Suspension is shot

[jasonck08]

My car's suspension has really gone down hill the last several months. I literally pushed down on the rear of the car and it kept bounching for 5+ seconds!

I'm a car noob. What parts would I need to replace? Springs, shocks, etc?

About how much would it cost me in parts? Maybe I can have a friend help me...

What would a reasonable shop price be?

Thanks!

[atobe]

sounds like you're riding on springs.. just replace the shocks and may be strut mounts if they're in bad condition. KYB gr2s are around 60$ each get those for the most oem quality ones.

[jasonck08]

So you think the springs are fine, but the shocks are junk?

[JayP71]

Link to autozone struts. I've used this brand before (on my Jeep). Nothing special, but they work.

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/cat...&parentId=46-0

[jasonck08]

Looks like you linked me to the shocks for the wagon. Mine is a sedan, but it looks like the shocks are the same price.

How long would it take someone with the right tools and experience to change out both shocks?

[atobe]

do you have the right tools ?? i'd say 30mins a side if you've done it before.

[Kingdom934]

You'll need all the basic tools along with some 'specific' tools, such as a spring compressor. I think you can use the DIY from the Gen3/4 forums on what kind of tools you'll need.

[laguardias5]

I am not the most experienced DIY guy, but I just replaced the four struts on my '91 Camry. Be prepared for an all day job if you haven't done it before.

#1 Busting some of the frozen nuts and bolts loose may take longer than you think.
#2 If you have access to an air gun use it.
#3 A must! Borrow/rent a strut spring compressor and when removing or installing the spring, alternate between the two adjustments continuously.
#4 Unless your springs, strut mounts and rubber insulators are wasted don't replace them, reuse them.
#5 You will need new bumpers and boots for each strut. Sold separately.
#6 You won't necessarily need another pair of hands until you install and it sure helps to get things lined up.
#7 Just cut off the brake line bracket from the old struts and reattached best way on new strut.
#8 Rear struts required rear seat removal which wasn't too difficult.
#9 Give the strut nut a full loose turn (middle one in strut mount before taking strut out to help remove the spring. DO NOT LOOSEN ALL THE WAY!!!
#10 Unless you are looking for a performance type ride any struts will work just fine. I put Monroes just because they were on sale and had a rebate.
#11 If you want an all-in-one strut they sell the ones that have the coil spring and everything already to just pop in the car. Not all models are covered.
#12 Replace in pairs, front or rear.
#13 An alignment will probably be needed after.
Good luck if you DIY!

[ross1]

Originally Posted by atobe

do you have the right tools ?? i'd say 30mins a side if you've done it before.

The op's shocks are obviously toast with a very good chance of lots of other parts are also worn or failed. I've seen busted front springs on at least half of old Camrys with bad shocks and by this time it's certain to need a buch of bushings as well. Oh yeah, balljoints and steering components are likely done too if high mileage.

Even for shocks only 30 minutes a SIDE? A corner maybe if it's already racked and you have air tools and a power spring compressor.
This kind of misinformation just sets up the first timer for disappoinment and/or failure.

OP,
You are looking at about $5-600 at a shop for the shocks installed for a modest brand. Don't be surprised if given a long list of other needs.
You can do it yourself and laguadia5 has given you a pretty good idea of what to expect. Suspension is heavy and dirty work.

[Varia]

I picked up an 89 3sfe manual recently and I've been looking for aftermarket upgrades for suspension. I've been looking through the forums and online for them, but they seem to be discontinued. It seems the only viable option is using "interchangeable" parts from similar year Celicas. I've been looking information up on that as well, but it also seems inconclusive.

Can someone shed some light on me as to what our current aftermarket and interchangeable suspension options are?

Information about other parts would be appreciated as well. Maybe somebody has links to threads with conclusive information or to dealer sites with parts.

Thanks a lot!

[toyrolla]

Originally Posted by Varia

I picked up an 89 3sfe manual recently and I've been looking for aftermarket upgrades for suspension. I've been looking through the forums and online for them, but they seem to be discontinued. It seems the only viable option is using "interchangeable" parts from similar year Celicas. I've been looking information up on that as well, but it also seems inconclusive.

Can someone shed some light on me as to what our current aftermarket and interchangeable suspension options are?

Information about other parts would be appreciated as well. Maybe somebody has links to threads with conclusive information or to dealer sites with parts.

Thanks a lot!

Varia & jasonck08,

With respect to the thread, I have parts if interested. PM me for details.