Quote:
Originally Posted by PatrickGSR94
Well my mom's 2007 V6 XLE will be getting new struts soon, and I wanted to do research before she gets to that point. Are there any strut installation DIY's or how-to's around here? Searching didn't bring up any how-to threads. I took a peek behind the wheels the other day and it looks like the brake line bracket on the front struts is such that the line can be removed without disconnecting the lines from the calipers. However the rears look like they'll either have to be disconnected or the brackets cut that hold the lines in place. What's the preferred method there?
Can't understand why Toyota is still using this dumb@$$ design for holding the brake lines in place 
Also what about new strut mounts? I checked Rock Auto but it seems like they only have the rear upper mounts available. What about the fronts? |
At 60,000 miles, I replaced all four struts myself on my 2007 I4 XLE Camry with KYBs and new front strut bearings because the left front strut was leaking and causing the car to ride and handle poorly. It cost me about $500 for the parts and an alignment, vs. $1,500+ to have it done by the dealer or a good independent who would do the job correctly. I am very happy I did it myself because the car rides and handles better now than when it was new, I saved a ton of money and I have a huge sense of satisfaction that I did it myself.
The best information you can have for this job is the Toyota service manual. It leads you step by step through the operation. If you are adequately skilled and follow the steps in the manual, you should not go wrong. There are on-line versions of the service manual that you can download for $20. The spring compressor is not as dangerous as often feared if you use it carefully and correctly, i.e: bolt the bottom of the strut into a wood block jig, clamp the wood into a good vise, lubricated the threads of the compressor with light oil; use an air ratchet (NOT an impact wrench) to turn the compressor bolts/screws. Obviously you also need the proper tools and equipment to do the entire job, including lifting the car safely.
If you don't have all of the above, you probably should not attempt the job. Safety first.
Edit: The reason that you should not use an impact wrench on the spring compressor is that it can spin the nuts too fast, strip the threads and cause the whole thing to fly apart. The air ratchet spins slower, thus safer, and works quite well.
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