how to tell if the struts are worn out on my Toyota Corolla E170 (2013-2019)

Toyota Corolla E170 (2013-2019)

Error Codes

2-4 hours

Time

medium

Difficulty

medium

Severity

3 min read

587 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to diagnose and replace worn struts on your 2013-2019 Toyota Corolla E170. Step-by-step guide with symptoms, diagnostic steps, and tools required.

Affected Component

Suspension

Estimated Time

2-4 hours

⚠️ Safety Warnings

Important safety information - read before proceeding

•Always use jack stands when working underneath a vehicle; never rely solely on a floor jack.
•Ensure the vehicle is secure before performing any work on the suspension system.

Symptoms

•Excessive bounce or sway while driving over bumps
•Uneven tire wear, especially on the inner or outer edges
•Vehicle feels unstable or drifts during turns
•Increased stopping distance and poor braking performance
•Noticeable noise such as clunking or rattling when driving over rough surfaces
•Vehicle sits lower than normal or has a sagging appearance

Diagnostic Steps

1
Visually inspect the struts for any signs of leaks, dents, or physical damage.
2
Perform a bounce test by pushing down on the front or rear of the vehicle and observing how many times it bounces before settling.
3
Check for uneven tire wear patterns, which may indicate strut issues.
4
Listen for any unusual noises while driving over bumps or during turns.
5
Measure the vehicle height from the ground to the wheel arch to check for sagging.
6
Inspect the mounting points and bushings for 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

•Floor jack
•Jack stands
•Socket set
•Torque wrench
•Wheel chocks

Parts Required

•New strut assemblies (front or rear as needed)
•Strut mounting hardware (if necessary)

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Symptoms

•Excessive bounce or sway while driving over bumps

•Uneven tire wear, especially on the inner or outer edges

•Vehicle feels unstable or drifts during turns

•Increased stopping distance and poor braking performance

•Noticeable noise such as clunking or rattling when driving over rough surfaces

•Vehicle sits lower than normal or has a sagging appearance

Diagnostic Steps

1
Visually inspect the struts for any signs of leaks, dents, or physical damage.
2
Perform a bounce test by pushing down on the front or rear of the vehicle and observing how many times it bounces before settling.
3
Check for uneven tire wear patterns, which may indicate strut issues.
4
Listen for any unusual noises while driving over bumps or during turns.
5
Measure the vehicle height from the ground to the wheel arch to check for sagging.
6
Inspect the mounting points and bushings for wear or looseness.

Solution

1. Preparation

Gather tools and parts required for the replacement.
Ensure the vehicle is parked on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
Use wheel chocks to secure the vehicle.

2. Raise the Vehicle

Use a floor jack to lift the vehicle and support it with jack stands.
Remove the front or rear wheels to access the struts.

3. Remove the Strut Assembly

Locate and remove the upper strut mounting bolts using a socket set.
Disconnect any brake lines or sensors that may be attached to the strut.
Remove the lower strut bolts from the steering knuckle or control arm using a torque wrench.
Carefully extract the strut assembly from the vehicle.

4. Install New Struts

Compare the old strut with the new one to ensure compatibility.
Position the new strut in place and install the lower strut bolts first, tightening them to the manufacturer’s specified torque.
Reattach any brake lines or sensors that were disconnected.
Install the upper strut mounting bolts and tighten to the specified torque.

5. Reassemble the Vehicle

Reinstall the wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
Lower the vehicle back to the ground and torque the lug nuts to the specified value.
Remove the wheel chocks and ensure the vehicle is stable.

6. Final Checks

Test drive the vehicle to ensure proper handling and comfort.
Inspect for any leaks around the new struts.