Gen4 struts replaced THANKS ALL

[vincentfox]

I just got done installing Monroe Quick Struts and wanted to give a THANKS to all the forum folks.



My 1997 Camry LE was sagging and at 212K needed new ones, engine sound so she's good for 300K+ I think. Ordered 4 Monroe Quick Strut assemblies from Rock Auto, used the discount code found here, and there was a rebate (buy 4 get 1 rebated).

Took me FAR longer than the "3 hours" I've seen quoted for the rears by others. Firstly the Haynes book blows chunks for American Camry is all wrong about how to remove the rear package shelf. You have to remove the sail panels which is not mentioned. Took me a little while to work that out on my own. Hayne also didn't mention that on the rears you should really remove a 2nd bracket on the fenderwell which holds the brake line to give it more room to stretch while you maneuver the struts in/out. Had some difficulties maneuvering the rears out and back in which I did not on the front.

I have heard Mitchell recommended as a better book will check that out.

I'm a complete amateur mechanic, had never even USED a torque wrench before, so that's a complication. For example I naively used a pipe on a 3/8 breaker trying to pop the nuts loose. After breaking 2 extension pieces I decided it was time to go get a half-inch set. But it's certainly doable by anyone.

I did NOT have the huge difficulties breaking any bolts loose like others, some PB Blaster did the trick.

Replacing the front struts was cake, that really was only a couple of hours for both. I did not replace any of the links they seemed OK but may revisit that later. Sits about an inch higher now and rides like new.

[fenixus]