How to Replace the Rear Struts on a 2004 Toyota Corolla

If you have excessive bounce in your Corolla suspension, and/or the back end 'skitters' over bumps and around curves, you may need to replace the rear struts. This is a simple and straightforward repair. I tried to make this as clear and succinct as possible.
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Left Rear Strut - amzn.to/2Y2lB2y
Right Rear Strut - amzn.to/3ustw5k
This video describes the step-by-step procedure for changing the rear struts in a 2004 Toyota Corolla. This procedure will be similar for 2003-2018 Toyota Corollas. For a detailed write-up of this repair, visit the website:
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[@PracticalMechanic]

Left Rear Strut - amzn.to/2Y2lB2y Right Rear Strut - amzn.to/3ustw5k

[@MrEngineering12]

Oh, man did the rusting belt had its say on the chassis. Great step by step video, 👍. Did this couple of years ago myself, and the front ones some days ago!

[@PracticalMechanic]

Thanks 👍

[@Pallidus_Rider]

Very good video. I have 2003 Corolla CE that I will replace rear struts in near future. As to reliability, you are correct. The only complaint I have is that odometer maxes out at 299,999. I maxed it out in 2018 and here I am at end of 2021 and it still is a damn reliable car.

[@PracticalMechanic]

Mine is maxed out now, too... I'm using the Trip A odometer to try to keep track of how many miles it actually has... Getting used to staring at 299999 everytime I look at the instrument cluster!!!

[@JustJJ555]

@@PracticalMechanic I’m at 278,000 dreading the 299,999

[@PracticalMechanic]

Haha, yeah! I can't for the life of me figure out why they didn't make the odometer capable of going to 999,999...

[@genericusername1365]

@@PracticalMechanic That's what I do. I knew beforehand that it was going to freeze at 299,999 so when I got to 299,998 I pulled over and drove very slowly on a side street until it turned to 299,999 and then hit the tripometer button, which is how I've been keeping track of the mileage. Currently at 433K miles.

[@genericusername1365]

@@PracticalMechanic It was a programming glitch. It was rectified with the Gen 10 Corolla.

[@nicolemccormack4926]

Thanks for the great video, and for including torque specs!

[@PracticalMechanic]

You're welcome, glad to help!

[@steveguida2278]

Excellent step by step video, great volume too. My son is on his way over so we can do his this morning! Thanks so much!!

[@PracticalMechanic]

A great father-son project and a good bonding experience! Good luck today and all the best!

[@klarityflexjamaica]

Thanks so much for this video. I am in Port Morant, St Thomas Jamaica now and just follow your video and change my shock on my 2004 Toyota Altis. It was straight forward and step by step. Thanks again for your wonderful help. Upfulness

[@PracticalMechanic]

Glad to help! Hope the weather is nice in Jamaica!

[@ZPDSurvival]

Great Video. I just got done with the front end. Big improvement. Rear struts are next. Thanks.

[@PracticalMechanic]

Nice! For me, the new rear struts really helped on cornering. Good luck on the repair! 👍

[@thomasmatigita6788]

Thank you very much, the video helped me to removed my back oil spring back for corolla 2005 . Change news both side. Thank you again . I 'm so happy. I 'm Ready fix my car. Your video should all details about its . Thank you . See you next time . Keep touch soon . Please I recommend everyone. Check this video saving a lot money this day , Take care .

[@PracticalMechanic]

Thanks, Thomas! I very much appreciate the feedback! All the best to you!

[@jorgewong910]

Great video! I plan to replace the rear struts of my 2004 Corolla CE.

[@PracticalMechanic]

Thanks, and good luck!

[@enriquemartinez9218]

I like you installed Monroe shocks, best brand of all

[@jorge2690]

Thank you for the video and the specs as well!

[@PracticalMechanic]

You're welcome!

[@tubtwjkum2367]

i very happy to see you mechanic cegood i learn from you , you are very nice drive save ok my friend.

[@PracticalMechanic]

Thank you, Tub! You drive safe, too!

[@JuanLopez-sx1er]

Marvelous video i have a 2003 Corolla and i need to change my to God Bless.

[@PracticalMechanic]

Glad it was helpful, all the best to you!

[@josecovarrubias8941]

Love your content brother. Awesome video!

[@PracticalMechanic]

Thank you! I appreciate that! 👍

[@paulwilberforce9659]

If I tried to get this car registered in Australia I'd get laughed at 😅 thanks for the info

[@christopherp689]

Just a heads up... When you tighten the lower mounting bolt from the bottom of the shock to the axle, you want to have the vehicle's weight on the axle, then tighten it down just so that the bushing is in its most relaxed neutral state. Great video..

[@PracticalMechanic]

Excellent comment, thank you for that.

[@johncooper4637]

That matches the factory shop manual.

[@eliasakouri1830]

BUEN VÍDEO AMIGO , ESE VEHÍCULO HAY QUE LAVARLO BIEN POR ABAJO ESTA MUY SUCIO PINTAR CON ANTI CORROSIVO

[@philplasterer1547]

Thank you very much Sir!!!!

[@PracticalMechanic]

You're welcome, glad it helped!

[@Dugie555]

Nice quick explanation, would you do a video on how to change the rear bushings?

[@Its_flakko]

Very helpful thank you very much... One small recommendation... Wash that car... They look way better when they clean...

[@googleaccount-ov3yj]

Tanks for sharing

[@PracticalMechanic]

Thanks for watching! 👍

[@aj402]

Doing mine this weekend. You used anti seize “for the next time” to replace these on a car with 300k miles. Gives me hope since mine only has 180k. 😆

[@PracticalMechanic]

Haha! Good point! Hey, good luck, though

[@aj402]

@@PracticalMechanic Thanks.

[@gabrielgonzalez3348]

Good video straight to the point subscribed

[@PracticalMechanic]

Thanks Gabriel

[@keithc8108]

Great video. Did your ride quality improve a lot after this replacement? I have a Corolla Matrix and it ride rough over bumps in the road. Looking for a solution.

[@PracticalMechanic]

Yeah, big improvement. Most noticable around corners, the rear end no longers skids out ...

[@jasons6307]

great video buddy!

[@PracticalMechanic]

Much appreciated. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@osbaldoa.castro488]

Thank you

[@PracticalMechanic]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching and please subscribe!

[@karenryea8151]

I love it we'd never replaced our strutes but my husband kept telling me make sure you get your things out the back seat Lol I did it for nothing in I told him it all was thru the truck area now his job is the truck lol it's funny I told em o no it thru the back seat but I was right lol I love it he's not happy cause I was right though no man likes to be wrong lol

[@lusrodriguez8769]

thanks great video doing my 05 today very well detail

[@PracticalMechanic]

Awesome, good luck!

[@islamicwaylive]

I have 04 Corolla do you think that your choice for struts was a good price for value?

[@rayonwilliamssportsandfun2106]

U could paint n clean that rim while u were at it . Lol. Thanks for the info. Dont have those tools yet because living at n apartment now

[@PracticalMechanic]

Good point! I am confident that one day you'll have a fully decked-out garage!

[@Randy-ul5hy]

Great video! I just did all 4 on my 2008 Corolla. The front was more challenging than the rear. Just curious, it looks like you got a new strut mount bolt with your new struts. (the bolt that goes in from underneath). Mine only came with standard 2 nuts that go on the 2 threaded strut bolts. I had to reuse the one from below and one was in rough shape.

[@midnightg3593]

Usually cheaper kits do give less hardware and no instructions

[@PracticalMechanic]

I honestly don't remember, it's been I while since I did this repair. Still working great, though!

[@RideSafeTips]

Do the same model rear torsion beam system got sway bar/stablelizer bar too?

[@demonboston2943]

Are u sure about next time ? It’s mean 600k ☺️

[@PracticalMechanic]

😂🤣

[@deadline7610]

Nicely Done. Did you use Monroe over FCS for any reason or just price ? How long did it take for both rear Strut complete assemble to be replaced ? Thanks in advance

[@PracticalMechanic]

The replacement is pretty quick, especially the 2nd one, after you've already done the first one. I think it took about 4 hrs total. For brand, that is what I could get quickly and conveniently. All the best!

[@rayonwilliamssportsandfun2106]

Just about to change my from struts.. looking help getting the best brand to use .. mine is a 2007 Corolla s. 206700 miles

[@PracticalMechanic]

For front struts I now recommend KYB. Here is a link to the step-by-step instructions on my website. practicalmechanic.com/2017/10/14/replacing-the-front-struts-on-a-toyota-corolla/ You might want to get sway bars as well. With over 200k miles, there is a good chance the old ones may have to be cut out.

[@davidfalgout7304]

well done thx!

[@PracticalMechanic]

Glad to help!

[@jameswhite1319]

Thanks for sharing

[@PracticalMechanic]

You're welcome!

[@skhurshid248]

Do you know how many bushings in the rear suspension? And did you replaced them ever?

[@PracticalMechanic]

S, I'm not sure. I have not replaced the bushings.

[@cheapspace]

The bolt underneath the strut I can’t get a socket around it how in heck are so you have so much room!! I’m talking it is so close to the housing I can’t get anything around it

[@qa5819]

Can I gage the tightness without. Using a torque wrench

[@PracticalMechanic]

It has been done that way

[@qa5819]

It's a bit intimidating when the torque wrench is adjusted to set the right tightness.🥲

[@PracticalMechanic]

Yeah, I feel you. Not tight enough, it may come loose. Too tight, it can damage the threads ..

[@genericusername1365]

I think you can take the wheel off without bothering to remove the wheel cover. Less work.

[@PracticalMechanic]

You are correct. On my car, I find that the plastic on the hubcap around the lug nuts gets scraped up when I use the socket if I don't remove the hubcaps, so I take them off, but it's just personal preference. Thanks for watching! All the best!

[@genericusername1365]

@@PracticalMechanic Ah, I see. Yeah, for my Corolla with 433K miles, I don't care about the scrapes. I can't even remember the last time I washed the car, ha! Thanks for the video, btw. The Corolla rear struts are easier than some other models. On the 90s Camry you have to remove the package tray. That's why I watched your video to see how it is accessed, so thanks. I still have the original struts on my Corolla and I'm planning on replacing the entire suspension next month.

[@PracticalMechanic]

Oh wow! 433k is awesome! I passed about 310k recently (not sure exactly cause the odometer is pegged at 299,999!), and hope to get to 400k as well, we'll see! Good luck on the suspension work!

[@pstansberry542]

I would not recommend anti seize

[@brianw6645]

Why no antiseize?

[@pstansberry542]

@@brianw6645 Any bolt that’s supposed to keep your vehicle together going down the road should not have anti seize on it

[@Evillt1]

Do not put anti seize on the threads! Bad idea! 😮