Shock Absorber & Coil Spring: Removal

Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Disconnect brake tube at wheel cylinder and at junction on shock absorber. See Fig 1. Remove flexible brake hose at shock absorber and plug openings.

Fig 1: Exploded View of Rear Suspension Components
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Loosen but DO NOT remove nut holding suspension support to shock absorber. Remove 2 bolts holding shock absorber to axle carrier. Disconnect shock absorber. On Celica models only, disconnect stabilizer bar link from shock absorber.
Remove 3 nuts holding shock absorber to body. Remove shock absorber. Install a bolt and 2 nuts between the bottom shock absorber mounting flanges to keep the mounting flanges from being crushed. Secure in a vise. See Fig 2.

Fig 2: Securing Shock Absorber In Vise
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Using Spring Compressor (09727-22032), compress coil spring. See Fig 3. Remove nut holding suspension support to shock absorber. Remove suspension support, coil spring, insulator and bumper. DO NOT disassemble shock absorber.

Fig 3: Compressing Coil Spring
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CAUTION: When replacing a shock absorber, relieve high pressure gas by drilling a .079-.118" (2-3 mm) hole .39" (10 mm) above mounting flanges at base of shock absorber.