3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
They change only the struts, so $710 is way out of line. Strut mount should be replaced too. Other parts (spring insulator, strut bellow, strut bumper) should be replaced if needed.
See if your reputable independent mechanic is willing to charge $50 to put both on. You'll need an alignment too doing the fronts. Depending on shipping, for about 60% the dealer cost you can get all new assemblies in there.
$319 is way too much for a coolant flush.
Brake fluid exchange is a bit high. See if they are willing to take 15-20% off that. No, brake fluid won't turn "green". It turns brown/black. I don't trust your dealer.
Most aftermarket struts also carry lifetime warranty but at about $80 a piece they are not as cost effective as complete assemblies. You can do the math on the rear assemblies.
Quote:
Originally Posted by pb1216
Hi:
I went to the Toyota Dealer today to get my oil change and they recommended a few service items.
I have a 1999 Toyota Camry in excellent shape with 183,000 miles on it. I've never replaced the Struts, but they recommended it.
$710 Replace Front Struts
$940 Replace Rear Struts
I think this is overpriced, but not sure if my local mechanic can do the job. What's a normal price range for this?
They also recommended I get the following changed:
- Coolent Fluid Exchange for $319 (said it was green)
- Brake Fluid Exchange for $150 (said it was green)
Run far far away from the dealer and never go back!
Take your car somewhere else. I personally would recommend you buy the struts from a discount Toyota dealer (there are a few sponsored dealers here) and also the strut mounts. The other rubber components you can go aftermarket they are fine.
I was in your shoes too when i took my coilovers off my 1999 , i installed a set of monroe quickstruts i purchased from summitracing.com. I did the install myself. Im no mechanic and i dont even have the tools, but i had a friend with a garage and tools and he let me do it. Instructions are quite easy to understand. Only took about 3-4 hours to install all 4. save yourself some $$ and do the install.
In all honesty, if its original and you have 183k, I would just replace them cause they can cause your tires to wear out prematurely.
As for which brand to get, its totally up to you. Ebay is your best friend in getting struts, esp if you can replace them yourself. I think total I spent was close to 300, replacing them with KYBs, but I reused a lot of my rubber components cause they were still good.
Yes, stay away from dealership labor prices.
EDIT: Where is this squeaking coming from? If could be the rear sway bar bushings.
Quote:
Originally Posted by pb1216
Well, my car has 183,000 miles and the struts have never been changed.
The ride is pretty smooth, but noticed that when I go over speed bumps, it squeaks a bit.
Is there a place that will look at them and evaluate if I need new struts?
geeez ... over $1,600 for strut jobs (ONLY struts!) all around? that's should be illegal to give people such quotes!
with the best parts out there (complete replacement set) you cannot go over $1k probably and with common aftermarket parts you won't hit over $600 most likely
over $300 for a coolant flush??? I would start laughing at the service advisor and told him to f*ck off... they are insane. I did my own coolant flush (with Toyota Red Coolant $24/gallon bottle) in parking lot ... labor free, took me one hour.
your dealer sucks. don't EVER go back to them ... unless you need to vent and want to yell at someone
__________________ '02 Solara SLE V6 1MZ-FE/A541E Coupe .: Denso/NGK : Akebono SP : Philips 9011 HIR (low+high) : Toshiba HIR2 9012 (fogs) : Magnefine :. @ 131k
'00 Solara SE 5S-FE/A140E Coupe .: NGK : Hawk HPS : Philips XP : RCEng : Magnefine :. @ 82k
4SALE: connectors for Camry Headlight Wiring Harness and ECU
Another option is this seller on eBay. I've bought some stuff from them in the past and have been pleased with the quality and service. I don't know anything about the quality of "ProStruts" but it might be worth considering for the price at $225 delivered for the front or the rear set.
Struts degrade very gradually often it's hard to notice. Mileage alone is not a good indication, but in general by 50K miles most of the damping on these budget struts are gone. So I agree with Monroe, Gabriel, and KYB (Toyota OEM, aka "Keep Your Bilsteins" ) about that 50K mile figure. Of course, the excellent Bilsteins are supposed to be good over 100K miles. I believe that too. So 183K miles is most likely, but not to say your struts are to the point of needing immediate replacement.
For example, read the Q&As about the topics we have mentioned:
"How many miles do shocks and struts last?"
"How do I know when my shocks or struts need to be replaced?"
"What will happen if I don't replace worn shocks or struts?"
"Are there any other parts I should consider replacing while having my struts / shocks serviced?"
The QuickStruts will give you all new components but at a higher cost (not that much if you ask me). If cost is your concern then at least do the strut and the mount. You can take a peek to see if there are cracks or dry rot on the rubber bellow and insulator. I'd go with all new components and the easy to install assembly.
Quote:
Originally Posted by pb1216
The said my Struts are weak. Is this something that needs to be changed soon?
I got mine cressida done for $250 labor only and that's includes 2 front struts and 2 rear shocks. I bought KYB shocks from rockauto online for $100+
Your Camry is nearly identical except you got struts on rear but rear struts are much easy to replace.
You can tell when the strut worn out from the car bottom out when you drive over road bump. You know you can go down to San Ysidro and get it replace much cheaper.
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1991 Toyota MR2
1996 Toyota Camry
SUPREME
Dont EVER go back to a Dealership AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!
) about that 50K mile figure. Of course, the excellent Bilsteins are supposed to be good over 100K miles. I believe that too. So 183K miles is most likely, but not to say your struts are to the point of needing immediate replacement. 
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