Replacing front shocks/struts

[dave255]

95 Camry, 5sfe, 240,000miles

I finally saved up some money to replace my front shocks. They have about 100k on them and I constantly hear really loud THUNKS when I drive over bumps/potholes at any speed.

I was wondering if you guys can give me some recommendations on which shocks to buy and where to buy them? This is my daily driver and I'm just looking to restore original factory handling and performance, nothing fancy. I did use the search feature, but so many threads came up it was hard to sift through everything, so I thought I'd throw this post out there.

Also, how can I tell if I need to replace the coil springs as well?

Thanks in advance!

[Chris Crash]

The springs are good for life unless they're broken.

I personally went with Monroe on the front, and KYB in the back on my 97 and that thing is amazing. I did that two summers ago and it still rides like new. A lot of people say both companies are kinda crappy, but I refuse to believe that. I enjoy my ride, it seems even better than stock.

[dave255]

Thanks for the reply. Are there any good websites for ordering shocks? Or should I just head to Autozone?

Also, I'm hearing a lot of mixed things about coil springs. Some people say they never wear out, others say they do degrade over time and eventually need replacing. My front end does appear to be sagging more than it used to...

[Mister_Perkins]

Originally Posted by dave255

I finally saved up some money to replace my front shocks. They have about 100k on them and I constantly hear really loud THUNKS when I drive over bumps/potholes at any speed.

Sounds like the strut bushings are bad. (at the top of the strut that attaches to the car)

Check to make sure your strut bolts are tight (Also the center bolt that attaches to the strut is tight)

[JohnGD]

The advantage of going to the local parts store is the ease of return. There is no need for additional shipping costs in the future if these go bad. Just bring'em back and get new ones on the spot for commonly stocked items.

Many aftermarket struts carry lifetime warranty (Monroe, Gabriel, Bilstein). KYB actually makes Toyota struts, but do NOT warranty against normal wear. And strut mounts should be replaced the the struts each time. Check condition of rubber parts for deterioration.

I personally think KYBs are a little harsh, making you feel all the road imperfections especially at higher rod velocities. But should be most similar to the original ride. Gabriel Ultras from Autozone soak up all the road irregularities, but the later ones are on the softer side at lower speeds.

Do price out complete assemblies (all new components) for about $160 each+shipping on rockauto.com. These carry lifetime warranty.
Rear example:
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=951308
Front example:
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=951544

And yes, the excellent Bilsteins are available (struts, not complete assemblies) from Autozone. I like AZ's no non-sense return policy too. Sign up for the Autozone reward membership. Every 5 >$20 transaction gets you a $20 credit for in store purchases. Buy struts in 4 transactions if they don't offer the buy-3-get-1-free special, for example. . Deals may be coming around Thanksgiving, too.

Get an alignment after replacement. ~$60-70.

Originally Posted by dave255

Thanks for the reply. Are there any good websites for ordering shocks? Or should I just head to Autozone?

Also, I'm hearing a lot of mixed things about coil springs. Some people say they never wear out, others say they do degrade over time and eventually need replacing. My front end does appear to be sagging more than it used to...

[Stillrunning]

I just replaced all four struts with KYB - I would not choose KYB again. The strut accessories (mounts etc.) were poor quality and did not fit properly. I even had to re-use the mount top nuts as the KYB included ones were so poor they stripped out before I could torque them properly.

[JohnGD]

Right, I've seen stripped nut/bolt too. The KYB front mount bearing is poor quality too. They have radial play when new. Monroes came with Koyo bearings, these were much better. That said, Toyota came with the KYB ride, so these most closely matches it. I've been putting Gabriel Ultras from Autozone on people cars however, they are more like the American ride. Gabriel has the complete assemblies too for some models.

Originally Posted by Stillrunning

I just replaced all four struts with KYB - I would not choose KYB again. The strut accessories (mounts etc.) were poor quality and did not fit properly. I even had to re-use the mount top nuts as the KYB included ones were so poor they stripped out before I could torque them properly.

[Chris Crash]

I would use OEM mounts and nuts, with KYB/Monroe struts.

[SilverSoarer]

After extensive review of price, value, minimizing re-install, and reliability:

Use original genuine Toyota (not aftermarket OEM) mounts and bearing

See my other thread about strut mounts.

Here is the breakdown by lowerst price available (when on sale), all are lifetime/credit.

1. Monroe SensaTrac $180 for all 4
2. Bilstein Touring $215 for all 4
3. KYB GR2/Excel G $215 for all 4
4. Tokico $250 for all 4