How to Replace the Shocks and Struts in a Toyota Tundra

Your Toyota Tundra is great for hauling and the extended cab provides a comfortable ride for passengers. But if you let your shocks and struts get worn, you need to replace them to keep the things you're hauling in the bed and the people you're hauling unbruised. The typical replacement guideline is 60,000 miles under normal driving conditions.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Floor jack
• Jack stands
• Tire iron
• Ratchet set
• Adjustable wrench
• Torque wrench

1. Replace the Front Shocks or Struts in a Tundra

   • 1

     Lift the front end of the Tundra with a floor jack and support it by the frame with jack stands. Use a tire iron to loosen and remove the nuts holding the wheels on and set the wheels aside.

   • 2

     Use a wrench and a ratchet to remove the lower retaining bolt holding the shock behind the wheel hub. Remove the upper mounting nuts and pull the shock or strut out from under the Tundra. Repeat this step on the other side of the truck.

   • 3

     Attach the shock or strut to the upper mounting nuts in the frame and set the dial on the torque wrench to 47 foot lb. Tighten each mounting nut until you feel the wrench slip. Insert the lower mounting bolt and nut and torque them to 100 foot lb. Repeat this step on the other side of the Tundra.

   • 4

     Mount the front wheels and lower the front end. Have a professional check the wheel alignment.

   Replace the Rear Shocks in a Tundra

   • 1

     Raise the rear end of the Tundra and support it by the frame on jack stands. Remove the rear wheels. Locate the shocks behind the wheel hubs under the rear end of the truck. They look like tubes that slide in and out of each other, with one end connecting to the frame and the other to the back of the wheel hub.

   • 2

     Remove the nuts and bolts holding the ends of the shock to the suspension and the body. Repeat this step on the other side of the rear of the truck.

   • 3

     Position the shock, and torque the upper nut to 15 foot lb and the lower nut and bolt to 64 foot lb. Repeat this step on the other side of the Tundra.

   • 4

     Mount the rear wheels and lower the rear end of the truck.

Tips & Warnings

• If you ever take your Tundra off-road, have a professional examine the shocks or struts for wear every time you have the tires rotated or balanced.

How to Remove a Toyota Tacoma Stereo

The Tacoma uses an integrated stereo system similar to other import vehicles. However, there are plenty of aftermarket stereo systems out there, and though your factory stereo unit may not necessarily be bad, many people like to upgrade to a more advanced model. To do this, you'll first have to remove the Toyota's factory stereo.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Screwdriver (flat-tip and Philips)

1. • 1

     Remove the temperature control knobs by pulling them straight off. You may have to pry the control knobs off using a flat-tip screwdriver.

   • 2

     Remove the control panel by wedging a flat-tip screwdriver behind the face of the panel and prying up on the panel.

   • 3

     Remove the two screws holding the control unit in place.

   • 4

     Remove the ashtray.

   • 5

     Remove the screw on the upper right-hand side.

   • 6

     Remove the center dash component. You'll have to give it a good pull, but it will come come without the need for any tools.

   • 7

     Remove the screws that hold the radio in place.

   • 8

     Unplug the antenna and the wiring harness, and remove the old stereo.

How to Repair Toyota Camry Headlights That Won't Turn Off

Do not fear if you Toyota Camry's headlights suddenly refuse to turn off. Your car isn't possessed. In fact, the chances are good that the only problem is that the headlight relay has become stuck or is broken. A malfunctioning headlight relay can cause erratic changes with your headlights, including not being able to turn them off. The headlight switch on your Camry is located inside the main relay panel inside your engine compartment.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Socket set
• Screwdriver
• Replacement headlight relay

1. • 1

     Open the hood of your Camry and remove the negative battery cable in order to prevent electrical shock. Removing the negative battery cable will also prevent you from shorting anything out.

   • 2

     Locate and open the relay panel. It is just to the top right-hand side of your battery and primary fuse box.

   • 3

     Examine the inside of your Camry's relay panel lid. The diagram printed on the inside will show you exactly which relay you need to pull and replace.

   • 4

     Pull the bad relay directly out by hand. Plug the new one in and place the cover back on.

   • 5

     Use your socket set to put your negative battery cable back on.

How to Replace a 1996 Toyota Camry Power Window Switch

Power window switch panels are easily removed.

The 1996 Toyota Camry power window switch appears difficult to replace because there are no visible fasteners to remove. This is, however, not the case. It is necessary to take precautions not to damage the door panel when removing the switch, but the job takes less than five minutes to complete.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Wrench set
• Flat-head screwdriver
• Masking tape

1. • 1

     Raise the hood and use a wrench to disconnect the negative battery cable. Tape the end of a flat-blade screwdriver and gently insert it under the front lip of the window switch. Lightly press forward and lever up at the same time. The switch will pop up. It is held in place by spring clips that locks the switch in place, and pressing in releases the spring tension.

   • 2

     Press and release the lock clips that hold the switch wiring connector in place. Pull up on the connector. It will take some force to remove the connector. Use the screwdriver to lever the connector off of the switch if necessary.

   • 3

     Press the connector onto the new switch pins. Press firmly to seat the connector and make sure the connector locks over the retainer clips. Align the new switch into the mounting hole and press down until the switch snaps into place. Reconnect the battery cable and lower the hood.

References

• Autozone: 1996 Toyota Camry Door Panel Removal

How to Locate a Beeper in a Toyota Matrix

Losing your pager could cause you to miss important notifications.

Although beepers, also known as pagers, are not as common as they used to be, they are still used by a number of people, including doctors and other professionals, who are on call. A lost beeper can be disastrous, particularly if someone needs to get in touch with you. If you suspect your beeper is lost in your Toyota Matrix, there are a number of places inside the vehicle you may want to look for it.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. • 1

     Open the driver side door on your Toyota Matrix. Scoot the seat back. Reach your hand underneath the front of the seat, and feel around for the beeper. Look underneath the seat, if possible. Shine your flashlight to see if the beeper fell underneath the seat. Move to the passenger side seat, and do the same.

   • 2

     Check your glove box and center console. It is possible you placed the beeper in either location and forgot. Look in the map pockets on either interior door panel. The beeper may be located in either of these storage consoles.

   • 3

     Look in the rear passenger area. If the beeper fell out of your pocket, it may have moved to the rear floor.

   • 4

     Open the Matrix rear hatch, and look for the beeper. It is possible you set the beeper down in the cargo area, while you were removing an item from the vehicle.

   • 5

     Ask someone to call the beeper. Sit inside your Matrix, and listen for it to beep or vibrate. If no one can help you call the beeper, use the free service, "Where's My Cell Phone," to call the beeper for you.

How to Import a Toyota Hilux Into the USA

There are two ways to import a Toyota Hilux into the United States. One method is as a temporary import. Temporary imports must be returned to their country of origin accompanied by you, as specified by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The second option is to order it from the manufacturer with U.S. specifications, because there are no Toyota Hilux's on the "List of Non-Conforming Vehicles eligible for importation." Information for both of these options is available on the NHTSA website.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Bill of sale
• Bill of landing

1. • 1

     Choose a customs port of entry that will be convenient for you to pick up your Toyota Hilux. A list of ports is available on the U.S Customs and Border Protection website.

   • 2

     Send the truck in bond to customs at the U.S. port you chose. The customs bond form 301 is available on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.

   • 3

     Present to customs the sales receipt and vehicle registration papers.

   • 4

     Give customs the original bill of landing from the shipper or carrier you used. The shipper or carrier you use should already be aware of customs requirements. If this is a temporary import, it must be sent to the U.S. through a Registered Importer. A list of Registered Importers is available on the NHTSA website.

   • 5

     Complete Environmental Protection Agency form 3520-1. This form will be given to you by customs.

   • 6

     Complete Department of Transportation form HS-7. This form is required by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. Customs will provide you with this form.

   • 7

     Pay duty and taxes to the customs cashier. The duty and tax amount will be determined based on the price you paid for the car. For a new Toyota Hilux, duty is 25 percent of the purchase price as of 2010.

   • 8

     Pick up your Toyota Hilux from the inspection area. You will be given a clearance form from customs for the release of your truck.

Tips & Warnings

• It would be helpful to hire the services of a commercial customs broker in your state.

• Read the detailed import vehicle instructions and regulations from the EPA, CBP and NHSTA websites before attempting to import a Toyota Hilux.

• You risk the chance of your truck being destroyed or exported if it does not meet EPA and DOT requirements.

How to Replace the PCV Valve in a Toyota Corolla

To control the amount of pressure and vapors released, your car utilizes a part named the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve. During operation, the valve may become clogged and render it unusable causing various engine issues. If you notice your engines seems to run rough while idling, you may need to replace the PCV valve of your Toyota Corolla.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. • 1

     Determine the location of the PCV valve on your Toyota Corolla. For newer models after 2000, you'll find it on the intake manifold next to your engine with a hose connecting it to the throttle body.

   • 2

     Remove the PCV valve from your Corolla by taking it out of the grommet and disconnecting the hose. Once free, you should clean the part with carb cleaner in order to properly inspect it.

   • 3

     Blow through one end of the valve where it connects to the intake manifold. If it is working properly, air should not pass through it. If you feel air come out the other side, you need to replace it.

   • 4

     Seal the new PCV valve within the grommet. Reconnect the hose and you have finished the installation.

Tips & Warnings

• The PCV valve will not always have the same location in each Corolla model. One of the hardest steps of making the replacement is to find its placement within your car.

• Toyota recommends a maintenance schedule that includes replacing your PCV valve every 15,000 miles in order to avoid malfunction.

• Order your replacement from AutoZone.com or visit one of their retail locations. You can find the PCV valve available for all Toyota Corollas manufactured after 1970.