This post is to help you install struts and a sway bar on a protege5 as well as troubleshoot problems with the install. If you run into problems like I did and no replacement parts, it may take you up to 12hrs (seriously, if all your bolts are seized)
Tools you will need
Big ass breaker bar (” drive)
Sockets 10-21mm (x2)
Metric Hex keys, 6mm is defiantly needed but you should just have a whole set
Lots of wrenches both and ” drive
Wire wheel and wire brushes for air drill
Jack stands and preferably a hydraulic jack
Dremel or rotary tool with lots of wire wheels and wire brushes
Utility knife or “exacto” knife
Spring Compressor
At least a full can if liquid wrench
Optional but really useful, compressor with impact gun, air wrench, air drill
Blade screw driver (smaller one)
Step 1: the night before wash your wheel wells and try and get all the dirt out, once dry, soak ALL bolts in your wheel well with liquid wrench
Step 2: Jack the front of the car up and place on jack stands, then take your wheels off, this is where the impact gun and hydraulic jack will come in handy
Step 3: Open your hood and mark the orientation of stock struts, there is a white dot that is pointing in a specific location. (if you are looking directly at the strut, or looking at the Tokico logo, the white mark should be on the furthest right corner if you are on a lowered car, if you are running stock springs, when looking at the logo the dot should be closest towards you on the right)
Step 4: Remove the ABS sensor, if you pull or damage this sensor its going to be $$$ our of your pocket going to the stealership. I think it’s a 12mm to take them off, 1 is the cable guide/mount that connects to the strut itself, the other is closer to your disc. Unbolt the abs sensor and put it somewhere safe out of the way in the wheel well so when you take our your strut you wont pull the cord.
Step 5: uncouple your brake line (metal clip) then endlink for the anti sway bar (14mm)
Tools you will need
Big ass breaker bar (” drive)
Sockets 10-21mm (x2)
Metric Hex keys, 6mm is defiantly needed but you should just have a whole set
Lots of wrenches both and ” drive
Wire wheel and wire brushes for air drill
Jack stands and preferably a hydraulic jack
Dremel or rotary tool with lots of wire wheels and wire brushes
Utility knife or “exacto” knife
Spring Compressor
At least a full can if liquid wrench
Optional but really useful, compressor with impact gun, air wrench, air drill
Blade screw driver (smaller one)
Step 1: the night before wash your wheel wells and try and get all the dirt out, once dry, soak ALL bolts in your wheel well with liquid wrench
Step 2: Jack the front of the car up and place on jack stands, then take your wheels off, this is where the impact gun and hydraulic jack will come in handy
Step 3: Open your hood and mark the orientation of stock struts, there is a white dot that is pointing in a specific location. (if you are looking directly at the strut, or looking at the Tokico logo, the white mark should be on the furthest right corner if you are on a lowered car, if you are running stock springs, when looking at the logo the dot should be closest towards you on the right)
Step 4: Remove the ABS sensor, if you pull or damage this sensor its going to be $$$ our of your pocket going to the stealership. I think it’s a 12mm to take them off, 1 is the cable guide/mount that connects to the strut itself, the other is closer to your disc. Unbolt the abs sensor and put it somewhere safe out of the way in the wheel well so when you take our your strut you wont pull the cord.
Step 5: uncouple your brake line (metal clip) then endlink for the anti sway bar (14mm)
Last edited: