How easy or hard is it to do the front shocks 04 corolla t sport?

breadbin

I was looking online at videos about replacing the shocks on the front of a car and was half tempted to try my hand at it. It looks easy enough but the thing about it for me is that I rely completely on my car and live out the country so if I messed up I'd be screwed.

Out of interest how much would I expect to pay a mechanic to do the same job?

Any advice about it? It's a 04 corolla t sport. I think only the passenger side is gone but I'd do both if I was gonna do one. Thanks

Oh i forgot to day the most I've ever really done with the car is changing oil, oil filter, air filter etc. Not very much!

colm_mcm

Got the first attempt I'd get someone to do it. You need a spring compressor tool and various other bits so If you need the car I'd get a mechanic in this case.
It's not that big a job, mechanic would have both done within an hour.
First time DIY could be at it all day.

visual

It's not that difficult if you have all the tools spring compressor is a must. But when your finished it will need alignment.

If it's your first time doing it then allow a full day.
Good socket set, breaker bar and spring compressor tool.
When your finished you need to get wheel alignment done.

Or you might find a garage that would do it all for you probably charge 2hrs labour plus parts

keyboard_cat

If you get a preassembled shock absorber with spring you wont need to get a spring compressor.
and it is just a matter of taking off the top bolts in the engine bay and removing bolts attached to the hub + unbolt droplinks and brake lines that are attached to the strut
Should be about 7 bolts each side
http://www.theymightberacing.com/Maintenance/TC02/FrontStruts.aspx

whizbang

You don't need spring compressors with this car. Just remove the center nut from the top mount, while the car is still on its feet.
Then replace as normal.

Make sure you dont get Shock 'inserts' that need you to cut off the top of the strut.