Toyota Corolla 2006 shocks

Status
Not open for further replies.

Qacer

Platinum Member
Apr 5, 2001
2,721
1
91
On a Toyota Corolla 2006, I was told that the shocks will need replacing sometime soon. I searched on Advance Auto Parts for "shocks" and all I see for the Corolla are struts (front right and front left struts). Is this all I need to replace the shocks?

Normally, I'd let the mechanic order parts for me. But because I'm outside of the motherland for the time being, any part that the local mechanic orders is priced higher than USA prices. I figured if I can order the parts from the US and have some of my friends check it in when they come visit, then I can save some money on parts.

Thanks!
 

phucheneh

Diamond Member
Jun 30, 2012
7,306
5
0
Strut = shock = damper.

'MacPherson Strut' is simply a type of suspension design where the shock attaches to the top of the steering knuckle (chunk of metal with wheel bearing and brakes mounted to it) and provides the upper point for steering articulation. The other point being the lower ball joint.

So, basically, 'strut' is 'shock plus upper balljoint.' Not in physical design, but in theory. Most if not all FWD designs also incorporate the spring into the strut assembly. RWD's often have a seperate spring, which is caled 'modified MacPherson.'

For stock replacement, I like KYB GR-2's, now apparently called 'Excel G,' I guess. They're typically as good as if not better than factory. And affordable. Avoid the temptation to buy bargain bin shocks from the parts store.
 

CraigRT

Lifer
Jun 16, 2000
31,440
5
0
I agree on the KYB struts. They are my favorite.
My dad put Monroe on his car and it rides like before he even replaced the struts.
KYB's made my car feel so much stiffer and tight again when I installed them.
Big fan of KYB.
 

OGOC

Senior member
Jun 14, 2013
312
0
76
Shocks aren't struts, but people will know what you're talking about either way.

In general, I'd say Monroes are considered OEM quality. (That means in general they're good.) In fact, they often are rebranded as OEMs. There may be different models and levels of stiffness. Stiffer for fast turning and all that may sound good, but if you mainly just drive in a straight line, you may not like it. Personal preference.

You'll find many people say don't get Gabriels because they wear out fast. I've had some and they were fine. ymmv.

Assuming you have struts and not shocks on that car, you can replace just the struts inside the springs (after compressing the springs), or you can get the whole thing together and it just bolts right in. If a shop is doing it, would think struts only would be the better route to go.

Compare prices to Rockauto.com. It's easy to find a 5% discount code around. Have to be careful if you order multiple things and they ship from different locations. That can really hurt the price. Rock isn't always the cheapest, but it's a good start for comparison.

A shop may not put on parts you bring in due to warranty concerns and other things. Make sure to ask ahead of time.

Before any of this, I'd do some personal "bounce" tests myself on the car. Just because a mechanic says you may need to replace something soon doesn't necessarily mean you do.
 
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.