Strut Recommendation for softest ride for 02 Camry - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

dgreen1064 · 01-13-2013, 11:36 PM

Hi,
My sienna died after 240K so I now have an 02 Camry V6 with 146K on it and I believe the struts are original?? They look pretty rusty. I have arthritis in my back and want to get the Camry to ride as smooth/soft as possible. I replaced the Goodyear tires with Michelin defenders and that helped a lot with road noise and small stuff. I'm thinking the next place to look is the struts, but the car doesn't bounce over bumps. In fact, it's actually rather stiff. Handles well on curves -- almost like it has performance struts? I've read the struts can be worn out even if the car isn't bouncy. There has to be something I can do because my wife's 03 Prius rides a smoother than the Camry, and my 99 Sienna was smoother yet. One suspension guy told me that Monroe sensa tracs should give it a softer ride. But will these be softer than OEM? I don't care about handling. I want the car to soak up the pot holes so I don't feel all the bumps going up my back. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

***Zmon*** · 01-14-2013, 12:16 AM

Maybe Monroes.

You could try using smaller rims, that will def help.

speedkar9 · 01-14-2013, 07:01 AM

Is your Camry an SE? If so try swapping the suspension for one for an LE or XLE, since SE suspensions are much stiffer.

***Punks_Not_Dead5*** · 01-14-2013, 09:25 AM

^ Stole my words lol.

What model is it? I was going to say the same as Speedkar.

dgreen1064 · 01-14-2013, 09:32 AM

Sorry, I should have mentioned it is an LE. Running 205/65 R15 for tires already. Thanks!

***Punks_Not_Dead5*** · 01-14-2013, 11:17 AM

LE and XLE Have the same struts and springs... So Have the struts looked at, may need to be replaced. There's not many aftermarket choices for our cars as far as struts go though.

kitacamry · 01-14-2013, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dgreen1064

Sorry, I should have mentioned it is an LE. Running 205/65 R15 for tires already. Thanks!

Check your psi.....if it's 35+ that would make for a stiffer ride...try 30psi if that's the case...29psi is what is recommended on the door jam

dgreen1064 · 01-14-2013, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Punks_Not_Dead5

LE and XLE Have the same struts and springs... So Have the struts looked at, may need to be replaced. There's not many aftermarket choices for our cars as far as struts go though.

Yes, Monroe site only lists OESpectrum struts for 2002 year. Doesn't look like sensa traks are even available. Any body have any experience with OESpecrum struts?