How do you replace the struts on a 1989 Toyota Celica?

Answer 1

Take off tire. Unbolt the two bolts holding strut to steering knuckle assembly. (watch which side is nut and which is bolt). Next, remove the three nuts on the strut tower on top (and stabilizer bar). At this point, you can either remove the brake hose clip and unscrew the brake line to the caliper, OR use a dremel tool or a hacksaw to cut a notch in the brake line holder big enough to slip the line out...don't worry, the clip will hold it in after. Nissan has a notch, why Toyota didn't is anyones guess. Saves bleeding the brakes! Once the strut is removed, you can borrow a spring compressor to collapse the strut from Autozone. Then you remove the locknut from the top with an impact wrench to remove the spring and access the strut. You will need a pipe wrench (and lots of strength) to remove the locking collar to remove the cartridge. Then you put in the new cartridge and screw on and tighten the collar back on. After that, you put the compressed spring back on the strut, taking care that you get the end of the coil up against the ending spot. There is also an arrow on the top retaining plate that MUST be lined up between the two white marks on the spring. The coil spring MUST seat correctly in the retainer as well or you will have problems! Tighten the locking nut with the impact wrench.