Struts

[dem2757]

Alright, im about to do the struts on the camry, would these from rock auto be the best bet?

Monroe OE Spectrum

[Sturdavj]

I placed these (Monroe) on the front of my 90' Camry. On the rear I am considering using KYB gas shocks. Only because I found the KYB after I installed the front struts.


Both are quality products

[dem2757]

okay thanks! im gonna snap these up quick they are on sale

ill hopefully be posting a DIY on the forum. In addition to the 2 others here

[Sturdavj]

The trick is to use “Quality” spring compressors. When I did my last set with a pair of hand- me- off’s I have used for years, they slipped , I got PO and dropped them on the ground, the bottom nut then stripped out.

Needless to say they were ready to let loose.
Be sure your compressors are safe. I plan to rent a set (Quality) the next time..


You may want to check on the cost of mounting plates, I picked mine up the same time as the struts. I probably did not to R&R the old ones but because I was in there I choose to “get Er’ done”

[dem2757]

ah yes...i know the dangers of the spring compressors. sorry to hear about your bad experience! we plan on using the thicker made, heavy hooked ones. the autozone spin type is known to suck, and break.

i am buying new mounts, struts and spring rubber boots to prevent the metal on metal contact. i want the piston shields too.

im getting the clunking anyways when i go over bumps. its either the mounts, or my sway bar is rattling in the wallowed bushings. either way, the suspension will be mainly new

[white90dx]

Don't forget bump rubbers too.

And yes, the springs on this car need to be heavily compressed for removal. A quality compressor is important.

On my Subaru, you can just undo the top nut and everything falls apart (even with stock springs). To assemble, it takes the weight of one person to re-compress enough to assemble.

-Charlie

[Sturdavj]

Your ahead of me, my rear links are shot they need R&R. I did my fronts struts, was planning on doing the rear the next pay-period, the auto transmission went TU. I picked up a replacement, pulled the engine and I am finishing up replacing all the rubber parts. My wiring loom was pretty sad so re-wrapped it last night with http://www.google.com/products/catal...d=0CD8Q8wIwBA# man I love this stuff, I use rolls of it on everything. I use it at work on our high voltage systems

[dem2757]

my shocks are so low resistances that i can just sit on the rear of the car and attach the compressor and presto!

im sure its gonna need some more compressing but when i have 2 people in the back ( 300-350 lbs combined) the springs are almost touching

[Tom 2000]

First couple of times I replaced struts, I used cheap spring compressors from harbor freight. They worked, but you get what you pay for. I bought some nice spring compressors from Sears after that. Cost a lot more, but they were built very sturdy, easier to use and replaced 3 more sets of struts since then and still work like new.

The right tools make all the difference. I am actually looking forward to the next strut job.

[dem2757]

ah i love sears. ill be sure to check theirs out

[Sturdavj]

Which Sears part # ? for spring compressors