Toyota 48231-AB010 Spring, Coil, Rear

Shock absorber and coil spring assemblies should only be replaced in pairs. To remove the assembly, start by opening the trunk and taking out the spare tire. Next, take off the left and right inner trim panels along with the floor trim panel in front of the spare tire well. Raise the rear of the vehicle and securely support it on jackstands, using a floor jack to support the axle beam near the shock absorber being removed. Inside the trunk, remove the two nuts at the upper mount, noting that the shock absorber is still secured by one bolt accessible from below. From underneath, take out the bolt that secures the upper part of the shock absorber to the body, then remove the lower mounting nut and washer to detach the rear shock absorber from the axle beam. Finally, take out the shock absorber assembly, which may require lowering the floor jack to disengage the upper mount. For installation, maneuver the assembly into the fenderwell, install the lower mount onto the stud, and guide the upper mounting studs into the body holes. Install the bolt from below and tighten it to the specified torque, then place the lower washer and nut, raising the axle beam to simulate normal ride height before tightening the nut. Finish by installing the two upper mounting nuts and tightening them to the specified torque, followed by reinstalling the spare tire and trim panels in the trunk.

Look under the hood for any leakages, loss of damping ability or any form of physical damage on the struts or coil springs before a job is done because these units are non-serviceable and have to be replaced once there is a problem. While strut assemblies with springs commonly are used, these parts may be ordered on an exchange basis, which is convenient. So before getting into the process of dismantling the vehicle, get to know the prices of Body parts and if they are easily available. To disassemble, the Strut assembly or rear shock absorber/coil spring assembly is removed and then mounted on a vise-the jaws of which are covered with wood or rags not to pinch the absorber/spring. After using a tool manufacturer's instruction place a spring compressor over the upper spring seat and get a confirmation when the pressure from the spring is relieved by jiggling the spring. Locate the position of the upper and lower spring seat and suspension support bracket, and then remove the damper shaft nut, and lock it if needed. Take out the nut and suspension support, it is necessary that you turn the bearing and observe its condition and check the rubber part of the support for signs of wearing. Raise the spring seat together with the upper insulator off the shaft of the damper and inspect the rubber spring seat for signs of wear. It is advisable to have the ends of the compressed spring facing your body's direction; then ease it off the assembly and place it aside securely. Next, slide the rubber bumper off the damper shaft and look at the condition of the lower insulator to see if it needs to be replaced. For reassembly, if replacing the lower insulator, insert it on the location and fitting, extend the damper rod to placing the rubber bumper. Position the coil spring on the lower insulator with the end slot of it devoted to the recessed part. Next screw in the upper insulator followed by the spring seat by ensuring that the flats on the damper shaft fit into the corresponding ones in the spring seat. Install the dust seal and suspension support so that their marks are the same when aligned and bolt the suspension support to the frame using a new nut and tighten. Last, either reinstall the strut assembly/ or the rear shock absorber and coil spring in the same manner as described above.

Explore all options before beginning any work. If a problem develops, the strut/shock absorber assemblies are not serviceable and must be replaced. Strut assemblies complete with springs may be available on an exchange basis, which can save time and work. Always check the cost and availability of parts before disassembling your vehicle.