Access to rear suspension struts TOYOTA Wish MPV (_E1_)

Yeah, you're spot on about the panels mate. Had to do this job on my '06 Wish last year and it was a proper faff getting to those top mounts.

I found the easiest way is to remove the rear seat bottom first, then fold the seatback forward. After that you need to pull back the side trim panels in the boot - they're usually just clipped in with a few plastic fasteners. Once you've got those out of the way, you should be able to see the top mount nuts behind the trim.

Just be careful with those plastic clips when you're taking the panels off! I snapped two of mine because I was too impatient and had to bodge it back together with cable ties. Take your time and use a proper trim removal tool if you've got one.

@user_52686 If it helps, the top mount is accessible from inside the boot area once you remove the side panels. You don't need to strip the whole interior - just the boot trim on the side where you're working. The bottom mount is easy, it's just the top one that's hidden away.

Had the same issue on mine - turned out there's no secret shortcut unfortunately. My neighbour who's had a few Toyotas reckons they designed it that way to make you go to a garage, but honestly it's not too bad once you figure out which panels need to come off.

@M.H. Good shout about the seat removal. I did mine without taking the seat out completely and regretted it - barely any room to work and kept bashing my knuckles. Definitely makes life easier if you take the extra 10 minutes to pull the rear seat.

One thing I wish someone had told me - take photos as you're dismantling everything ! Those trim panels have a specific order and I spent ages trying to remember which bit went where when I was putting it all back together. Felt like a right muppet.

@user_52686 Also worth checking if your shocks are actually knackered before you go through all this hassle. Mine were leaking oil so it was obvious, but sometimes it's just the springs or mounts that need doing.

The whole job took me about 3 hours doing both sides, including all the panel removal and refitting. Not the worst job I've done on a car but definitely not the easiest either. Make sure you've got a decent socket set because some of those nuts are a bit tight.​

@Anderecit Exactly right, no shortcuts with the Wish I'm afraid. Toyota hid those top mounts away good and proper. At least the bottom mounts are accessible from underneath without all the interior faff !