Need new struts? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Back40 · 02-26-2007, 02:04 PM

My mom's 87 Camry has 191k and is probably past due for new struts. Not leaking but seem to bottom out relatively easy. Looking for so advice on determing if in fact it's time for new struts. I've never had a vehicle with struts w/ springs, shocks only so replacing was never a concern. But I've been searching this forum and feel I can handle the job once I rent the spring compressor. Plan on replacing the rear shocks as well. Thanks for the feedback!

WVcamry3sfe · 02-26-2007, 04:00 PM

i believe that strut life expectancy is 60,000 miles. if you are running on the same struts for 191,000 miles, then yes, they are due for replacement.

monito · 02-26-2007, 06:26 PM

Only 60k?!?

geez, >.< guess i gotta replace mine ASAP too

atobe · 02-26-2007, 06:52 PM

go to each corner of the car... have someone push down and watch how it rebounds.. it should only go up back down and up again if it bounces more than that time for new ones... that's the cheap test i guess.. but 191k i bet it's time for new ones anyways

Back40 · 02-27-2007, 08:12 AM

Should I replace the springs as well?

car_boy_16 · 02-27-2007, 11:25 AM

Don't worry about the springs unless they are sagging or give the car an uneven stance. Sure there is spring fatigue, and maybe new springs might raise the effective spring rate, but probably not by much at all. The struts are the way to go and the ride and handling will be day and night.

60k strut replacement intervals might be necessary in some areas, but even in rough road Duluth, MN most cars have the original struts until around 75-100k miles.

Back40 · 04-06-2007, 08:42 AM

Someone in another thread on the General board suggested swapping out for Monroe Quick Struts so no spring compression tool is needed. Is it not necessary to compress the springs in order to remove the old strut?

atobe · 04-06-2007, 11:13 AM

does the new one come with new springs? if it does then you just replace the whole thing then no spring compressor is needed. if it doesn't then you still need a spring compressor

Back40 · 04-09-2007, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atobe

does the new one come with new springs? if it does then you just replace the whole thing then no spring compressor is needed. if it doesn't then you still need a spring compressor

Have not purchased yet but would rather spend the $ on new springs already installed than deal with the compressor. I had just heard that it may be necessary to compress the old springs in order to remove the old strut from the vehicle. Guess not..