Replacing Rear Shocks on 1994 Camry Wagon LE

[TOY_DataSeek]

Absolutely love this car. However, now at 200k one of the rear shocks is leaking so I need to replace both. I'm wondering if I can perform this myself in the driveway and what's involved. Can anyone share their experience and/or knowledge in this area? Also, what tools would be required? Thanks

[new echo owner]

Unless you have a spring compressor, it will be difficult for you to replace the rear struts. Removing the strut/spring assembly is easy with just basic hand tools, and jack stands, but you need to compressor the springs to remove them from the struts, and that can be dangerous if you haven't done it before.

Try this link if you want to read about how it is done: http://www.camrystuff.com/manuals/Gen3/sa.pdf. It is at the later part of the file.

N.E.O.

[BMR]

Here is a link to a DIY thread I posted. Because you have a wagon, accessing the top of the struts will be a bit different.

Like N.E.O. said, if you're not experienced or comfortable about working on the strut after it's out, you can take it to a shop and have them do that part. You'll still save quite a bit of dough removing and replacing the strut assemblies yourself.

Link to thread.

[TOY_DataSeek]

Wow - Thanks for the wonderful information and guidance. I'm seriously considering tackling this on my own. Hopefully, there will be a 'tool loaner' program (for the spring compressor) where I purchase the struts. If not, then I may try to locate a local harbor freight/equivalent to get one cheap. If I venture out to Advance or another leading auto parts store, should I purchase anything else besides the rear struts and possibly the sway bar bushings? I'm wondering if the strut is the primary part to replace or if there are other components to that whole strut/spring assembly that I may need to replace. Assuming that you had jack stands, jack, spring compressor and struts in hand, how much time would you allow for this job assuming very basic automotive repair skills? Thanks

[new echo owner]

If you haven't replace a strut before, and not very experienced probably about three to four hours.

N.E.O.

[BMR]

Originally Posted by TOY_DataSeek

If I venture out to Advance or another leading auto parts store, should I purchase anything else besides the rear struts and possibly the sway bar bushings? I'm wondering if the strut is the primary part to replace or if there are other components to that whole strut/spring assembly that I may need to replace.

If you want to get it back to "good as new", there are spring mounts (not sure what the proper name is?), upper and lower. Basically they're rubber cushions that keep the spring from squeaking on steel at the top and bottom of the strut. There is also a rubber bumper that slips onto the strut shaft. It provides a cushion for when the suspension bottoms out. I wouldn't bother to replace that unless it's broken or split. But the spring mounts I would. After 14 years of aging, they're bound to be in poor shape.

[TOY_DataSeek]

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll see if my local store can help me determine the part number and see if they carry it.

[new echo owner]

Upper and lower spring insulators or spring seats. And the spring bumper or bumper goes on the shaft.

N.E.O.