2017-2018 Toyota Corolla iM Coilover Install Instructions
Welcome to the Toyota Corolla iM Coilover instructions guide. This detailed walkthrough will provide step-by-step instructions to ensure a smooth and successful installation. We’ve included the recommended tools, precise torque specs straight from the manufacturer, and other essential tips to help you along the way. This guide focuses on the Function and Form Type 2 Coilover kit, which is designed to fit the 2015-2018 Toyota Corolla iM and the 2015-2018 Scion iM. For reference, our test vehicle featured 225/45/17 tires. After installation, we recommend scheduling an alignment about a week later to allow time for the suspension to settle and achieve optimal performance. There is a link to a video at the bottom of this post if you would like to watch it instead.
Before jumping into the install, let’s take a moment to appreciate the unique history of the Corolla iM. Originally launched as the Scion iM in 2016, this compact hatchback was rebranded as the Toyota Corolla iM in 2017 following the retirement of the Scion brand. Combining practicality and style, the iM became a favorite for its sporty feel, thanks to features like a sport-tuned suspension and an optional six-speed manual transmission. While its production run ended in 2018, its reputation as a fun-to-drive and highly modifiable car lives on. Upgrading to Function and Form Type 2 Coilovers is an excellent way to elevate its handling and aesthetics, making your iM even more of a standout on the road.
Tools Needed:
Socket: 22mm, 21mm, 17mm, 14mm, 12mm, 10mm.
Wrench: 22mm, 19mm, 17mm.
8mm hex key.
Impact wrench.
Ratchet.
Spanner wrenches (provided with kit).
Small Flat head screwdriver.
Tape.
Flashlight (optional).
Floor Jack.
Properly jack up vehicle at designated lift points.
Remove wheels with a 21mm socket.
Open the hood and take the two plastic trim off located above suspension.
Start removing the windshield wiper cowl by first pushing down on the plastic fasteners with a small screwdriver.
Mark the location of the windshield wiper on the windshield using tape. This will ensure you reinstall them correctly after completing the suspension installation.
Remove the trim cover from the windshield wiper arm.
Use a 14mm socket to remove the nut, then take off the windshield wipers. You may need to wiggle the arm to loosen it.
Carefully pull and remove windshield wiper cowl.
Next, move to the wheel well and use a 14mm and 10mm socket to remove the wheel sensor and brake line bracket.
Use a 17mm socket to remove the end link.
Finally, use a 22mm socket and wrench to remove the lower mount bolts.
Remove the three 14mm top hat nuts, then take out the strut.
Adjust the coilover height by loosening the lower mount perch and spinning the lower mount to achieve the desired height.
Do not adjust the height using the spring perches, as these are intended to adjust spring preload.
Click here for video on how to reset preload.
Position the coilover into place and hand-tighten the top hat nuts using a 14mm socket.
Raise the spindle to align with the lower mount and insert the 22mm bolts.
Torque the two 22mm lower control arm nuts to 177 lb-ft.
Torque the 17mm nut on the endlink to 55 lb-ft.
Torque the 14mm top hat nuts to 29 lb-ft.
Reinsert the end link into place and torque it to 55 lb-ft.
Install the brake line and wheel sensor using a 10mm and 14mm socket, and torque them to 11 lb-ft.
Use a spanner wrench to tighten the lower mount perch, then strike the end of the spanner wrench with a mallet to lock the lower mount in place.
Install the wheels and torque the lug nuts to 76 lb-ft.
Reinstall the windshield wiper cowl and the windshield wipers.
This completes the front Corolla iM coilover instructions.
Rear Installation
To begin the rear coilover installation for the Corolla iM, start by removing the rear wheel using a 21mm socket.
Next, remove the 14mm end link nut.
Support the lower mount with a jack and remove the two 17mm nuts and bolts.
Push down on the spindle to slide the spindle bolt out.
Press down on the lower control arm to remove the spring.
Use an 8mm hex key and a 19mm wrench to remove the shock top mount nut, then take out the shock.
Remove top hat bushing and washer from OEM shock and place it on new shock.
Place the shock into position and tighten the top hat nut with a 19mm socket to 35 lb-ft.
Measure the height of the old spring, then determine the desired height for the new spring. The spring height will determine the rear ride height.
Remove the washer and screw from the bottom of the new spring, then place the spring into position.
Do not reinstall the washer and screw for the spring yet.
Use a jack to compress the lower mount until the spindle’s mounting hole aligns, then insert the bolt.
Click here to watch a video on how to set the rear preload.
Twist the lower mount down until the mounting hole aligns, then slide in the bolt.
Torque the two 17mm lower mount nuts to 100 lb-ft.
Lock the lower mount perch using the provided spanner wrenches.
Torque the 14mm end link nut to 65 lb-ft.
Install the washer and screw onto the spring using an 8mm hex key.
Screw on the rear damper knobs.
Finally, install the wheels and torque the lug nuts to 76 lb-ft.
This completes the Corolla iM coilover instructions. We recommend performing an alignment one week after installation to allow time for the suspension to settle.
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