HELP! Radiator, struts, strut mounts, stabilizer bushings.

[caleb461]

The good news: After much anticipation, I finally own my first Toyota.
The bad news: Within the first week of owning the car, I have discovered several expensive problems that were hidden by the seller.
The car: '97 Camry LE, 2.2L, auto, 130k miles.
The problems: The front struts and strut mounts are shot. Dealer says $555. The radiator is leaking badly. Dealer says $461. The timing belt is loose and noisy. Dealer says $299. The rear sway bar bushings are toast. Dealer says $122.
The questions: I had the dealer replace the timing belt on the spot because the mechanic said he thought it may have been original () and I did not want to take any chances. The radiator and the struts/mounts I would like to do myself, but it would be nice to know what I'm getting into before I dive into a car that I have no experience with. I'm not worried about replacing the stabilizer bushings (unless there is something unusual about Toyota Camry sway bars...?)

Suggestions, tips, DIY's, etc, will be GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks fellas, and have a nice Thanksgiving.

[moocow]

Why are you taking it to the DEALER?

[toyomoho]

The issue with having the Toyota dealer do the service is their labor costs are high and parts are about 3 times the cost of a quality aftermarket item. If this car needs a lot of work your cost will really add up fast.

Shop around for a non-dealer repair shop where parts and labor are much cheaper. Aftermarket parts are in most cases as good as Toyota.

Some of these jobs are easy DIY if you have a little time or are willing to learn.

Bad shocks, struts and sway bar bushings normally only make noise not result in accidents, thus you can shop around for prices. Aftermarket sway bar bushings are under $10 (easy DIY job), upper mounts around $50, struts $50-80 each. Radiator cost around $150 (you can do this job and save $$). A local auto parts store should have this or be able to order it overnight.

Suggest doing a TN history search on all these items as they have come up many times.

Service manual info is available at the link below:

http://www.camrymanuals.com/

[ASG14]

Don;t go to the dealer, find a good mechanic. Be a lot cheaper for labor.

And in my experience with parts, I will ONLY use Toyota OEM parts from the dealer. I've had way too many issues with aftermarket parts. You can get them discounted at www.ToyotaWorld.com . I shopped there before I started getting my discount at my local dealer, and have never had an issue.

[rebel8ball]

edited to delete my sutpidity, read something wrong, my aoplogies.

[caleb461]

Thanks toyo and ASG. Found a radiator locally for $112 and did the swap today with no problems. Used RningOnFumes' "radiator change" DIY and the Gen4 factory repair manual at camrymanuals.com for guidance.

Now for the struts and strut mounts... does anyone know of a good "how-to" for struts? The repair manual is somewhat succinct on strut replacement, and I didn't see anything on replacing the mounts/supports.

Thanks again fellas!

[toyotech121]

You'll need a spring compressor to change the struts and/or supports. And if not careful, can get hurt if the sping pops loose and hits you. But one thing I can tell you is that you WILL need oem parts. The noise is comming from the supprts themselves....prbably the right side-mostly. And did you change your water pump when you changed your timing belt? If not, you probably should have. Sorry, not trying to discourage you.

[ASG14]

^ Agreed. ALWAYS do the water pump with the timing belt.

I just finished a quick DIY for struts. It will be SLIGHTLY different for your car, but not by much.

DIY: Gen 3 front struts