how to tell if my Toyota Corolla E170 (2013-2019) needs new shocks or struts?

Toyota Corolla E170 (2013-2019)

Error Codes

2-4 hours

Time

medium

Difficulty

medium

Severity

3 min read

539 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to diagnose if your Toyota Corolla E170 needs new shocks or struts. Step-by-step guide with symptoms, diagnostic steps, and repair instructions.

Affected Component

Suspension

Estimated Time

2-4 hours

⚠️ Safety Warnings

Important safety information - read before proceeding

•Always use jack stands when working under a vehicle.
•Allow the suspension components to settle before performing the bounce test.
•Ensure the vehicle is on a flat surface to prevent it from rolling.

Symptoms

•Excessive bouncing or swaying during driving
•A rough or uncomfortable ride over bumps
•Uneven tire wear, particularly on the inner or outer edges
•Fluid leakage from the shock or strut assembly
•Nose diving during braking or excessive body roll in turns
•Increased stopping distance

Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect the shocks and struts visually for any signs of leakage or physical damage.
2
Perform a bounce test by pushing down on each corner of the vehicle and observing the rebound.
3
Check for uneven tire wear patterns that may indicate shock or strut failure.
4
Conduct a test drive to assess handling and ride comfort over bumps and during turns.
5
Examine the vehicle's suspension components for any signs of wear or looseness.

Solution

💡 Expert Tip

For complex repairs like this, consider taking photos at each step. This helps if you need to reverse a step or consult with a mechanic. Also, keep all removed parts organized - you may need to reference them during reassembly.

Verification

After completing the repair, verify that the issue has been resolved:

✓Test the affected component to ensure it functions correctly
✓Check for any error codes or warning lights
✓Monitor the vehicle for a few days to ensure the issue does not recur

Prevention Tips

To prevent this issue from occurring again:

•Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
•Address warning signs early before they develop into major issues
•Use quality parts and fluids recommended for your vehicle
•Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance

Tools & Equipment Required

•Socket set
•Wrench set
•Torque wrench
•Jack
•Jack stands
•Wheel chocks

Parts Required

•New shock absorbers or strut assemblies
•Replacement mounting hardware

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Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect the shocks and struts visually for any signs of leakage or physical damage.
2
Perform a bounce test by pushing down on each corner of the vehicle and observing the rebound.
3
Check for uneven tire wear patterns that may indicate shock or strut failure.
4
Conduct a test drive to assess handling and ride comfort over bumps and during turns.
5
Examine the vehicle's suspension components for any signs of wear or looseness.

Solution

1. Preparation

Gather necessary tools and parts.
Park the vehicle on a flat surface and engage the parking brake.
Use wheel chocks to prevent movement.
Gather safety gear including gloves and safety glasses.

2. Lift the Vehicle

Use a jack to lift the vehicle and secure it with jack stands.
Remove the wheels for better access to the suspension components.

3. Remove Old Shocks/Struts

Tools Required: Socket set, wrench set, torque wrench
Locate the upper mounting bolts of the shock or strut assembly.
Remove the upper bolts using the socket set.
Locate and remove the lower mounting bolts at the base of the strut.
Carefully remove the shock or strut from the vehicle.

4. Inspect and Replace

Inspect the old shock or strut for signs of wear or damage.
Compare the old component with the new one to ensure proper fit.
Install the new shock or strut by reversing the removal steps.
- Torque specifications: Refer to the vehicle service manual for specific torque values for the mounting bolts.

5. Reassemble

Reattach the wheels and lower the vehicle back onto the ground.
Tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specified torque.

6. Final Check

Conduct a test drive to ensure the new shocks or struts are functioning correctly and that ride quality has improved.