Can I reuse stock springs? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Agrippa · 07-10-2009, 02:39 PM

So this is for my 97 Camry LE 4 cyl. I am a poor college student and this is my one and only car. I bought it in hopes that it will see me through at least for the next 2 years/50,000 miles.

The problem with the suspension currently is the strut mount bushings. They make a god awful squeaking/clunking noise going over even the smallest bumps. The shocks are also a bit worn and dont dampen as much as it should, but they're not blown/leaking.

Right now, other than the car handling like a boat, it drives fine. However, if I were to change the strut mounts and shocks, i was wondering if I could reuse the springs without a problem. Like I said, I am a poor student so I am trying to just keep the car in working order, nothing fancy like coilovers or high spring rate springs, etc.

Thanks.

rholzboog · 07-10-2009, 03:38 PM

change the springs trust me i did it and had to take it apart and redo it

Gibson99 · 07-10-2009, 04:24 PM

If all you're concerned with is a comfortable quiet ride, you can reuse the stock springs. as long as they aren't rusted to pieces, there's nothing wrong with reusing them.

front upper strut mounts had a TSB or three on them for the knocking/clunking noise. toyota redesigned them a few times but never completely eliminated the noise. don't get me wrong - it got a LOT better, but it still clunks now and then, mostly in parking lot type situations.

as long as your car isnt' bouncing uncontrollably, i say keep the existing struts, too. just install a new set of front upper strut mounts, and don't forget to grease the strut bearing when reassembling.