Rear Struts
GSS123
09-10-2008, 03:50 PM
Update: Toyota OEM rear struts cost $123 each and Toyota OEM front struts cost $119. These were installed on a '96 rolla.
Just an FYI for shade tree mechanics. I've replaced struts on several Toyota's now and find the job fairly simple. If you use a Haynes Car Manual for reference on the 1996 Corolla they just mention removing the brake line from the strut and the ABS wire if so equipped from the strut. What they fail to mention on the brake line is you have two choices. One is to separate the brake line to remove from the strut bracket or cut a notch in the strut bracket to pull the line out intact.
If you separate the brake line you will need to bleed the brakes. If you cut a notch just be careful not to cut the brake line. I've go both ways on this. If the car has high mileage I usually separate the brake line and bleed the brakes. Brake fluid seems to attract moisture and this is a good maintenance just to replace the brake fluid. BTW the brake line has a threaded connection at the strut bracket so it's made to be separated at this location.
If you have a brake light on after bleeding the brakes tap the brake reservoir several times you may have bottomed out a small float that indicate low brake fluid and its now stuck in the lowered position.
Just an FYI for shade tree mechanics. I've replaced struts on several Toyota's now and find the job fairly simple. If you use a Haynes Car Manual for reference on the 1996 Corolla they just mention removing the brake line from the strut and the ABS wire if so equipped from the strut. What they fail to mention on the brake line is you have two choices. One is to separate the brake line to remove from the strut bracket or cut a notch in the strut bracket to pull the line out intact.
If you separate the brake line you will need to bleed the brakes. If you cut a notch just be careful not to cut the brake line. I've go both ways on this. If the car has high mileage I usually separate the brake line and bleed the brakes. Brake fluid seems to attract moisture and this is a good maintenance just to replace the brake fluid. BTW the brake line has a threaded connection at the strut bracket so it's made to be separated at this location.
If you have a brake light on after bleeding the brakes tap the brake reservoir several times you may have bottomed out a small float that indicate low brake fluid and its now stuck in the lowered position.
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