strut tower nuts finger-tight.
13. 13

    Torque strut mounting fasteners
    Hold the strut shaft from inside the trunk with a 19mm wrench. Torque the three strut tower nuts to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Torque the two strut-to-knuckle bolts to 116 Nm (86 lb-ft). Remove the floor jack from under the suspension.
    ⚠CRITICAL: These fasteners are safety-critical. Use a calibrated torque wrench and verify final torque.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

    Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts116 Nm (86 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect sway bar link
    If sway bar link was disconnected, reconnect it to the strut mounting point. Hold the shaft with Allen key and torque the nut to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft) using a 17mm socket.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link58 Nm (43 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the rear wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower vehicle until tire just contacts ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to 129 Nm (95 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands and floor jack. Reinstall trunk trim panels and secure all clips.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification, particularly safety-critical suspension fasteners
2. Ensure trunk trim panels are properly secured and no tools or parts remain in trunk area
3. Check that brake hoses and ABS sensor wires have adequate clearance and are not kinked or stretched

Verification

• Test drive vehicle in a safe area at low speed, listening for unusual noises from rear suspension
• Check for smooth operation over bumps and proper suspension response
• Verify no rattles or clunks from rear strut area during cornering and braking
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment check, as rear suspension work may affect alignment settings
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check torque on all strut mounting fasteners

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