3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
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Okay so I've been looking at all types of struts for my 94 camry (2.2l) and im confused as hell about my options. So far I'm thinking about the monroe quick struts because it says it has everything needed for replacing. But before i knew about the quick struts, I was thinking about some KYB's. The main problem is not knowing everything i need to replace everything. So are the strut mounts the only additional parts i need for the change? Or do i need bearings and additional parts for the kyb's? I was also planning on lowering it..not sure which springs but i prefer the most comfort
So should i stick with the quick struts?????
Or buy everything separately? (KYB, Mounts, lowering springs, what ever else is needed)
BTW: this car has 170,000 miles on original struts..in desperate need for a change!!!
It really makes it a pain in the a$$ when everything for the struts is sold separately... that's the most confusing part, i don't want to miss any important parts when i order everything
There is also the strut boot/bellow (the rubber thing that covers the shaft), spring isolators/seats (rubber pad on the top and bottom of the spring) and the bump stop, (the cone thing that makes bottoming out less damaging). For the bearings there are two different types with the bearing on the top of the spring, or on the bottom (which is rare). You will have to ask your auto parts store if they have a mounting plate kit that includes the bearing, some are sold with them, and some without. besides that there is the coil spring. With as many miles as you have you really need to replace the springs at the same time.
I think that unless you want to get a set of lowing springs the quick struts are your best bet, they are a good oem strut replacement, however if you do go with lowering springs it may be cheaper to buy what you need separately, with the quick struts you are also paying for the springs that come on them.
imo, get the stiffer springs, just last night I put on eibach/sensatracs and it's a huge difference, and not harsh at all, but the sensatracs probably wont last as long as they should, they are not really meant for that stiff of a spring.
From what i've been told, it's cheaper/easier to go the 'quick strut' method but if you can mix n' match better parts for the same or less money, then i'd go for that.
As far as i understand, all you really need is:
Spring
Shock absorber - Depending on the manufacturer, there may be a catch regarding bump stops. For example, i bought some Monroe GT Gas struts for my Gen2 and they blew a week after installing. They said i needed to install Monroe specific bump stops which were an additional $80 EACH bump stop. If i didn't, i'd void the warranty in the future (but luckily, they took the old ones under warranty). So make sure the guy reading the catalogue (or yourself) takes note of any footnotes or asterisks against the part number.
the maybes are:
bump stop and/or dust boot - if your old ones are stuffed
Spring insulators - again, if your old ones are stuffed
I think the bearing is pressed into the mount so if that's stuffed or the mounting itself is stuffed, then it's replacement time. Otherwise, just leave it.
I'm not too familiar with Gen 3's, but generally speaking there are two different types of shock absorbers - serviceable and non-serviceable. Serviceable ones have a nut at the top of the suspension unit - the area just before the piston rod sticks out. Non-serviceable ones do not have a nut and are machine pressed/sealed.
If you have serviceable shock absorbers, you can replace them with EITHER serviceable shocks(aka strut cartridges) or non-serviceable ones. Non serviceable have to be replaced with non-serviceable.
If Monroe don't make a lowered quick strut, then you'll need to go out and buy your own stuff.
Try searching for some old threads regarding spring selection.
__________________
Camry history:
1990 Camry CS 5spd - Now scrap metal
1994 Camry Executive A/T - Burnt to a crisp.
1995 Camry Vienta Csi A/T - Still running
1999 Camry Touring 5 spd - Current
I installed KYBs 6 months ago. Since I'm cheap, I didn't replace any strut mounts. I cleaned them and repacked the bearings with grease made in 1980 lol. For the boots, if it was in good condition, I didn't replace them; that just meant I replaced the back 2. For the insulators, I reused them only because they just act as cartilage between the spring and other components, basically metal-metal contact would be noisy. All in all, parts cost me ~300. I didn't replace my springs though.
I think quickstruts have more of an OEM feel. KYBs are a bit stiffer, which I don't mind, but with the KYBs they are cheaper and you can put in new springs.
The main Question is................ Do you want to lower it.
If Yes: Buy everything separately.
If No: Go with the Monroe Quick struts.
If you want to lower the car you have to take into consideration that most OE type struts will break down much faster wit an aftermarket lowering spring. So just plan accordingly. Kyb struts and Eibach springs are probably the cheapest combo out there while still maintaining the performance you demand when going lower. Be sure to replace worn parts. You may have to remove the old setup before you will know for sure what is good or bad.
There is also the strut boot/bellow (the rubber thing that covers the shaft), spring isolators/seats (rubber pad on the top and bottom of the spring) and the bump stop, (the cone thing that makes bottoming out less damaging). For the bearings there are two different types with the bearing on the top of the spring, or on the bottom (which is rare).
I thought the units with the bearing at the bottom were up to a certain production date? My car is a 1993 and has the bearing on the bottom.
I'm going through this right now and plan on doing a DIY when I get all of my parts, you can read my thread here. I'm replacing all 4 coils with Toyota original parts, although you can just as easily go for aftermarket springs if you don't mind a bit of a stiffer ride. For the struts I'm going with KYB's on all four corners. If you go KYB shocks (listed as OEM replacements) with aftermarket springs, remember that according to many people the lower springs will shorten the life of the shock.
This is most likely what you will need:
Front Struts
Coil Spring LH 48131-33070 (go aftermarket if you want)
Coil Spring RH 48131-33070
Insulator Upper LH 48157-33020 - #4 in pic
Insulator Upper RH 48157-33020
Insulator Lower LH 48158-33010 - #5 in pic
Insulator Lower RH 48158-33010
Bumper LH 48331-06011 - #1 in pic
Bumper RH 48331-06011
Support Sub Assembly (strut mount) LH 48609-33011 - #2 in pic
Support Sub Assembly (strut mount) RH 48609-33011
Absorber Assembly LH 48520-06010
Absorber Assembly RH 48510-33011 (no longer available according to Toyota, but you'll be getting KYB or other aftermarket anyway for the stuts)
On my car (see my thread) I need a new bearing because the broken coil caused it to be destroyed. I'm replacing both sides. The bearing is part of the spring seat, which consists of a rigid piece of steel (the coil rests on this), the bearing, a rubber boot, and a clamp/band. Here is a pic of a KYB unit, not shown is the clamp and the bearing.
According to the Toyota service manual, you are not supposed to disassemble this unit. The bearing on the other side on my car is fine, the whole spring seat assembly is perfectly fine actually, grease and all. The lower insulator for both sides is worn, this part should probably always be replaced. (#5)
So basically if you get all the parts in the picture (ignore #3 that is for the back strut) plus coils and the strut assembly itself, you should be set. One thing I don't get is the spring seat (the unit that contains the bearing) doesn't show up in the Toyota diagram with part numbers. But if your spring seat is bad, KYB makes a replacement. You have to assemble it yourself and also the bearing you buy as a separate part.
The back struts are essentially the same, but of course no bearing. Here are the part numbers. Keep in mind these are numbers (front and back) for a 1993 Camry U.S produced model (Japan built may be different not sure), I don't know the exact cut off date.
Rear Struts
Coil Spring LH 48231-33020
Coil Spring RH 48231-33020
Insulator Upper LH 48259-32020
Insulator Upper RH 48257-32060
Insulator Lower LH 48258-0E010
Insulator Lower RH 48258-0E010
Bumper #1 LH 48341-AA010
Bumper #1 RH 48341-AA010
Absorber Assembly LH 48540-33030
Absorber Assembly RH 48530-80126
Support Assembly LH 48760-32020
Support Assembly RH 48750-32070
Cover LH 48753-32041
Cover RH 48753-32041
Quote:
Originally Posted by 4Cyl'erThriller
You may have to remove the old setup before you will know for sure what is good or bad.
Pretty much. In my case I had no idea the coil was broken, I just thought the strut was bagged that's why it was making noise.
BTW, www.1sttoyotaparts.com ships to Canada that is where I ordered from. The shipping costs on that site are dumb because they don't give you and exact amount until after you place the order, due to them not knowing the shipping weight. Anyway, I got my parts from Tacoma, WA to Calgary, AB in about 7 days, pretty good. The parts from a dealer here are more than 3x the cost.
The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to 71Corolla For This Useful Post:
BTW, the Support Sub Assembly aka strut mount when you look at it appears like it's nothing more than a solid piece of steel, so why replace it? But in fact, the center coupling is rubber mounted (hard rubber) to the rest of the steel assembly. So in all likelihood the rubber has cracked and rotted out, so save yourself a lot of hassle and replace these. (the back units are the same deal)
Thanks everyone, after reading everything I think I will attempt to buy everything separate and lower it. At first i was under the impression that all i needed were new struts and mounts, I've even called some mechanics and they've said the same thing. If that all fails I will just get the quick strut and lower later since I'm on factory alloys anyway.
How do you like the GR2s? I was tempted to go Tokico/Eibach but decided to go as close as I could to stock.
To tell the truth The KYBs are a little stiffer than stock.... But then Again I have no idea what NEW stock shocks would have felt like. They offer a great deal better handling than the 17yr old junk I had on my car... although They had been taken care of pretty well. I like them a lot. I just wish I had done lowering springs and mounts etc when I had the KYBs installed.
I recently had an opportunity to pick up a set of barely used Tokicos so I decided to get that all new setup. (new strut mounts, springs, spring seats and boots/bump stops) The only thing I had trouble finding was the rear spring seats. Those will be a special order item. So plan ahead. Good luck with everything. And like I said If anyone wants a slightly used set of KYBs PM me Ill be taking them off soon...
Tokicos & Eibachs Here I come...
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Struts..... HELP!
1993 Toyota Camry
Or you could wait for me to install my Tokicos and Eibachs and Ill sell you my used, under 12K kyb gr2s for cheap. 
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