test for struts & springs? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

sundarpn · 10-13-2011, 04:25 PM

2002 Camry XLE with 102K miles. The car doesn't feel very much in control with going over 70 mph... body roll seems to be more. (Despite having a white-line rear sway bar)

1. What's a good way to test if the springs & struts are good?

2. Can I replace only the front strut/springs? I was thinking about Monroe quick struts.

3. Also, someone here mentioned about some poly steering rack bushings? But there was no more information. What are they?

John1960 · 10-13-2011, 06:01 PM

Are you the original owner? Do you know if the struts have been replaced? If they haven't at 102k, they are over due. Don't even worry about checking them, just replace them.

sundarpn · 10-13-2011, 07:08 PM

I got the car certified at 46K miles. So i tend to think they are original. Should I change springs too?

I'd like SE struts and springs but it seems I have to get it at the dealer and they will charge an arm or leg

John1960 · 10-13-2011, 07:23 PM

Me personally, I would say if the car is not sagging, leave the springs. Unless you want the increased handling from the SE or an aftermarket spring. How about a drop spring?

I think you would be far better off replacing all four struts and leaving the springs than replacing the front struts and springs and leaving the rears alone.

***Punks_Not_Dead5*** · 10-13-2011, 08:02 PM

Check the struts for leaks. I have 135k miles on my rear struts and they're fine. I replaced my whole front suspension though due to a broken strut mount and the spring snapped.

But the springs should be fine, struts are more than likely fine, but have them checked to see if they are leaking.

Or just don't drive 70+mph... i do believe most speed limits are 55-65 on most US highways.

Dave's · 10-14-2011, 12:15 AM

70 in Oklahoma and 75 on the turnpikes.

(Not that I drive that slow...)

Old school test is to 'bounce' the vehicle such as putting weight on the bumper with one foot and then 'jumping' off. The vehicle should bounce up to level or perhaps slightly past and then down to level. Any travel beyond that basically indicates the struts are worn. Pretty unscientific but if you compare a new car or struts to old ones you may see the difference.

BlackG5 · 10-14-2011, 08:54 AM

the rear sway won't cause any noticeable difference if it's floating at highway speeds, that's all in the struts/springs. I put Eibach springs on mine at 80k and took them off with 150k on the car, original SE struts. They were still fine, no leaks, but it began to get unstable at highway speeds so I bought coilovers.

btw, its a camry, not designed to be planted like a sports car at 70+..

***arabianobsession*** · 10-14-2011, 09:52 AM

Struts and shocks are designed to be replaced every 50k miles. Obviously, most people wait until 100, 150, or even 200k miles, but as you can tell, your ride quality does suffer.

At the very least, replace things in pairs. The BEST thing to do is replace all 4 corners at the same time. It may not be designed to be a sports car, but it should still handle and ride well at 70 mph, or even 75-80. There are plenty of roads in the US where you can drive 75-80, any car should realistically handle that (Except maybe a Yaris :P).

BTW, I put the Monroe quick struts, new tie rod ends, and ball joints in my last car and she cornered and rode like a dream afterwards. It was an amazing night and day difference.

BlackG5 · 10-14-2011, 09:58 AM

Obviously the cars can do 80, but try and maneuver at that speed. the car wasn't designed for that.

coilovers and bigger sway bars make it much better, but it's still not a sports car that I'd toss around like a vette

***arabianobsession*** · 10-14-2011, 10:11 AM

You're misunderstanding me. I'm not saying to toss it around like it's on a race track, but you should be able to do a fair amount of maneuvering at that speed. My 11 SE does it just fine, and take into account we're discussing an LE, even with new suspension it should be almost as good.

BlackG5 · 10-14-2011, 10:17 AM

i understand what you're saying.

understand that a v6 SE only did .78 in the skidpad, so an LE is less, and therefore should be treated like a bus at highway speeds.

your '11 SE is quite a bit improved over an 02 LE with 100k.

sundarpn · 10-14-2011, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arabianobsession

Struts and shocks are designed to be replaced every 50k miles. Obviously, most people wait until 100, 150, or even 200k miles, but as you can tell, your ride quality does suffer.

At the very least, replace things in pairs. The BEST thing to do is replace all 4 corners at the same time. It may not be designed to be a sports car, but it should still handle and ride well at 70 mph, or even 75-80. There are plenty of roads in the US where you can drive 75-80, any car should realistically handle that (Except maybe a Yaris :P).

BTW, I put the Monroe quick struts, new tie rod ends, and ball joints in my last car and she cornered and rode like a dream afterwards. It was an amazing night and day difference.

Ok Thx. I don't see any sagging so I guess springs are OK.

I need to check in Monroe Quick struts are available for 02 Camry. That might be cheaper...

John1960 · 10-14-2011, 07:48 PM

Trust me, when you replace those struts, you won't believe how that car will handle. At that mileage those struts are tired. People don't understand that a strut never rests, even when your car is parked. If you ever sit in your car parked at the curb and a truck passes by close, when that car moves, the strut just worked. Anyone that thinks their OE struts are good after 100k is missing out on a good ride.

Be careful with the ABS wire. If you stretch it, you will destroy it and get an ABS light . A common mistake.