1990 Toyota Corolla review from North America

As I read in this forum, I also wished I had known to check the differential oil. Everything conspires so that you never check the differential oil. Even repair manuals mislead you. I did check when the steering was pushing to the left, my left brake was dragging, but could not find anything wrong with them. But this did not prevent the differential from seizing.

I was going crazy thinking there was something wrong with my brakes, or that the ball joint or bushings were worn out, that the caliper was frozen instead of floating slightly to accommodate the brake pad wear. Now the differential is broken (the left wheel snaps, especially when turning; I can tell by the skid mark on the rubber on the tire). I hope this helps somebody to check the differential oil. Mine was empty. How could that happen, if the differential is sealed?. All I found when I opened the drain plug was an ounce of oil and about as much metal shaving coming out.

Change the front shocks and you will feel you are in a new car.

Space inside is average to very comfortable. Especially if you are tall, knees do not get close to the dashboard like in some cars.