• Suspension
  • Parts to buy when rebuilding OEM suspension?
2017/08/27 14:13:53
Hoonsy
Hi everyone,
 
I haven't dabbled much with the suspension components of the car so I'm very fresh to all of it. I confirmed this morning that I have rebuildable struts (see attached photo) so I'm happy to start ordering parts in to get this underway

My problem at the moment is that I have never rebuilt suspension so I'm not sure of what parts I should replace while I'm in there. So far I plan on replacing the inserts (cannot pick a brand or supplier yet, recommendations welcome) and dust boots.. I assume bushings are worth doing as well?

Could anyone please recommend how I should proceed and point me towards any local suppliers to purchase the gear off? I'd go straight for PRIME MR2 or MR2 Ben, etc. but the conversion rates are financial suicide at the moment 


2017/08/28 10:38:30
MaXim
Hey Trey here is a list of parts to get you started. Consult the BGB for assembly instructions / more concise info.
 
Prothane Total-Kit 18-2012 front and rear bushing kit
This will replace all the rubber bits in your suspension with polyurethane bushings. It is not expensive and will be a must if you plan for your car to actually maintain any alignment setting. Got mine from Diverse Suspension Technologies / prothanesuspensionparts.com.

Rear tie rod and tie rod bearing
The Prothane kit does not include the rose joint for the rear tie rods (aka track rods or toe arms). Toyota does not sell these either so you need to buy the complete tie rod assembly. Alternatively get an upgraded set from RacerX Fabrication. The rear tie rods bolt into a bearing that is pressed into the hub and these are also not sold separately by Toyota. Twos r us and MR2-BEN do sell these. It is very easy to check if you need new rear tie rods. Just crawl under the car and try to rotate them. If there is little to no resistance when you try to rotate them you know they're toast.
 
Front tension / castor rods
On 93+ cars the castor is non-adjustable. If you want adjustable castor then you need to get aftermarket items.

 
Front tie rod / tie rod ends
I think it probably works out cheaper just to buy the whole tie rod assembly than just the tie rod ends.
 

Front and rear ball joints
The front and rear use different parts so don't mix them up.
 
Front strut assembly - from top to bottom:
Good that you have the rebuildable strut housing but you should replace all the bits that bolt onto it. Other than the insert cartridges here are all the replaceable parts:
 
Dust cap - goes on the top of the strut top. The ones i bought would not fit so left them out.

Strut top nuts

Strut top  / suspension support - you can upgrade to adjustable ones to get adjustable camber
Dust seal - goes in between the spring seat and the strut top

Spring seat
Coil spring insulator - goes in between the spring and the spring seat
Dust covers and bump stop
 
Rear strut assembly
Dust cap - goes on the top of the strut top. These are a must as rear of the car is exposed to heat and moisture.
Strut top nuts
Collar - this is a large washer that goes between the nut that holds the shock abosorber shaft into the strut top.
Strut top / suspension support - the rear one holds the spring in directly.
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