Gen 2 suspension rebuild

[syngen smythe]

I have a 1991 ES250 with 186k. The suspension is shot; makes all kinds of noises, clunks, groans, etc. I want to just rebuild the entire system.

1) Is there a resource where I can get a list of all parts I will need? I have read that there are 12 bushings in the rear, that the struts need new boots, etc. Trying to piece it all together though seems a bit much. I would like to have a checklist of parts needed and procedures to do to re-do the whole thing.

2) I see references to poly bushings as opposed to rubber. Is this desirable? Why? What upgrades should I do while I have it apart for mild performance and longevity? I am not building a racer- just a nice smooth car that may occasionally rally across town when I am late for a tee time.

I have searched for a while and cannot find a thread that answers this- if there is one let me know...

Thanks in advance!

[71Corolla]

I would not go with poly on your car, the Gen2 Camry's aka ES250 have an extremely smooth ride quality, why mess with that? Are your struts actually bad, I ask because on these cars the struts seem to last nearly forever, although I'm not sure on the ES250 maybe a different manufacturer was used.

So typically you would be looking at:

• 4 struts
• front control arms (they sell these with new bushings installed)
• Front sway bar bushings
• Rear sway bar links
• Rear sway bar bushings

Other things you may need are strut mounts, strut bearings, strut bellows, rear suspension arm bushings, rear strut rod bushings, other parts I can't think of right now. On the strut bellows, the aftermarket versions are generic they are not an exact fit, you have to tie-wrap them onto the existing insulator (the rubber between the strut mount and spring). I am not sure if OEM rubber parts are available anymore for your car, so you may have to do some modifying.

If it was me I would replace what I've put in the bullet list, then assess what else needs taking care of.

edit - you may need new springs if they are rusted, also the rear springs sometimes sag on the ES250. Also post some pics of your car if you can, the ES250 is a very rare car. I tried to buy one for years but never found one in decent condition.

[white90dx]

71Corolla is pretty much right on the money.

You shouldn't need to replace any bushings in the rear of the car other than maybe the swaybar bushings. The front bushing problems are probably all due to the control arms. Get a new fully loaded set from eBay (arms+ball joints, L+R pair). Clunking can also be due to strut mounts (get a full set) and struts (get a full set). You will probably also want a set of 4 bump stops + bellows. In Seattle, your springs should hopefully still be ok (very little salt).

After you replace those things, then you can hunt down any remaining noises or play (tie rod ends, for example).

-Charlie

[syngen smythe]

thanks guys. I will post pics soon- I had no idea this car was considered rare. I guess it did take me a while to find one. I wanted a white one with the gray rocker panels- the one I found is black.