How to Repair a 1997 Toyota Corolla Front Hub Bearing

Replacement of the front hub bearing in the Toyota Corolla is a challenge. The bearing in the hub is a sealed roller bearing and must be pressed in and out of the steering knuckle with a hydraulic press. The DIY mechanic can save time and money by farming the press work out to a local auto parts store or repair shop while performing the removal and installation of the steering knuckle and hub assembly at home.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Socket set
• Wrench set
• Pry bar
• Breaker bar
• Axle nut socket set
• Hammer

1. • 1

     Set the parking brake. Raise and support the front wheel that has the bad bearing, using a floor jack and a jack stand positioned under the front sub-frame. Block the opposite-side rear wheel with wheel chocks. Remove the front wheel and lay it aside.

   • 2

     Have a helper press and hold the brake pedal. Remove the axle nut using a 32 mm axle nut socket and breaker bar. Remove the brake caliper bolts using a 14 mm socket and ratchet, then lift the caliper off the rotor. Remove the brake rotor by pulling it off the hub assembly.

   • 3

     Disconnect the tie rod, attached to the steering knuckle, by using a pair of wire cutters to remove the cotter pin and a 17 mm wrench to remove the lock nut. Hit the steering arm near the tie rod with a hammer until the tie rod pops loose from the knuckle.

   • 4

     Remove the lower ball joint by removing the three 14 mm bolts that attach it to the lower control arm using a wrench. Pry down on the control arm and slip the ball joint free of the control arm.

   • 5

     Unbolt the steering knuckle from the strut by removing the two 19 mm bolts and nuts that attach it to the strut. Slide the knuckle and hub assembly off the axle. Take the steering knuckle and hub assembly to the parts store or repair shop and have the new bearing installed.

   • 6

     Push the axle through the new hub and slip the knuckle into the strut. Reinstall the bolts and tighten them securely. Pry down on the lower control arm and slide the ball joint into place. Reinstall the bolts and tighten them securely. Reinstall the tie rod, rotor, axle nut and caliper.

   • 7

     Reinstall the wheel. Raise the car off the jack stand and remove the stand before lowering the jack. Pump the brake pedal a few times to expand the brake caliper. Test drive the Corolla to the auto repair shop and have the front end alignment checked.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear safety glasses and work gloves to prevent serious injuries.

• A total four-wheel alignment may be necessary after this repair to prevent excessive tire wear and unstable driving characteristics.

How to Troubleshoot a Toyota Celica GT Check Engine Light

When there's something wrong with your Toyota Celica GT, and it has something to do with one of the sensors on the car, then your vehicle's check-engine light will come on. If you ignore this problem, you could seriously damage the GTs engine, fuel, or exhaust system. This could mean anything from a decrease in fuel economy to catastrophic failure of the catalytic converter if the problem is serious enough. Troubleshooting the check-engine light involves the use of an OBD--onboard diagnostic--scan tool, which is available at most auto-parts stores.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• OBD scan tool

1. • 1

     Pull down on the fuse-panel cover with your fingers to remove it and set it aside.

   • 2

     Plug the OBD scan tool plug into the OBD access port to the left of the fuse panel.

   • 3

     Turn the ignition key to the "II" position and turn on the OBD scan tool.

   • 4

     Wait for the scan tool to display "OK" on the screen and then shut off the ignition.

   • 5

     Press "Menu" on the scan tool and scroll to the "Stored Codes" menu. Then select "Stored Codes" and reference your GT's service manual to translate the fault codes.

How to Get a Replacement Toyota Ignition Key

Toyota replacement car keys can be ordered from an authorized Toyota service center by the registered owner of the car. For security reasons, the owner must appear in person, with current car registration and identification, and the names on all paperwork must match. If your key is a basic metal key that does not have a transponder chip, then the dealer can most likely cut a new key right away. If the key has an imbedded transponder chip, then you will need to bring the vehicle to the dealership to reprogram the new key.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Registered owner of vehicle
• Current registration
• Drivers license
• Toyota vehicle physically present at service department if replacing a transponder-embedded key

1. Find a Toyota Authorized Service Center

   • 1

     Search on the Internet, or contact Toyota by telephone or email to find a Toyota Authorized Service Center.

   • 2

     Call the service center to get a price quote for the new key. If you are replacing a key with an embedded transponder chip, then you will most likely need to make a service appointment for reprogramming.

   • 3

     Appear in person at the Toyota service center with the current Vehicle Registration to prove ownership, your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), drivers license and payment for the replacement key.

How to Clean a Toyota Fuel Injector

As automobiles evolve into high-tech machines, there are more nuances to learn about when performing routine maintenance. Fuel injectors began replacing carburetors about 25 years ago and offer a more efficient way to deliver fuel to the engine. Though fuel injectors are an improvement over the carburetor, they can get clogged with dirt and other small debris found floating in the fuel or from deposits in the fuel tank. Toyota fuel injectors gained widespread use around 1990, and cleaning them from time to time will help keep your car running smoothly.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Plugs
• Device adapter hose
• EFI cleaner
• Non-pressurized fuel injector cleaner
• Towel

1. • 1

     Start the car and let it idle for several minutes so that the engine warms to normal operating temperature.

   • 2

     Turn the car off. Check the operator's manual or guide under the hood of the car to locate the fuel pump electrical connector. This component is typically located near the battery. You do not want to actually disconnect the fuel pump itself as it is located in the fuel tank and requires removing the back seats of the car. Disconnect the fuel pump electrical connector. Re-start the engine and allow the car to run until it stalls.

   • 3

     Insert a plug into the fuel return line to disable it. Attach a device adapter hose to the car's fuel line. Screw a swivel fitting onto the other end of the adapter hose.

   • 4

     Insert a can of EFI cleaner into the swivel fitting of the adapter hose. Turn the valve handle on the adapter hose to the "Open" position. Start the car and allow it run until it stalls again.

   • 5

     Shut the valve handle on the adapter hose to the "Off" position. Unscrew the can of EFI cleaner from the adapter hose.

   • 6

     Drape a towel over the adapter hose. Turn the valve handle to the "Open" position to release any remaining pressure in the fuel line.

   • 7

     Remove the device adapter hose from the fuel line. Remove the plug from the fuel return line. Reattach the fuel pump electrical connector.

   • 8

     Wait a few minutes, before starting the car, to allow the fuel line to return to normal pressure. Start the car and let it run for several minutes. Pop the throttle/accelerator a few times to help dislodge any remaining grime in the fuel line.

   • 9

     Turn off the car engine. Open the fuel tank door. Pour one can of non-pressurized fuel injector cleaner into the fuel tank. Close the fuel tank door.

How to Change the Shoes on a Toyota Paseo

The Toyota Paseo was produced in the US between 1991 and 1997, and features a front-wheel drive layout. The "shoes" on this car refer to the brake pads, which are an integral feature of the braking system. The brake pads line the calipers that hug the rotor to stop the spinning wheel when you apply the brake. If the brake shoes wear down, you may hear a metallic hissing noise, indicating that the caliper itself is grinding against the rotor. Replacing your shoes takes about five minutes for each wheel.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Jack and tire iron
• Jack stand
• Socket wrench set
• Screwdriver
• Pliers
• C-clamp
• Motor oil
• Replacement brake shoes

1. • 1

     Loosen the lug nuts on the front driver's side wheel, or whichever wheel you wish to work on first. Place the jack below the lift guide marks on the chassis. Raise the jack to raise the Toyota Paseo. Slide a jack stand below the chassis. Lower the Paseo onto the stand for stability.

   • 2

     Finish loosening the lug nuts and remove them. Pull off the wheel.

   • 3

     Loosen and remove the two large bolts from the back of the Caliper with your socket wrench and ratchet. These bolts secure the caliper to the spindle.

   • 4

     Slide a screwdriver between the arms of the caliper. Jam the screwdriver against the spindle to release the caliper. Pull the caliper off.

   • 5

     Pull the inner brake shoe toward the outer brake shoe to dislodge the inner shoe from the caliper piston. Pull the inner shoe out.

   • 6

     Bend back the metal tabs of the outer brake shoe with your pliers. Pull the loosened brake shoe off of the caliper.

   • 7

     Press the slider pins out of the caliper. Grease them with motor oil. Replace them into the caliper.

   • 8

     Insert the new inner brake pad into the caliper. Slide the c-clamp over the caliper so that the drive shaft presses against the brake pad. Turn the shaft to clamp down on the pad and press the caliper piston back into the caliper. Remove the clamp. Reseat the inner brake pad so that it clicks into place.

   • 9

     Set the outer brake shoe into the caliper. Press the metallic clips of the brake shoe against the outer side of the caliper. Press the brake shoe into the caliper until you hear it click into place.

   • 10

     Reseat the caliper over the rotor and spindle. Tighten the two bolts back in. Remount the wheel.

   • 11

     Repeat the previous steps for the other wheels.

How to Unlock Toyota Radios

Many Toyota vehicles have anti-theft devices connected to the factory-installed radio system. If the radio is removed from the Toyota, the anti-theft device activates and locks the radio. Disconnecting the radio from the battery power may also cause the radio to lock. The radio cannot be used until it is unlocked. Each Toyota with an anti-theft radio has a unique unlock code that was provided with the vehicle when it was first purchased. If you no longer have the code, contact a Toyota dealer to have it looked up.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Unlock code

1. • 1

     Turn the ignition switch on.

   • 2

     Press the power button on the radio.

   • 3

     Press and hold preset button number 1.

   • 4

     Press and hold the "Tune up" button.

   • 5

     Release both buttons when "---" appears in the display.

   • 6

     Press the numbered preset buttons to enter the unlock code. The radio powers down when the last digit of the code is entered.

   • 7

     Press the power button on the radio. The radio unlocks as it turns on.

How to Change the Shoes on a Toyota Paseo

The Toyota Paseo was produced in the US between 1991 and 1997, and features a front-wheel drive layout. The "shoes" on this car refer to the brake pads, which are an integral feature of the braking system. The brake pads line the calipers that hug the rotor to stop the spinning wheel when you apply the brake. If the brake shoes wear down, you may hear a metallic hissing noise, indicating that the caliper itself is grinding against the rotor. Replacing your shoes takes about five minutes for each wheel.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Jack and tire iron
• Jack stand
• Socket wrench set
• Screwdriver
• Pliers
• C-clamp
• Motor oil
• Replacement brake shoes

1. • 1

     Loosen the lug nuts on the front driver's side wheel, or whichever wheel you wish to work on first. Place the jack below the lift guide marks on the chassis. Raise the jack to raise the Toyota Paseo. Slide a jack stand below the chassis. Lower the Paseo onto the stand for stability.

   • 2

     Finish loosening the lug nuts and remove them. Pull off the wheel.

   • 3

     Loosen and remove the two large bolts from the back of the Caliper with your socket wrench and ratchet. These bolts secure the caliper to the spindle.

   • 4

     Slide a screwdriver between the arms of the caliper. Jam the screwdriver against the spindle to release the caliper. Pull the caliper off.

   • 5

     Pull the inner brake shoe toward the outer brake shoe to dislodge the inner shoe from the caliper piston. Pull the inner shoe out.

   • 6

     Bend back the metal tabs of the outer brake shoe with your pliers. Pull the loosened brake shoe off of the caliper.

   • 7

     Press the slider pins out of the caliper. Grease them with motor oil. Replace them into the caliper.

   • 8

     Insert the new inner brake pad into the caliper. Slide the c-clamp over the caliper so that the drive shaft presses against the brake pad. Turn the shaft to clamp down on the pad and press the caliper piston back into the caliper. Remove the clamp. Reseat the inner brake pad so that it clicks into place.

   • 9

     Set the outer brake shoe into the caliper. Press the metallic clips of the brake shoe against the outer side of the caliper. Press the brake shoe into the caliper until you hear it click into place.

   • 10

     Reseat the caliper over the rotor and spindle. Tighten the two bolts back in. Remount the wheel.

   • 11

     Repeat the previous steps for the other wheels.