Toyota Corolla 2A (1979–1988)

The Toyota Corolla, along with its variants like the Corsa and Tercel, represents an era of reliable and economical motoring. These vehicles are known for their simplicity and dependability, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious owners. This guide provides essential information for maintaining your Corolla/Corsa/Tercel and keeping it running smoothly.

Parts for the Toyota Corolla 2A

• Timing Kit (4)
• Suspension Bush Rear Shock Absorber - Lower (4)
• Timing Tensioner (4)
• Brake Pads Front (4)
• Steering Rack End (3)
• Front Wiper Pack (3)
• Drive Belt Alternator (3)
• Rear Wiper Pack (2)
• Suspension Bush Rear Shock Absorber - Upper (2)
• Suspension Bush Rear Panhard Rod (2)
• Brake Hose Rear (2)
• Brake Hose Front (2)
• Brake Pad Fitting Kit Front (2)
• Exhaust Flange Gasket Pipe (2)
• Water Pump (2)
• Drive Belt Air Conditioner (2)
• Wiper Blade Front (2)
• Passenger Side Blade (2)
• Rear Single Blade (2)
• Distributor Rotor (1)
• Wheel Cylinder Repair Kit Rear (1)
• Spark Plug (1)
• Suspension Bush Rear Control Arm - Lower (1)
• Suspension Bush Rear Control Arm - Upper (1)
• Suspension Bush Rear Sway Bar Mount (1)
• Timing Belt Camshaft (1)
• Suspension Bush Front Control Arm - Lower (1)
• Bearing Clutch Release (1)
• Wiper Blade Rear (1)
• Drive Belt Power Steering (1)
• Suspension Bush Sway Bar Link (1)
• Wiper Refill (1)
• Camber Correction Screw (1)
• Alternator (1)
• Sway Bar Coupling Mount (1)
• Wiper Refill Front (1)
• Ball Joint Front Lower (1)
• Brake Shoe Rear (1)
• Driver Side Blade (1)
• Brake Shoe Fitting Kit Rear (1)

Known issues

Owners of Corollas, Corsas, and Tercels often encounter specific issues as the vehicles age. Keep an eye out for corrosion, particularly in the strut towers. Early models may experience carburettor problems, and neglecting the timing belt can lead to costly engine damage. Many of these issues tend to surface between 150,000 and 250,000 kilometers.

WOF tips

During Warrant of Fitness (WOF) inspections, common areas of concern include rust around the windscreen and wheel arches, as well as wear and tear on suspension components. Addressing these issues proactively can help ensure your vehicle passes inspection.

About the Toyota Corolla 2A

<p>The Toyota Corolla, Corsa, and Tercel models are celebrated for their no-frills practicality. They became mainstays on New Zealand roads, valued for their affordability and reliability.</p>

<p>When maintaining your Corolla/Corsa/Tercel, consider these areas based on common observations:</p>

<ul>
<li><b>Suspension:</b> Replacing worn suspension bushes on the front control arms (lower), rear control arms (upper and lower), and rear shock absorber uppers can significantly improve ride quality and handling.</li>
<li><b>Braking System:</b> Routine brake maintenance is crucial. This includes inspecting and potentially replacing brake shoes (rear), wheel cylinder repair kits (rear), brake pad fitting kits (front), and brake hoses (front).</li>
<li><b>Engine Maintenance:</b> Pay close attention to the timing belt. Replacing the timing belt as per the service schedule is critically important as a failure can cause severe engine damage. Also consider replacing the distributor rotor and exhaust flange gasket.</li>
<li><b>Steering:</b> If you notice looseness or play in the steering, the steering rack end may need attention.</li>
<li><b>Drivetrain:</b> Inspect the bearing on the clutch release for signs of wear or noise.</li>
<li><b>Stabilizer/Sway Bar:</b> Replace deteriorating sway bar coupling mounts to prevent excessive body roll.</li>
<li><b>Alternator:</b> Ensure the alternator is functioning correctly to maintain adequate battery charging.</li>
</ul>

Questions owners ask

What are the common WOF failure points for a 1979–1988 Toyota Corolla, Corsa, or Tercel in New Zealand?

For these models, common Warrant of Fitness (WOF) inspection concerns often include rust around the windscreen and wheel arches, as well as wear and tear on various suspension components. Proactively addressing these issues can help ensure your vehicle passes its WOF.

Where can I get replacement timing belts for my 1979–1988 Toyota Corolla, Corsa, or Tercel in NZ?

CARFIX stocks 60 SKUs for the 1979–1988 Toyota Corolla, Corsa, and Tercel, including timing belts. Replacing the timing belt as per the service schedule is critically important to prevent severe engine damage.

What are the most common issues to look out for as my 1979–1988 Toyota Corolla, Corsa, or Tercel ages?

Owners frequently encounter issues such as corrosion, particularly in the strut towers. Early models may experience carburettor problems, and neglecting the timing belt can lead to costly engine damage. Many of these issues tend to surface between 150,000 and 250,000 kilometers.

My 1979–1988 Toyota Corolla, Corsa, or Tercel has loose steering. What could be the cause?

If you notice looseness or play in the steering of your vehicle, the steering rack end may need attention. This is a common area of wear for these models.

What suspension components commonly need replacing on a 1979–1988 Toyota Corolla, Corsa, or Tercel?

To improve ride quality and handling, consider replacing worn suspension bushes on the front control arms (lower), rear control arms (upper and lower), and rear shock absorber uppers. Deteriorating sway bar coupling mounts can also lead to excessive body roll.

How often should I service my 1979–1988 Toyota Corolla, Corsa, or Tercel?

The recommended service interval for your 1979–1988 Toyota Corolla, Corsa, or Tercel is 10,000km.