What Brand Of Struts To Use For 2005 Corolla

It will be either KYB original equipment or KYB GR2 replacements. What is the difference between KYB original vs KYB GR2? See a lot of people on this forum for KYB GR2.

Thanks

Depends on what you are after - ride wise and performance wise. If you want to retain the OEM ride height and ride quality - then I'd opt for OEM struts (KYB original equipment or KYB GR2 replacements). If the ride height of the car is not compromised, there is no need to replace the springs unless you are looking for a different ride height, had different performance in mind.

 

Most of the struts will come without springs - a few will have springs preinstalled to simplify installation, but I'd highly advise against those setup (namely Monroe Quick Struts). Price is attractive, but I've yet to hear one good review on the struts/springs a year after they were installed. Other setups that come with spring and struts are coilover systems - but those would likely deteriate the soft ride of the Corolla. Some people prefer that harsh of a ride, some don't really care one way or another. But costs vary considerably for those system - generally the decent ones start at $1200 and up for a set. Where as OEM like struts will set you back about $70-$80 each.

Thanks

KYB-GR2 are considered "aftermarket" replacements for the factory struts. They are valved slightly differently (in some cases, identically valved) to the OEM struts - and are usually silver in color instead of OEM black. Ride quality wise, couldn't really tell the difference between the two in most situations.

I have a few questions...Is the rear strut the same for both sides?

also, how difficult is it replace? I am handy with cars... I have 2005..

In addition, the car has about 140 k with originals. I would probably need to do all 4?

I have a few questions...Is the rear strut the same for both sides?

 

also, how difficult is it replace? I am handy with cars... I have 2005..

In addition, the car has about 140 k with originals. I would probably need to do all 4?

Both rear struts are the same. You better replace all 4 at once. You'll need a spring compressor set to swap the springs. You should also replace front coil spring upper insulators (spring insulator and strut rod boot together in one piece), and front strut lower spring insulators... Loosen (don't remove) front strut upper nut under rubber cap before removing strut assembly. Front strut mount bearings can be rinsed out then repacked with grease (NLGI #2 as used for ball joints, etc). Your front end needs to be realigned and camber adjusted after replacing front struts.

Front strut coil spring upper insulator $15.84 each, front strut coil spring lower insulator $14.16 each from:

https://www.1sttoyotaparts.com/oempartscat.html

http://www.utoyot8.com/Picture.aspx?ccId=331629793&ppId=227757857&ppInfo=(0204-++++)

http://www.utoyot8.com/Picture.aspx?ccId=331629793&ppId=113886931&ppInfo=(0204-++++)

http://apxautoparts.com/apx/2003-2008-toyota-corolla-shocks-struts-full-set.html

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,carcode,1433059,parttype,7584,a,www.google.ca%2BSearch%2Bfor%2B2005%2BTOYOTA%2BCOROLLA%2BSuspension%2BControl%2BArm

at what mileage would you recommend them being changed out?

It all depends on driving style and road conditions. My struts last about 65,000 miles, where others can last twice as long or more... At 140k, you'll definitely like the ride and control improvement with new struts. Can you see any oil that has leaked from your front struts when you lift what's left of the bellows (strut boots on top)? Is the ride bouncy and jittery when driving over bumps? Is there much weight transfer when you brake or drive off from a stop?

Sensen struts are available for less, and have great reviews.

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/132-9th-generation-2003-2008/410615-sensen-strut-review.html

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,carcode,1433059,parttype,7584,a,Search%2Bfor%2B1997%2BCHEVROLET%2BBLAZER%2B4.3L%2BV6%2BOHV

It all depends on driving style and road conditions. My struts last about 65,000 miles, where others can last twice as long or more... At 140k, you'll definitely like the ride and control improvement with new struts. Can you see any oil that has leaked from your front struts when you lift what's left of the bellows (strut boots on top)? Is the ride bouncy and jittery when driving over bumps? Is there much weight transfer when you brake or drive off from a stop?

 

Sensen struts are available for less, and have great reviews.

http://www.toyotanat...rut-review.html

http://www.rockauto....4.3L%2BV6%2BOHV

I cannot tell if there are oil stains. I will check tomorrow. I know that there is not much movement when you press down on the body of the car near the struts.

I believe my last set of tires had some bad wear on them. the car has 156K miles on it. I think I will do the work myself. Where are the Sensen struts made? Should I do the rears too? The rears appear to have a bit of bounce movement.

Sensen struts are made in China. http://www.sensenshocks.com/en/

They have Japanese made NOK seals, and have a lifetime warranty. http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=3604935&cc=1433059

Yes, you should replace all 4 struts, front and rear, along with front bellows (or Toyota OEM front upper spring insulators which is integrated with the bellow), and front lower spring insulators.

Thanks. I noticed one YouTube video showed someone who had changed his struts. He was not too clear but he made it sound like he had to make marks to align the new struts. Is this necessary?

He was likely hoping to retain his front wheel camber and toe settings, which is nearly impossible... You will need to have your front camber and toe alignment checked and adjusted after replacing struts. Rear alignment is not affected.

Make sure you don't also need new front wheel bearings installed, which also requires removing steering knuckles and a subsequent alignment.

I just ordered KYB struts. Figured I would buy usa made struts. I was tempted to save $100 by getting the sensen struts. personally I try to buy usa made products.

Look for what country the KYB front and rear struts are made when you get them. It'll be stamped on, and the fronts may be from a different country than the rear.

Look for what country the KYB front and rear struts are made when you get them. It'll be stamped on, and the fronts may be from a different country than the rear.

I'll verify, but my understanding is that they are USA made or made in Japan...

It appears all of the KYB struts for the 2005 corolla are USA made

I was able to change the fronts today, but... I ran into an issue. The strut boot (bellow) from KYB (SB102) is not the same as the Toyota OEM. It does not have the same spring bearing integral to the bellow. I called 5 local Toyota dealers without any success. So I decided to use part of the old one with the new one.. Cleaned it and found some cable ties.. Hope it holds up...

more photos

The KYB bellow is fitted onto included bumper bottom-out pad... What's left of the original bellow can be cut off.

greetings, ive got TRD springs with stock struts on my 04. 85k miles. its about 1.5 " lower and ride is still acceptable to me. when purchase time comes i just want a bit stiffer than stock springs. what are your opinions. thanks.