🔧 Shock Absorbers - Replacement

Assumption: This guide covers the rear shock absorbers on your Yaris. The front suspension uses struts, which is a different job.

Rear shocks control bounce and keep the back of the car stable. If they leak, clunk, or feel bouncy, replacing them in pairs is the right fix.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1.5-2.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on level ground only.
• Chock the front wheels before lifting the rear.
• Support the car with jack stands before going under it.
• Replace rear shocks in pairs to keep handling even.
• Keep hands clear of the suspension while lowering or raising the axle.
• No battery disconnect is required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• 14mm socket
• 17mm socket
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• Penetrating oil
• Trim clip tool
• Needle-nose pliers

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear shock absorber set - Qty: 2
• Rear shock upper mount bushings - Qty: 2
• Rear shock upper insulators - Qty: 2
• Rear shock lower hardware kit - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Put wheel chocks in front of both front tires.
• Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts slightly before lifting.
• Spray the shock bolts with penetrating oil and let it soak.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and support the rear

• Use the floor jack to lift the rear of the car at the approved jacking point.
• Place jack stands under the rear support points and lower the car onto them.
• Remove both rear wheels with the 21mm lug wrench or socket if equipped.

Step 2: Access the upper shock mounts

• Open the rear hatch and fold the rear seats if needed for access.
• Use the trim clip tool to remove any trunk side trim or access covers over the upper shock nuts.
• Keep the fasteners in order so they go back in the same place.

Step 3: Support the rear suspension

• Use the floor jack under the rear axle beam or lower suspension arm to hold it slightly up.
• This keeps the suspension from dropping when the lower bolt is removed.
• Small lift, not a full raise.

Step 4: Remove the lower shock bolt

• Use the 14mm socket and ratchet to remove the lower shock bolt.
• If the bolt spins, hold the nut side with the 17mm socket or wrench as needed.
• Remove the old lower hardware if it is rusted or damaged.

Step 5: Remove the upper shock fasteners

• Use the 14mm socket to remove the upper shock nuts.
• Support the shock with one hand while removing the last fastener.
• Lower the old shock out of the wheel well.

Step 6: Install the new shock absorber

• Compare the old and new parts before installing.
• Place the new shock in position and start the upper nuts by hand.
• Install the lower bolt by hand first so the threads do not cross.
• Use the 14mm socket to snug all fasteners.

Step 7: Torque the fasteners

• Use the torque wrench with the correct socket to tighten the upper and lower shock fasteners.
• Torque to 39 Nm (29 ft-lbs) for the shock mounting fasteners unless your replacement kit specifies otherwise.
• Tighten with the suspension at normal ride height.

Step 8: Reassemble and repeat on the other side

• Reinstall any trim covers with the trim clip tool.
• Put the wheel back on and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Repeat the full repair on the opposite side.
• Lower the car and torque the lug nuts in a star pattern with the torque wrench.
• Torque to 103 Nm (76 ft-lbs) for the lug nuts.

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✅ After Repair

• Drive slowly at first and listen for clunks or rattles.
• Check that the rear of the car sits evenly.
• Inspect both shock areas for movement or loose hardware after the first test drive.
• Recheck lug nut torque after 25-50 miles.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $350-$650 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $120-$240 (parts only)

You Save: $230-$410 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-2.5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.