Need to replace my 2002 Toyota Camry XLE V6 struts... recommendations?

[schnoid]

Sorry if this is the wrong place to post this but I'm sorta new to these forums even though I've been registered for a very long time. I saw the extensive post for gen 6, but my camry is gen 5.

Anyways, I went to the mechanic today and pretty much had them quote me $2000+ of repairs. I need to replace all 4 struts + mounts as well as fix an oil leak, rack pinion leak and power steering pump leak.

For each KYB strut they quoted me $180 each and $80 for the strut mounts. My question is, what brand do you recommend for a 2002 Toyota Camry, and where can I get the best deal on them.

Thanks!

[antb2009]

if your going to spend that much on your suspension just get coilovers, i just ordered mines yesterday

[schnoid]

I'm definitely not very knowledgeable about cars. Mind explaining what the difference is? Never even heard of coilovers.

[71Corolla]

For the struts and mounts, go with Toyota parts. Contact TOYOPARTSMAN he's a sponsored seller here, good guy he'll help you get what you need.

[schnoid]

Originally Posted by 71Corolla

For the struts and mounts, go with Toyota parts. Contact TOYOPARTSMAN he's a sponsored seller here, good guy he'll help you get what you need.

Thanks, I contacted him. Lets see what he says. If he can't get me some struts, what would be your next choice? The only 3 brands I've seen online for my car so far are monroe, KYB, and Gabriel. They all seem to run between $70-$130 depending on rear or front.

[LoudCamry]

I have KYB, you can get KYB for about 300.00 from ebay(2front and 2 rear), you can buy kyb strut mount for around 50 buck too. How many mile are on your strut mount, maybe you just need to replace the bearing

[TOYOPARTSMAN]

I Sent you a PM, but I'll post here as well. I am out of the office until Monday, spending some time(as you can tell) with my family this weekend. I will look up the struts and mounts for all four and give you a quote. If you can PM me your VIN and zip code I can get you a more accurate quote on the shipping etc.

Originally Posted by schnoid

Thanks, I contacted him. Lets see what he says. If he can't get me some struts, what would be your next choice? The only 3 brands I've seen online for my car so far are monroe, KYB, and Gabriel. They all seem to run between $70-$130 depending on rear or front.

[kenny1773]

Monroe makes something called a Quick Strut for about $130 each wheel

This has the strut/spring/etc already installed in the strut tower, you unbolt the old and bolt in the new and you are done.

your mechanic should charge you significantly less labor to install a quick strut.

Amazon

Amazon

the KYB is probably better performance, but the Monroe should be about the same as OEM Toyota

[gdanaher]

The Quick Strut idea would be the way to go, however Monroe doesn't make them for the Camry. Either Toyota OEM or any of the others make good struts. and any could last as long as you own the car. If you are handy you can do this job on a weekend day in the driveway, if you have the tools and jacks. Many parts stores loan spring compressors, or you can get one at Harbor Freight. All that is left is a 4 wheel alignment when you have it all bolted back, and a good shadetree can get the alignment very close anyway.

[schnoid]

Thanks again everyone that responded. I did end up deciding to go with the Monroe struts because they have a buy 3 get 1 free promotion until the end of the month. I did however look into the quick struts and it seems they do have quick struts for toyotas. I personally don't care if they're easier to install because I'm not going to do it myself anyways, but could people please give me the low down on what the major differences are? If I get the quick struts will I still have to buy strut mounts? Will the ride still feel the same as regular struts?

Thanks!

[schnoid]

anyone? struts vs quick struts?

[Frodo65]

Originally Posted by schnoid

anyone? struts vs quick struts?

It's what all is included.

Strut - includes only the shock absorber part. You reuse the spring.

Quick strut - includes the spring and the top mount. Just remove old, bolt in new. If the strut mounts are suspected as bad, this is the better way to go, especially if there is any evidence of rust on the spring or mounts.

[schnoid]

Originally Posted by Frodo65

It's what all is included.

Strut - includes only the shock absorber part. You reuse the spring.

Quick strut - includes the spring and the top mount. Just remove old, bolt in new. If the strut mounts are suspected as bad, this is the better way to go, especially if there is any evidence of rust on the spring or mounts.

Thanks! That's exactly what I needed to know. A few mechanics have told me that I need both the struts and mounts, so if there's no difference in the feel of the ride/performance then Definitely seems the quick struts are the way to go. Seems they're priced around $130 or so while the regular struts are priced between $80-120 and the mounts are about $50 each. There's also a buy 3 get 1 free deal through monroe so if these quick struts apply for the discount then it a no brainer! Has anyone noticed any differences in the ride by using quick struts?

[schnoid]

anyone feel a difference in the ride between struts and quick struts?

[JohnGD]

For Gen5+ only the strut is available for the mainstream brands (Monroe, Gabriel, and KYB) that you can easily find in parts stores. They are about $80-100 each piece. Yes, you should get new mounts each time. And you should get a four-wheel alignment too (~$60-70).

Monroe and Gabriel both carry lifetime guarantee. Autozone's no nonsense return policy is great. Monroe will give you $50 per axle (used to be per corner) to swap out their struts if you're not happy with their ride. And they're running Buy-3-Get-1-Free right now (see rockauto.com). KYB has no warranty against normal wear and tear, but should closely approximate the original ride (they make Toyota struts).

You'll find owners here who like each of the three brands. I'd say Gabriel can soak up minor road irregularities very well, but it is slightly on the softer side. Monroe would be in between. KYB is firmer and on the harsh side.

Monroe 90-day Safe and Sound Guarantee:
http://www.monroe.com/support/warranty.asp

You should always verify the correct application by using the manufacturers' catalogs:
http://www.monroe.com/defaultEN.asp
http://www.gabriel.com/
http://www.kyb.com/catalogs/index.php

Originally Posted by schnoid

anyone feel a difference in the ride between struts and quick struts?