2000 camry shocks - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

03highlander · 03-29-2011, 09:12 PM

I have a 2000 camry le that I think needs new shocks. The car has 220,000 and is still on the original set. I have had domestic cars in the past where the shocks went bad around 90k and it was really obvious. I'm not totally sure if my car needs them. I just seems that it is really affected by crosswinds lately and seems to handle poorly in general. So what shocks would you recommend? Obviously I don't want to sink a bunch of money in my 11 year old work car but I would like something decent. Thanks!

***LynchburgCSI*** · 03-29-2011, 10:41 PM

Not looking for a performance upgrade? Either monroe or KYB (may ride SLIGHTLY harsher). Also consider repalcing your upper strut mounts. OR just get Monroe Quick Struts.

Tom 2000 · 03-29-2011, 10:54 PM

I have bought KYBs for the past 3 cars and they are good struts. Slightly firmer than stock, but still rides very nice.

I replaced mine at 110K miles. Recommend using Toyota OEM strut mounts.

For best prices, shop online.

***JohnGD*** · 03-30-2011, 02:15 AM

Check out the Monroe QuickStruts with Sensatrac (not the cheaper Monroematics). About $135 + shipping from rockauto.com. Lifetime warranty.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 03highlander

I have a 2000 camry le that I think needs new shocks. The car has 220,000 and is still on the original set. I have had domestic cars in the past where the shocks went bad around 90k and it was really obvious. I'm not totally sure if my car needs them. I just seems that it is really affected by crosswinds lately and seems to handle poorly in general. So what shocks would you recommend? Obviously I don't want to sink a bunch of money in my 11 year old work car but I would like something decent. Thanks!

03highlander · 04-01-2011, 10:21 PM

Thanks for the brand recommendations.

If I order complete struts, do I need a spring compressor to get the old units out? Didn't know if they are still under tension when the car is lifted.

Thanks!

***fenixus*** · 04-01-2011, 11:35 PM

no, if you buy complete assemblies (e.g. Monroe Quick Struts or Gabriel Ready Mounts) then no spring compressor is needed. it's as simple as unbolting old one out as a unit and bolting the new one in (3 nuts on top, 2 huge bolts and nuts at bottom, and 1 sway bar end link bolt, plus a brake wire bolt/clip and ABS wire plastic clip if applicable). takes 30 minutes per side.

get a 4-wheel alignment done after replacing struts, it really matters to zero out the toe in values, save your tires, improve handling.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 03highlander

Thanks for the brand recommendations.

If I order complete struts, do I need a spring compressor to get the old units out? Didn't know if they are still under tension when the car is lifted.

Thanks!

***JohnGD*** · 04-02-2011, 02:10 AM

As mentioned you just swap old with new. It's convenient and cost effective. Besides Monroe and Gabriel (Autozone) you can also find KYB assemblies.

Just make sure when you do one axle both wheels are either on or off the ground together. Otherwise the stabilizer bar is torsion loaded and can be dangerous. Unbolt the stabilizer bar links while the car is still on the ground if you don't have a set of stands and floor jack.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 03highlander

Thanks for the brand recommendations.

If I order complete struts, do I need a spring compressor to get the old units out? Didn't know if they are still under tension when the car is lifted.

Thanks!