Question about changing struts

[vtek63]

I have an 01 Camry with about 110,000 miles on it and I'm about to change the struts. My question is do I need to change all the strut mounts and bearings and insulators, etc? How long do those usually last?

Thanks!

[Mike Gerber]

I would change everything at that mileage, especially if I was going to keep the car for any length of time. Consider the Monroe Quick Struts if you want to change everything. They are a 1-piece assembly with a new strut, spring, strut mount and all new rubber pieces, already assembled. You just unbolt and remove the old assemblies and bolt in these complete new assemblies. No need to compress and remove the old springs and reisntall them on the new struts. IMHO, they save time and money if you are going to do the job yourself or have someone else do the job for you. No affiliation on my part with Monroe or anybody else, for that matter.

Mike

[gcozmo]

I just changed the struts on my '97. I used the Monroe quick struts and they were very easy to do, it took about 1 1/2 hrs to complete the whole job on both sides. They are a little pricey at about $200 each and I've had them about 1 week and they are starting to settle in some now but when I first put them on they were a little stiff and the front end set up a little higher then it was.

[vtek63]

thanks guys! the quick struts sound good, but too bad... i already bought a set of struts a little while back... i will definately keep the quick struts in mind for the next time.

thanks again!

[toyomoho]

The mounts can start making a banging noise at 100K or never go bad. Bad bearings will make a popping noise when turing the steering wheel.

KYB's front mounts come with or without the bearing, Toyota without.

KYB mounts cost is around $50 per mount.

The condition of the strut bellows can be checked with the shock on the car.

Guessing the insulators should be OK.