Vibrologist's '05 Vibe

vibrologist · Post by **vibrologist** » Thu Jul 03, 2014 8:51 am

: Vibe Craigslist ad.jpg (39.96 KiB) Viewed 33141 times

Since April 28, 2014 I own this '05 Vibe. It had 89000 miles on the odometer, busted fog lights, noisy tires, dim radio display and a somewhat soft break pedal. However, it is a one owner car that was used to schlepp the kids and the Golden Retriever around. The car felt alright and I bought it on the spot.
The Vibe replaces the 03 Windstar that accumulated 170000 miles over 9 years of ownership. Obviously the minivan was more comfortable. But I don't miss that beast at all. For almost a year I was basically driving it as single occupant, occasionally accompanied by an English Springer that supposed to be my son's. Now I enjoy 27 mpg in town vs 17 mpg. The Vibe has a great sounding stereo (after some sound deadening) with a CD player that works.
I had to fix the radio display because 2 bulbs were burnt out. This thread was very helpful:viewtopic.php?f=17&t=26889 Thanks, joatmon!

Then I added sound insulation following the suggestions in derf's thread:viewtopic.php?f=11&t=40421 I kept the original system and only added sound insulation in the trunk area and a layer of quilt batting into the sub woofer. What a difference this made! I actually set the equalizer to all neutral because I get plenty base for my listening preferences.

ramenboy... · Post by **ramenboy...** » Sat Jul 05, 2014 4:17 am

I know what you mean! I went from an Isuzu suv to my vibe and was surprised that I could still fit virtually the same amount of stuff (climbing/camping gear, etc),double my mpg, and look more stylish :p

Good choice, and nice, clean vibe

vibrologist · Post by **vibrologist** » Tue Jul 22, 2014 12:59 pm

nice, clean vibe

Thanks ramenboy! You know that the pictures make them look nicer and cleaner then they are in reality.

vibrologist · Post by **vibrologist** » Wed Jul 23, 2014 1:14 pm

As first modification I made and installed a pet barrier to keep Yogi, the English Springer, in the trunk area. He was the reason why I looked for a wagon rather than a sedan. I was so close to buying a Kia Amanti but I could not imagine having the dog messing up the interior. The dog needs to be confined to his area for safety and cleanliness.
First I looked for a kennel and could not find one that would offer the correct size and convenience features. Then I looked for a universal fit pet barrier in the store and found nothing but junk for too much money. Finally, I found Vers-A-pad panels in a Theisen's farm supply store. I cut one to size and strapped it to the headrests of the rear seats. Bingo! it was cheap, about $20 + some straps. It looks great and is completely rattle free! The dog got used to it in only 2 trips to his favorite run-free areas.

: Pontiac Vibe 048.JPG (95.49 KiB) Viewed 33070 times

You find the details here: viewtopic.php?f=28&t=43345" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Next I needed to address an issue of discomfort. I was slumping in the seat and got back pain after only 30 minutes of driving. I could not find a seat adjustment that alleviated the situation. Many years ago I threw out a disc. I needed lumbar support. So I fashioned one from a piece of upholstery foam that I bought at Jo-Ann's Fabric. I tried it out by putting it between my back and the seat so it was easy to modify. Once I was happy I put it under the seat cover. It looks like it came from the factory that way. Meanwhile I have driven 3 hours without developing back pain.
The details are here: viewtopic.php?f=28&t=43419" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Still, the seating position is not ideal. When I am sitting comfortable in the driver's seat the steering wheel is so far away that it stretches my arms too far. When I get the distance to the wheel right I am to close to the pedals. There is no solution to this issue. It is an idiosyncrasy of this platform. You have to live with it or buy another car. That is probably what I will be doing. Don't get your hopes up, the Vibe will stay in the family!
Am I the only one with this issue? Hardly:
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/326-1 ... mfort.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

vibrologist · Post by **vibrologist** » Mon Aug 11, 2014 12:03 pm

In July I completed the interior clean up and sound deadening. I pulled the carpet out and washed it with the garden hose, Bissell carpet and upholstery cleaner, a scrub brush and the Bissell wet vacuum cleaner. I am very happy with the results. There was a lot of dog hair in the carpet and the floor mats and sand everywhere. The waste water was black. I put more brush on sound deadener on the floor and after everything was dry I put it back together.

: the grey material is sound deadener.; 05 Vibe Carpet out (2).jpg (91.95 KiB) Viewed 33002 times

vibrologist · Post by **vibrologist** » Mon Aug 11, 2014 12:06 pm

The carpet is hanging out to dry.

: 05 Vibe Carpet drying (2).jpg (99.17 KiB) Viewed 33002 times

vibrologist · Post by **vibrologist** » Mon Aug 11, 2014 12:08 pm

and the floor mats too:

: 05 Vibe floor mats drying.jpg (131.2 KiB) Viewed 33002 times

vibrologist · Post by **vibrologist** » Fri Aug 22, 2014 12:58 pm

The original horn is too weak to demand respect. I replaced it with a FIAMM 2 tone set.

: vibe 2-tone horn front (4).jpg (73.34 KiB) Viewed 32958 times

vibrologist · Post by **vibrologist** » Fri Aug 22, 2014 1:05 pm

The way-back occupant, English Springer, after a swim in the pond.

: Yogi after a swim (small).jpg (178.25 KiB) Viewed 32958 times

vibrologist · Post by **vibrologist** » Tue Sep 02, 2014 2:39 pm

We made a labor day weekend trip to Kansas City.

This picture was taken on Norledge Avenue at the back side of the Kansas City Museum.

: labor day trip to Kansas City 2014 005, cropped small.jpg (166.85 KiB) Viewed 32907 times

vibrologist · Post by **vibrologist** » Wed Oct 01, 2014 6:17 pm

In an old Car and Driver article it was pointed out that the seat was 2" too low in respect to the steering wheel. This prompted me to try shimming the seat in order to achieve a more comfortable position. I purchased 2 bolts 10mmx1.25(fine)-40mm and 2 nuts 1/2-13. These nuts are too large for the bolts so the threads will not catch.
I loosened the bolts in the back and and removed the bolts at the front of the seat. I placed a nut under the seat bracket and inserted the new, longer bolt and tightened everything down.
This is how it looks like:

: seat shim.jpg (53.15 KiB) Viewed 32824 times

You can see that the locating pin just behind the bolt is no longer in it's proper position. It could mean that in an accident the seat bolts may shear. I have to assume that a seat shimmed in this way is less safe than the properly mounted seat.

The result is a much more relaxed driving position because the hands can rest on the thighs while they hold the steering wheel:

: Vibe after shimming the seat.jpg (32.87 KiB) Viewed 32824 times

Car and Driver exaggerated. Raising the seat by 10mm at the front is all it took. Not only is this more comfortable for the hands and arms,it also added 10mm in distance to the pedals. You cannot achieve the same effect by simply jacking up the seat with the lever. This will raise the rear of the seat and lower the front!

tpollauf · Post by **tpollauf** » Fri Oct 03, 2014 4:59 pm

I can certainly relate to the 2" height thing. Take a look at what I did to my Chevy Express 2500 work van. YEP, I raised the seat height by exactly 2" and I made the seat tilt forward at the same time so that I can access the "behind the seat" storage which I created! Nothing more that two 1-1/2" angle iron strips joined together by a pivoting bolt at the front. I did this some 12-13 years ago and is now transferred into it's third van. Lease company says turn them in at 100k miles OR five years. Works for me !

vibrologist · Post by **vibrologist** » Fri Oct 03, 2014 8:17 pm

Well done! Your license plate says it all!

I see you have both, Gen 1 and Gen 2 in your fleet. What do you think, is it possible to put the Gen 2 telescoping steering column in a Gen 1 Vibe?

trb · Post by **trb** » Sat Oct 04, 2014 6:17 pm

Thanks for the seat info. I bought two 50mm bolts and was able to put one nut and 3 washers under each seat bracket to raise the front of the seat in my 03 GT a good bit. It is now MUCH better. I don't feel like I'm sliding down under the dash as I drive!

vibrologist · Post by **vibrologist** » Sat Oct 04, 2014 6:33 pm

You are welcome!
Thank you for the feed back.

tpollauf · Post by **tpollauf** » Sat Oct 04, 2014 8:03 pm

vibrologist wrote:
I see you have both, Gen 1 and Gen 2 in your fleet.

Ah mmmmmmm .... (cough cough) Look closer at my fleet. Hint ... these are ALL 2009 models!

vibrologist · Post by **vibrologist** » Sun Oct 05, 2014 6:55 am

I made an appointment with the ophthalmologist.

cmpltvertigo · Post by **cmpltvertigo** » Tue Oct 07, 2014 6:47 am

Good job so far, I really dig the custom pet barrier. I also like the detail of cleaning, I need to do the same to mine.

vibrologist · Post by **vibrologist** » Fri Oct 31, 2014 11:32 am

cmpltvertigo wrote:Good job so far, I really dig the custom pet barrier. I also like the detail of cleaning, I need to do the same to mine.

Thanks, cmpltvertigo! Have you had a chance to clean out your interior?

I did my wife's 2000 Ford Contour as well. I took the seats and carpet out. The Bissell Carpet and Upholstery cleaner has been very effective on carpet stains that resisted every previous attempt at removal. There was a hole in the carpet where the heel of the driver's right foot comes to rest. The geniuses at Ford put the plastic pad so far forward that the heel will hit the carpet right behind it. I found some OEM floor mats at the junk yard ($3.00) and covered it up. The floor mats were so dirty you could have grown strawberries on them. I hosed them down with the garden hose for at least 10 minutes each.

vibrologist · Post by **vibrologist** » Mon Nov 17, 2014 4:50 pm

First snow and winter wheels: 15" MSW OZ with General Altimax Arctic that were previously used for 3 winters on a Toyota Prius. I had the wheels balanced, one of them needed a repair because a piece of a wood screw stuck in it.

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tpollauf · Post by **tpollauf** » Mon Nov 17, 2014 6:15 pm

I think that all of us up here in the MidWest can relate to those pics you posted

We got only 3" in Toledo but enough to cause panic on the roads! Too early for me to put snows on our Vibes BUT your timing couldn't have been better for you! Nice tread on that rubber PLUS running 15's should net a slightly smoother ride!

crashbandit · Post by **crashbandit** » Sat Dec 13, 2014 7:17 am

I was also wondering about the ride with the 15 in. rims. I am ready to do just about anything to improve the harsh ride of my Vibe. I already put on Monroe OEspectrum shocks and the ride is the same if not worse.

vibrologist · Post by **vibrologist** » Sat Dec 13, 2014 8:14 am

crashbandit wrote:I was also wondering about the ride with the 15 in. rims. I am ready to do just about anything to improve the harsh ride of my Vibe. I already put on Monroe OEspectrum shocks and the ride is the same if not worse.

Crashbandit: The Vibe's ride is harsh. The tires with more sidewall hardly help. If you want to go that route anyway consider 15" rims and tires with a larger diameter than the originals; narrower than original should help as well. But you will give up some of the good cornering.

Unless you find softer springs and struts with more travel you will not be satisfied with the ride comfort of the Vibe. I researched and found that the rear struts provide only about 5" of travel. Our Ford Contour has about 9" of travel. It also has a multi-link rear suspension and the Vibe has a torsion beam rear suspension. Travel on the front is comparable with other cars of that weight.
The Chevy Cavalier has a torsion beam rear suspension and struts with a little more travel, about 6 3/8". Of course by adapting a strut that was not intended for the Vibe you and I would go into experimentation. Experiments can go wrong. Unless somebody tries it no one will know if the softer springs and struts will compromise the ride height and the road holding. Who knows, the brake lines may be to short to handle the longer travel, or the beam gets twisted to much in corners. Considering the money and time involved I am not ready to do this experiment.

There are also Tokico struts. The problem is I cannot find any hard data on the ride they provide. Only opinions. Some found them way to soft which makes me think they could be a step in the right direction. But then a lot of people combine them with lowering springs. I do not know how this affects the available travel. If they provide the same amount of travel then there will be more negative travel which allows the wheel to drop further into a pot hole but it will have less positive travel to soak up a speed bump for example. For comfort it is also important how fast the struts react to road imperfections. I think this is were the Tokico may help.

It is not what you wanted to hear: in terms of ride comfort we bought the wrong car. On some roads I cringe and live with it. I hope my wife's Contour or my son's Mazda Protege conk out. That way the Vibe can stay in the family and I can get something more comfy. Actually, I may succumb to the pressure and get a Stupid Useless Vehicle. A Mazda6 wagon would be cool, but they have Ford 6 cylinder engines and a host of other issues. Oh well.

Derf · Post by **Derf** » Sat Dec 13, 2014 10:19 am

Vehicle mileage makes a difference. With 195k on what I am told are the original struts (previous owner had mostly highway miles), the ride is good and the reflex test is fine. Their are some roads that ride is harsh, concrete with bad expansion joints etc. With the less than perfect rural roads in my area, the overall ride is smooth. Still looking at replacing the struts as a wear item. Been holding off, the options on what to replace them with are so mixed and subjective. Will keep reading to see if anyone finds the magic set that improves ride quality.

vibrologist · Post by **vibrologist** » Sat Dec 13, 2014 11:51 am

In madhatter's thread viewtopic.php?f=26&t=38802#p465182" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Raven wrote this:

Postby Raven Â» Fri Aug 01, 2014 5:57 am
I'm running Tokico struts with my Tein S-Tech springs on my '06. Huge improvement over stock KYB's.

Postby Raven Â» Fri Aug 01, 2014 8:20 pm
Sharper handling yes. The Tokico's did improve the ride quality also. They're much smoother over small rapid bumps and remove a bit of the harshness when hitting a sharp bump.
The general ride quality of the Vibe is quite awful in general. I drove it for the first time in several months (daughter's car now) this week. Compared to our 2012 Subaru Outback it is bone jarring but man does it hug the road.

This is why I think the Tokico struts' valving is a little more open. Now I wonder how they are with original springs?

vibrologist · Post by **vibrologist** » Sun Feb 01, 2015 8:37 am

SNOW!!!!!!!

tpollauf · Post by **tpollauf** » Mon Feb 02, 2015 7:43 am

vibrologist wrote:SNOW!!!!!!!

Couldn't you have kept all that snow with you in Iowa

14" here in Toledo in one dumping. Time to dig out. I may have to take the Silverado around the neighborhood an go Baha'ing

vibrologist · Post by **vibrologist** » Mon Feb 02, 2015 8:14 am

Couldn't you have kept all that snow with you in Iowa

We Iowans are known to be friendly and sharing folks.

vibrologist · Post by **vibrologist** » Fri Apr 10, 2015 6:33 pm

It was so nice today. I took the dog to the park.

: Vibe, McFarland Park 4-10-2015 - forum.jpg (99.31 KiB) Viewed 31893 times

vibrologist · Post by **vibrologist** » Sun May 17, 2015 5:07 pm

I copied nerdydaddyo's idea for adding a cargo mat that does not slide around. I bought a 3'x5' mat at Lowe's for about $15 and trimmed it with scissors to fit. I also bought 2 packs of 2 GM trim retainers for about $5. After lifting the cargo floor I drilled 4 holes of 3/8" diameter, laid down the mat and located each hole to make a matching hole through the mat. I pushed a retainer in each and was done.

: cargo carpet job details.jpg (104.99 KiB) Viewed 31713 times

: GM trim panel retainers.jpg (108.21 KiB) Viewed 31713 times

Now that's better:

: cargo carpet and pet barrier.jpg (102.94 KiB) Viewed 31713 times

lannvouivre · Post by **lannvouivre** » Mon May 18, 2015 5:05 pm

vibrologist wrote:This is why I think the Tokico struts' valving is a little more open. Now I wonder how they are with original springs?

They handle much better (stock springs and Tokico), and do what Raven said. When I later lowered, the ride did not change noticeably. I think the stock springs are just so horrible that lowering springs just make your handling improve. Stock springs are just so bad. It's inexcusable when you realize that when you lower the Vibe you end up at what's stock height for most cars...so somehow the stock springs suck at some kinda trucky lifted size.

vibrologist · Post by **vibrologist** » Mon May 18, 2015 6:57 pm

Thanks, lannvouivre.
Indeed the stock springs are awful. I did a bit more research and found that Tein S-tech and Eibach springs are progressive. That is the main reason that Raven's lowering also improved ride comfort.
Even the Monroe quick struts have better springs: they have an additional turn or so in their coil. That should make them a little more responsive to small bumps.
I have a little over 100K on the car and all struts show loss of damping. I will have to make a decision soon.

Nathankenney94 · Post by **Nathankenney94** » Fri May 29, 2015 9:52 am

Very nice vibe and some very cool mods you have done.

vibrologist · Post by **vibrologist** » Fri May 29, 2015 6:38 pm

Nathankenney94 wrote:Very nice vibe and some very cool mods you have done.

Thank you, Nathan. I appreciate that!

vibrologist · Post by **vibrologist** » Sun Aug 09, 2015 12:58 pm

It is time to update this thread.

Recently my vibe received a new rear wiper, wash and wax, new spark plugs and -just today -a fresh fill of Toyota ATF T-IV. It needed it.

The old stuff came out black. The job was very easy because it does not require removing any splash guards. Everything is very accessible. I jacked up the car and supported it with 2 jack stands. I drained the fluid using the drain plug (14mm), then I removed the bolts (10mm) except for one in the front. That allowed more old fluid to drain as I turned the one bolt out a bit. Finally, I removed that as well. I hardly spilled a drop! I cleaned the magnets with a rag and the pan with a non chlorinated brake cleaner. Then I put it all back with a new pan gasket and tightened it down with a torque wrench (47inch-pound for the FWD Vibe). I filled in 3 and 1/2 qts of fresh type T-IV ATF. I drove it to warm up and checked the level. All is good. I will do a drain and fill again in a few weeks.
The Toyota dealer gave me 2 different gaskets to save me a way. I will return the other tomorrow.

: old vs. new after at 107000 miles; T-4 ATF, old and new.jpg (52.07 KiB) Viewed 31384 times

This is the gasket I needed:

: gasket parts number for the '05 base Vibe; 038.jpg (49.94 KiB) Viewed 31384 times

vibrologist · Post by **vibrologist** » Mon Sep 07, 2015 6:21 pm

In the past week I fixed the dislodged passenger side door molding. See the details here: viewtopic.php?f=28&t=44681#p507900
Then we went for out 2nd Labor Day outing using the Vibe. This time we explored Iowa. We went to West Bend to visit the Grotto of The Redemption and have a look at a sod house. We had lunch at Clear Lake with view of the lake and then we visited Mason City and its Prairie Style houses by Frank LLoyd Wright and his scholars. Unfortunately the battery of my camera went dead in West Branch already. This reminds me I need to check why the AC outlet in my Vibe does not work. Once I have that fixed I can recharge the battery on the road.

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vibrologist · Post by **vibrologist** » Sat Oct 17, 2015 1:44 pm

The Vibe recieved an new intake manifold gasket. Last winter I experienced some rough idle in really cold weather while the engine was warming up. It went away when the engine was at operating temperature. I got the gasket from Toyota and I expected it to be orange. It was black, though.

The old gasket was deformed. I am sure it leaked.

: Intake manifold gasket.jpg (46.7 KiB) Viewed 31141 times

Here is the new gasket in it's channel. You see the intake with cleaned up mounting surface. In the red circle you see the brake booster hose and the nipple for it on the IM. I forgot to reconnect it on assembly. It makes for really rough idle, lousy brakes and a CEL.

: clean intake and brake booster hose.jpg (89.05 KiB) Viewed 31141 times

I also cleaned the throttle body. I re-used the throttle body gasket as I could not get a new one today. I added a bit of blue sensor proof silicone.

The car idles smoother as a result of this maintenance.

Derf · Post by **Derf** » Sat Oct 17, 2015 3:02 pm

Looking good, thanks for posting the pics. At over 200k I figure my intake gasket will soon need replaced.

vibrologist · Post by **vibrologist** » Sun Oct 18, 2015 8:28 am

Derf wrote:Looking good, thanks for posting the pics. At over 200k I figure my intake gasket will soon need replaced.

You are welcome. Mine is at about 110000miles.-Yes, it think it would be a good idea for your Vibe.

Nathankenney94 · Post by **Nathankenney94** » Wed Oct 21, 2015 6:45 pm

Yeah I think I am going to do intake gaskets on mine too with 202k I am sure it could use it from the looks of it never looks like it has been done.

vibrologist · Post by **vibrologist** » Wed Oct 21, 2015 7:25 pm

Nathankenney94 wrote:Yeah I think I am going to do intake gaskets on mine too with 202k I am sure it could use it from the looks of it never looks like it has been done.

It was certainly worth it. Of course I don't know for sure if the new gasket or the cleaning of the MAF sensor or the cleaning of the TB was the most effective. The result is a totally stable idle, less vibration and the vibration I notice is softer. Also tip-in on the accelerator (DBW) is super smooth and the transmission keeps in the higher gear at lower rpms. I don't know yet if the fuel mileage has improved.

vibrologist · Post by **vibrologist** » Sun Mar 20, 2016 6:45 pm

We did a Spring Break Road trip to St. Louis. We covered 1097 miles and used 32.4 gal of fuel for an average of 33.8mpg. We went for some miles on historic route 66. The Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, MO was very pretty. We also enjoyed Hermann, MO. To return to St. Louis we went over the bridge to E 94 and then I took B north for 12 miles of twisting road. I enjoyed it a lot, my wife not so much.
Going back to Iowa we stopped at the Fast Lane Classic Car garage. The Vibe was a real misfit among the mostly American Muscle. It's worth a stop to any gear head: http://fastlanecars.com/
Next stop was Hannibal, MO, Mark Twain's home town. This town will be be a real gem within the next few years. There are lots of architectural treasures being renovated. The works in progress are very promising.
We had a close call near Pella, IA. Between Hannibal and there we had a few brief sleety showers but nothing to slow us down. Then near Pella I was passed by a Suburban and all of a sudden my windshield was covered with big spray and my sight reduced to 0. We hit a patch of sleet, maybe 3/4 of an inch thick. I kept straight and applied the brakes. Maybe 2 or 3 seconds later I noticed the big SUV just 2 inches to my left. They too had slowed down. We could see again as the sleet did no longer kick up that much. Half a mile later there was a minivan in the median, then 2 cars in the ditch to the right and a quarter mile from here there was another car in the grass. Police and firefighters were present. Near new tires on both the SUV and our Vibe must have made all the difference.

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vibrologist · Post by **vibrologist** » Sat May 21, 2016 2:55 pm

My Vibe received new struts. After much research I decided to get Monroe Quick-Struts for the Vibe. I wanted more comfort. The front Quick-Strut's spring has 5-1/2 turns compared to 4-1/2 turns of the old strut. The rear Quick-Strut's spring has 10 turns compared to 8 turns of the old strut. The rear struts are 1-1/2" taller than the old ones. They will settle. The first driving impression is that these struts ride less harsh than the originals. I still call them short of comfortable. I expect some softening will still occur.

: front old and new; New Quick-Struts (3).JPG (101.31 KiB) Viewed 30148 times

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There have been reports that the studs of the front Quick-Struts are braking way before the specified torque has been achieved. I had a close look at the new nuts in the package and found them severely ovalized. Tightening these nuts will twist the studs. Apparently this twisting is too much for them. I used the old nuts that looked much better designed.

: new ovalized nut and 2 original nuts; New Quick-Struts (2).JPG (81.15 KiB) Viewed 30148 times

The job was not too hard. It took me 3 hours for the rears and only 90 minutes for the fronts. The car runs straight but I will have the alignment checked anyway.

lannvouivre · Post by **lannvouivre** » Fri May 27, 2016 6:00 am

Ew, look at those nuts. (removed) were they thinking? Why didn't they do the OEM design?

vibrologist · Post by **vibrologist** » Fri May 27, 2016 6:27 am

lannvouivre wrote:Ew, look at those nuts. (removed) were they thinking? Why didn't they do the OEM design?

Ovalized nuts are self- locking. In principle it is not a bad idea. But the amount of squeeze has to be just right.

lannvouivre · Post by **lannvouivre** » Fri May 27, 2016 7:00 am

I prefer the nylon insert ones, but I've also never seen anyone but Monroe used locking nuts on the strut mounts.

vibrologist · Post by **vibrologist** » Fri May 27, 2016 7:09 am

Agreed. Nylon does the job better. When you tighten an ovalized nut you won't know where the torque was going to: is it friction and twisting the stud or is it stretching the stud? Ideally you only want stretching force in the stud. With nylon you get a little friction and mostly stretch of the stud.

cptnsolo77 · Post by **cptnsolo77** » Fri May 27, 2016 7:21 am

Great pics the Vibe is a awesome lil car

Question....did you have to remove ALL the hatch panels to access the top mounting bolts for the rear struts ? Did you discover any shortcuts ? I just did my fronts struts and ready to install the rears, I THOUGHT there was a access panel for the top mount bolts to find there are none...after that I said to myself MEHHH...i will wait till fall to do it

I hate to do that because I dont like unfinished projects. After replacing headlight lenses, inner/outer tie rods, sway bar links, serpentine belt, AC compressor & dryer receiver Im MORE than ready to put down the tools for a couple of months. What a improvement after new struts though, and I installed cheapies

vibrologist · Post by **vibrologist** » Fri May 27, 2016 8:28 am

I removed all the panels. It's really not that much. There are small tabs but they give you only access to the central nut of the struts. The ones you suppose not to touch anyway.

Remove (4) 10mm hex bolts for the D-rings on each side. Fold the backseats forward, wiggle the panels out.
Remove the cover of the narrow tray. Remove the child seat anchors and hinge bolts (14mm, I think). Remove the cargo floor, remove the narrow tray.

Under the car, in front of the spare wheel well there is a pylon shaped lift point. Block the front wheels, loosen the rear wheel lug nuts and lift the rear of the car at that pylon. Put jack stands under the lift points in front of the rear wheels.

Don't miss the chance to check the spare wheel tire pressure.

cptnsolo77 · Post by **cptnsolo77** » Fri May 27, 2016 10:32 am

Ok that doesnt sound too bad. Thx !!!

.....after I change out the driver side control arm. I have a bad bushing and removal of the control arm requires raising the trans to remove ONE BOLT ! Yay for me