Strut Problems 97 Camry

[MARK2]

Hi,
My mother in laws 97 V6 Camry has had a rattling coming from the front and rear of the car
when going over bumps. She took it to the garage today and the mechanic told her she needed four new struts. The car only has 88,000 miles (140,000 kms) on it. I have a feeling that it may be just the strut mounts causing the problem as I have heard this is common with this generation of Camry's. I think the mechanic is trying to fool her into buying a whole new set of struts. How can I check if they really need replacing or if it is just the strut mounts that need replacing? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Everyone!

[newbie212]

Could also possibly be sway bar bushings...

[ripley's99]

its more than likely the upper strut mounts...its a common problem and there was a TSB put out for it on 97-01 camry's. do a search for upper strut mount & you'll see what others have gone thru & tried.

[JMSinMD]

If the struts wind up having to be replaced I have a set of original equipment struts and springs from my 1999 V6 Camry, less than 6,000 miles on them before I lowered the car with different struts/springs. $200 for everything. Jon.

[Digger1]

I had the same problem w/ my '99. Luckily, it arose while the car was under warranty and the dealer put new front struts in it for free.

The problem never came back (knock on wood).