Replacing front struts?

Removal
Disengage brake hose from shock absorber. On models with ABS, unplug speed sensor wiring
connector. On all models, support lower control arm with floor jack.
1.
CAUTION: When removing strut, cover axle shaft boot with a cloth for
protection.
Remove nuts and bolts, and separate strut from steering knuckle. Remove dust seal from top of
strut. Remove nuts holding top of strut to body. Remove strut from vehicle.
2.
Disassembly
Install a bolt and 2 nuts into strut lower bracket to prevent distortion of strut shell when clamped.
Clamp bottom of strut in a vise. Using Compressor (09727-30020), compress coil spring. Hold spring
seat with Lever (09729-22031). Remove strut rod top nut. Remove components.
Inspection
Compress and extend shock rod to check for abnormal resistance or noise. Push shock absorber piston
rod in fully and release. Piston rod should return at a constant speed throughout its travel. If shock is
defective, replace as an assembly.
CAUTION: To prevent personal injury, discharge gas in shock absorber. Drill holes
in cylinder.
Reassembly & Installation
To install, reverse 1. Removal procedure.
Install strut. Tighten nuts to specification. Install strut onto steering knuckle. Tighten bolts.
Install dust seal after packing bearing in suspension support with grease. Install dust seal. Bleed
brakes.
2.
Attach brake hose to shock absorber. Check front end alignment. See WHEEL ALIGNMENT
SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in WHEEL ALIGNMENT section.
3.
Hub bearing:
WHEEL BEARING
Removal
Raise and support vehicle. Remove front wheels. Remove cotter pin, bearing lock nut cap, and
bearing lock nut (apply brakes when removing lock nut). Remove brake caliper, leaving
brakeline connected. Secure caliper aside.
1.
Remove disc brake rotor. Remove cotter pin and castle nut from tie rod end. Using Puller
(09628-62011), separate tie rod end from steering knuckle.
2.
Remove nuts and bolt attaching lower ball joint to lower control arm. See Fig. 1. Loosen, but
DO NOT remove, shock absorber lower mounting bolts.
3.
Tap end of axle shaft with plastic mallet to remove axle from hub. Remove shock absorber
lower mounting bolts. Remove steering knuckle and axle hub as an assembly.
4.
Mount steering knuckle in a vise. Using Puller (09628-62011), remove lower ball joint from
steering knuckle (if necessary). On Corolla, remove dust deflector. On all models, remove inner
oil seal and snap ring from steering knuckle.
5.
Remove bolts holding dust cover to steering knuckle. Using Puller (09950-20017), remove axle
hub. Remove dust cover. Remove hub bearing inner race. Using Puller (09950-20017), remove
hub bearing outer race from axle hub. Remove outer oil seal from steering knuckle.
6.
Reinstall outer race onto hub bearing. Using a brass drift and hammer, remove hub bearing
from steering knuckle.
7.
NOTE: Always replace bearings and races as an assembly.
Installation
Using an arbor press and Seal Driver (09608-10010), press NEW bearing into steering knuckle.
Install hub bearing outer race onto hub bearing.
1.
Using seal driver and Bushing Driver (09608-10010), drive NEW outer oil seal into steering
knuckle. Install dust cover. Apply multipurpose grease to oil seal lip and bearing. Install hub
bearing inner race on hub bearing.
2.
Using Bearing Driver (09608-10010), press hub into steering knuckle. Install snap ring into
steering knuckle. Using seal driver and Bushing Driver (09608-10010), install NEW inner oil
seal flush with end surface of steering knuckle.
3.
To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Tighten all nuts and bolts to specification.
See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS. Check front end alignment. See WHEEL ALIGNMENT
SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in WHEEL ALIGNMENT section.

We can't diagnose noise problems unless you are able to tell us the source. The possibilities are numerous and you need to have it visually inspected with a test drive if necessary by someone who knows.

Cost will depend on quality of strut used, to do this at home you need a heavy duty spring compressor to remove the suspension spring from the strut, this can be dangerous work if you are not familiar with the process, I would get on the phone and get a few quotes, cost will be about around $120 for a strut and approx 1, 5 hrs labour.