Replace shocks

[Esoto56]

My 89 camry groans and sqeeks when going over speed bumps but mostly only when its cold. i had a couple tire shops give me a quote on replacing the shocks and was kinda surpised at the cost, Les Schwab wants $700 and Firestone wants $1,200!!!! Is this an easy project to do at home? what all do i need as far as parts and tools are concerned. i do have buddies that are mechanicly inclined and willing to help.

[71Corolla]

Removing the struts is not difficult at all. The more challenging aspect is compressing the springs to replace the struts and any other components that need to be renewed. FYI, if you are doing struts, go ahead and replace your control arm bushings and front/back sway bar bushings at the same time. Some control arm kits come with ball joints as well, which you should also replace as well.

Check out rockauto.com for suspension parts, they usually have really good prices.

edit - for tools, you need a basic 1/2" socket/ratchet set, same for 3/8" drive. A breaker bar with a cheater bar will probably be necessary to remove the large strut to hub/steering knuckle bolts. You will need a strut spring compressor if you plan on dismantling/replacing the strut assembly yourself. Or you can take it to a shop and have them do the job. Penetrating oil is your friend on a job like this.

['88 All-Trac]

I recommend replacing the complete control arm as a single piece- you can buy them compete from Rock Auto for $60/ea. Rock Auto also carries struts for cheap. Do yourself a favor and buy some good spring compressors- they will last you forever. Be very careful working with compressed coils- prep the new struts as much as you can before removing your springs from the old struts. Buy yourself some strut goodies from o'reilly auto- they come with new bumpstops and boots. They will buy you some extra time with your new struts.

The job is not particularly hard but is time consuming.

[71Corolla]

Yea Rockauto has the control arm kits that come with ball joints, get those. Replacing the control arms on the Gen2 Camry's is actually not that hard, easier than most cars, and I like the design itself.

[Doctor J]

Aftermarket control arms suck!
I got these arms w/ball joints @$60 each and they failed in 2 years or 10k miles. The ball joint boots were deteriorated as well.
I rather get stuff from the junkyard then from Internet sales
I am against the urethane bushings (they creak and make harsh ride) but ended up getting them from the junk yard with original 23 year old ball joints ($36 all)
As for the original problem asked in the post: get the silicone spray and inject it on the front sway bar U-bushings; if noise stops and bushings are good (not falling apart), apply the spray once a month
The bad struts are either making knocks or die silently (and the car will bounce like a boat)

[71Corolla]

I put in FEQ (First Equipment Quality) units in 5-6 years ago and they have held up well. OES units are about double the price, if you can find them.

[Esoto56]

thanks guys for all the help!