Help with suspension questions...

[BretAz]

I know these topics have been beat to death, but I am still have some questions and need some opinions.

Recently bought a 99 LE 4Cyl with 94k miles. The car overall is in great shape, but probably needs a few things due to age. I cannot tell for sure whether the car needs struts or not. The ride is definitely soft, but i cannot tell if this is the way it is supposed to be. When I push down on the rear corner, it goes down pretty easy and when it comes back up has like one little bounce. I know that new struts would probably make a big difference in ride, but do I really need them? Should the ride on my 99 Solara SLE V6 be the same as this camry? The Solara has alot more miles, but rides totally different. Do they have similar set ups?

Also, the rear sway bar bushings. Since they are cheap, i will probably just replace them. I do get a little thump noise when going over speed bumps. Not bad, but i do notice it. I think I may try this one myself. Based on the write ups i read, it sounds pretty easy.

What other suspension stuff should I check, both front and rear? I replaced the dog bone last week, and what a difference. The one I took out was not trashed, but it did have some cracks. The front mount seems to be O.K., atleast from what i can see.

I think the previous owner just replaced the EGR valve too, as the CEL light was on. Anything else you guys recommend checking on this vehicle besides the obvious (fluids, belts, hoses)?

So far, I am really liking this car!

[joede]

I replaced the Struts front and rear on my 99 Camry at about 90K. It made a big difference. The front strut tower plate and bushings, if they are stock, have some sort of design error too. There is a TBS out about that. I replaced the front strut tower plate / bushings right ant left. Those rear torsion bar bushings go out every 20 K for me (starts thumping). I just put on a set of Moog bushings...more expensive..We will see how they do.

[deadrx7conv]

My 99 is super reliable and economical. Great on gas, cheap property/excise taxes, cheap insurance, easy to do relatively cheap maintenance......

Struts should be replaced. You're beyond 10years and approaching 100k. Definitely worth it and definitely get the upgraded front bearing strut mounts.

Solara and Camry are different enough. Two completely different vehicles sharing a platform!

I get the rear thumping but won't change any bushings. I can't hear it over the stereo ;-)

Any recommendations depends on all previous maintenance history as much is often overlooked by sellers and buyers.

I changed my fuel filter. Use the Toyota one. Had too many parts store generic fuel filters leak.
The differential and power steering fluids tend to be neglected.
Spark plugs/wires should be changed. At least replace the plugs.
Timing belt every 60k. Best to do it as a kit and include the water pump every 2nd timing belt change.
I'd wager the thermostat is original. Replace it. Best to use Toyota thermostat.
Bleed the brakes and adjust the rear brake shoes. Change the ATF and you're due for an ATF pan drop/magnet cleaning.
I haven't had the EGR issue and still have the original o2 sensors. Use a bottle of quality FI cleaner a couple times a year and stick with toptiergas.

I also needed an alignment as the vehicle will sag over time(tired springs). If you replace the struts, you can buy loaded struts with preinstalled new springs which I recommend(especially in the back). I needed camber adjusters(oval strut bolt) to make up for the spring sag(no bodies in the trunk).

My neighbor lost a ball joint on his(150k). Bad roads in the northeast!!! I'm replacing mine soon as preventive maintenance. I can't afford to have a ball joint pop when pulling a u-turn downtown or when parallel parking somewhere. I can afford to spend a morning replacing them and not having to worry about ball joints for another 12yrs/150k.
Inspect the cv boots. Neighbor had to replace both of his axles. I'm still good with mine! Also, same issue with the steering rack boots.

I seen some issues with ignition coils, EGR, and the idle control. But, mine has been trouble free. Quality oil, reasonable change intervals, quality fuel, occasional FI cleaner, seem to have kept me free of some issues that reoccur with my neighbors.

The 99 4cyl is a certified sludge monster. Its worth pulling the rocker cover off and inspecting for sludge. I replaced my valve cover gasket during my sludge inspection even though it didn't need to be replaced. My engine was squeaky clean!

[joede]

Nice write up deadrx7conv!!!! I totally concur. My 99 Camry has 185 K. I have performed all the maintenance you mentioned in your write up. Although, had to replace the steering rack at 180 K (inner ball joint bad).
My Camry still runs like a charm and rides like its new. Again, nice write up!!

[gymkhana]

Lower it!!!