Strut replacement

[Chris Crash]

My camry had/has a shake on the highway. I figured it was the alignment so I brought it to a shop.
They told me I needed new struts. Not wanting to pay the gigantic bill for someone else to do it, I decided I'll do it myself.

Anyway. I'd prefer not to spend $800 on all four Monroe struts.
I went to eBay and was wondering if these would work.
I'm sure that they are not GOOD, per say but I just want to know if they'll blow out three weeks later.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/PAIR-...Q5fAccessories

Also, is there a Gen 4 DIY for R&R of all 4 struts on here? I searched and found the one for the Gen 3. Could I just use the Gen 3 DIY? In theory it's all the same...

Thanks in advance.

[davemac2]

I would never again buy struts on ebay whether they are name brand tokico, gabriel, monroe, KYB or whatever. There are too many fakes and bad stock around. I bought some gabriels a few years back and had one blow out within 3 months. Had a tokico go bad after 2 years also. Buy your struts from a reputable retailer such as tirerack.com or elsewhere IMHO. Save your money on the labor with DIY and using a spring compressor (carefully of course.).

dave mc

[Chris Crash]

I actually found a good deal on some Monroe struts for the front and KYB for the rear.

But next question. Do I need to replace any bushings or bearings during this R&R?

[JohnGD]

Your local Autozone or NAPA is probably a better bet, because these struts (Monroe, Gabriel) carry lifetime warranty. It's easier to just walk in and trade them. And cheaper too.

The rubber spring seats may show some wear, and if the strut mount is making noise change it. It's a good time to repack the strut bearing, I do with Redline CV2 synthetic grease.

[flyeri]

I just did all four. I got Monroe struts for $320 - $80 rebate. New front strut mounts with bearings from Advance Auto for $120. I replaced all four boots and reused all spring seats which were in good shape. They are $15 at Advance Auto. Total spent was $440. It is not a job for beginners but with a good DIY a decent shadetree mechanic can do it with no problem. i would suggest trying the rear first. They were just a little easier to get the struts put back together than the front ones.

[Tom 2000]

I replaced the 4 struts on my 2000 Camry about 2 weeks ago. This is the 3rd car that I'v replaced struts I've always bought KYB GR-2s and have been very pleased.

Having a good set of spring compressors makes the job easier. I had a cheap set from Harbor Freight Tools years ago, but they were difficult to turn and use. I bought a spring compressor from Sears that cost more, but much better quality and easier to use.

Make sure to get your car aligned after it's all done.