I'm replacing the factory shocks and springs (but keeping the strut mounts) for my 2007 Corolla. The new shocks and springs come as a kit from Bilstein and Eibach, it's called the Bilstein B12 kit: it consist of their B8 shocks (a shock designed for lowering springs) and Eibach pro-kit lowering springs which lower the vehicle about 1 inch. It's supposed to be a match.
Today I did the driver side front. I was planning on doing all four but a single side took five hours. I started the other side at 6pm but couldn't get the stabilizer link off--instead I stripped the nut. UGH. I'm going to hacksaw it off and replace it with a well-reviewed MOOG unit.
A few questions:
I used TWO rubber strut bellows (dust covers) to cover the entire strut piston, I used zip ties to join them together and another zip tie to hold the piece to the base. I believe I am creating something of a vacuum and keeping all dust out. Do you think this is a good idea?
I added Sil-Glyde brake grease to the strut mount bearing (I believe it comes from the factory with MP No.2 grease (according to the factory service manual) basically mixing it with whatever was already there from factory.
I reused the factory top mount nut rather than the one Bilstein provided. The factory nut seemed perfectly fine and the Bilstein nut was larger (22mm vs 19mm factory) and it was a blue nylon locking nut which worried me, I was worried I wouldn't be able to torque this thing.)
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After installation, I will share pics and give the reader my driving impressions. I've considered lowering my car for a decade now but was always hesistant about it. I haven't been able to find anyone online who has installed this kit.
Today I did the driver side front. I was planning on doing all four but a single side took five hours. I started the other side at 6pm but couldn't get the stabilizer link off--instead I stripped the nut. UGH. I'm going to hacksaw it off and replace it with a well-reviewed MOOG unit.
A few questions:
I used TWO rubber strut bellows (dust covers) to cover the entire strut piston, I used zip ties to join them together and another zip tie to hold the piece to the base. I believe I am creating something of a vacuum and keeping all dust out. Do you think this is a good idea?
I added Sil-Glyde brake grease to the strut mount bearing (I believe it comes from the factory with MP No.2 grease (according to the factory service manual) basically mixing it with whatever was already there from factory.
I reused the factory top mount nut rather than the one Bilstein provided. The factory nut seemed perfectly fine and the Bilstein nut was larger (22mm vs 19mm factory) and it was a blue nylon locking nut which worried me, I was worried I wouldn't be able to torque this thing.)
--------------------------
After installation, I will share pics and give the reader my driving impressions. I've considered lowering my car for a decade now but was always hesistant about it. I haven't been able to find anyone online who has installed this kit.
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