Corolla shocks/struts question

[Rolla07]

I know a shock is inside a strut however is it always necessary to replace the strut or can you just replace the shock? Also, do you replace by pair or do all around usually? When I hit large potholes the back of the car sounds like it bottoms out, like the tire hits underneath..my guess is that its the shock thats worn. Im kinda frustrated because i have a feeling that my slightly heavier rims/tires might be putting more of a strain on the suspension components (needed to replace front wheel bearings not long ago...) I figure the aftermarket rims might weigh a few pounds more..im on 17 inch rims, stock is 15. Also, the car is full and heavy when i go camping does that put more wear on shocks? wonder what causes this? Or is it just normal wear at 115k miles? Any advice/info greatly appreciated!

 

[Donald]

At 115K the springs could also be an issue.

Are you overloading the vehicle when going camping according to the sticker that lists max weight?

One thought would be to install new spring & shock assemblies in the front. While the part is more expensive, there is less labor.

I doubt if the new rims are an issue unless made of lead.

The Corolla is not a big car where you can fill the car with 4 adults and the trunk with heavy camping gear.

 

[Bgallagher]

I find it unlikely that aftermarket rims could cause the trouble you are having. It sounds to me like your shocks and struts are worn out (you have rear shocks and front struts with springs on all four.) While a complete job is preferable (shocks/struts/springs) I believe you can get away with replacing the shocks and struts and use the existing springs. This will give back some of the handling and also help to restore the proper ride height which will prevent the issue it sounds like you are having. As mentioned above, they make complete strut assemblies that are preloaded with springs. They are a few more bucks but are much easier to install and has all the hardware to ensure a complete job. I would try rockauto.com They have a great selection depending on your budget and prices tend to be better than most places

p.s. remember to get an alignment if you replace shocks or struts!

 

[The_Jeff]

If you looked at a naked strut it would be very similar to a shock except having a "hat" sticking out that holds the spring. In other words, the strut holds the weight of the car and transfers it to the spring, a shock would sit alongside a spring but only dampen the bouncing.

When it comes to replacing, the strut ASSEMBLY comes out pretty easily then if you want to save the spring and mount(s) it takes some more advanced disassably using a spring compressor (widow maker).

They sell "quick struts" with new springs which will bring back your ride height as well as dampen your bouncing. If you change just struts without new springs you'll still bottom out.

More weight on the back will wear struts more as they have more inertia to halt as they try to stop bouncing. Heavy rims will ride worse because they're more unsprung weight but I think strut wear from that would be negligible.

 

[zzyzzx]

Just get quick struts and be done with it. I do not recommend reusing old strut mounts, or this can happen (eventually):

 

[Bottom_Feeder]

Heavier aftermarket wheels and tires will certainly add to the workload of a stock strut/shock since there is more unsprung weight, so you may have finally killed them after 110k miles of hitting potholes and going camping.

I'd go with KYB GR2 replacements. The KYBs are supposed to be slightly firmer than stock which will help the ride with your aftermarket wheels. The Monroes I used on my wife's earlier-generation Corolla are far too soft for a replacement part.

 

[Rolla07]

Originally Posted By: Bottom_Feeder
Heavier aftermarket wheels and tires will certainly add to the workload of a stock strut/shock since there is more unsprung weight, so you may have finally killed them after 110k miles of hitting potholes and going camping.

I'd go with KYB GR2 replacements. The KYBs are supposed to be slightly firmer than stock which will help the ride with your aftermarket wheels. The Monroes I used on my wife's earlier-generation Corolla are far too soft for a replacement part.


Great, yes i am planning to avoid monroe's.

 

[Rolla07]

Originally Posted By: Donald
At 115K the springs could also be an issue.

Are you overloading the vehicle when going camping according to the sticker that lists max weight?

One thought would be to install new spring & shock assemblies in the front. While the part is more expensive, there is less labor.

I doubt if the new rims are an issue unless made of lead.

The Corolla is not a big car where you can fill the car with 4 adults and the trunk with heavy camping gear.


2 adults and trunk and backseat full...dont know how heavy it all is..im about 300lbs so im not helping the poor car!! I do like a stiffer ride so likely KYB.

 

[951Indy]

I'd get the complete strut with new everything. Install is easy, and the price is right.

It looks like autoplicity has the loaded strut 172114 for $106. I don't have time for much research, but it looks like a deal.

 

[tommygunn]

At the minimum, replace in pairs, but it's better to replace all four if you can.

If you can wait a month or so, they usually have a rebate promotion in the fall, like buy 3 get one free.

Yes you will need to replace the mounts since they do go bad.

The rear shocks do have the spring around them, so you would need a spring compressor.

Gabriel seems to be the only company that makes quick struts for all 4 wheels in your Corolla. The Gabriel Readymount should work well for you.

Part numbers
G57114
G57115
G57067
G57068

 

[IndyIan]

Another option is try to find someone with an XRS that swapped out their struts/springs. I got a full set of Neon ACR springs and put new KYB struts in the backend of the Neon. If I had kept it on the road longer I would've put KYB's in the front as well.
I bought bare struts, longer bump stops and reused the good mounts, but it seems tirerack has loaded KYB struts for some cars. Never seen them anywhere else.

 

[chad8]

Best deal on the web. Decent quality. Used them several times on Corolla's.

http://www.primechoiceautoparts.ca/c-38-complete-struts.aspx