Suspension, Brake Pads, Rotors, and Exhaust All Shot - Need Advice

[TradeViceroy]

Afternoon:

I've inherited a 1997 Toyota Camry LE (4 cylinder) and I've got a few problems with it that need to get fixed. It’s pretty funny that a 1997 with only 42,000 miles has all these imperfections for such little driving.

First, the entire suspension system is pretty much shot. The struts are VERY weak and need to be replaced ASAP. From my research here, it seems I should replace my strut towers and bushings at the same time as well. It seems the favorite brand here is Tokico gas shocks. The stock springs may need to be replaced as well. Eibach seems to be the favorite as well. Do y'all have any other recommendations or advice on what needs to be done? Anything else I should consider replacing? Strut replacement runs about $175.00 (give or take) for the labor, but how much for the spring installation labor?

Now, I have the stock 14 inch wheels and I would like to replace them with either 15 or 16 in wheels. I've read that the Tokico/Eibach combination will drop the car a little bit. I really don't want to drop the body at all due to the condition of a lot of the streets here. In fact, I’m not really into dropping the body at all. All I want is a decent looking daily driving car. If I go with 16 in wheels with the Tokico/Eibach combo, how much of a drop will I be expecting? Do you have any recommendations on 16 wheels to complement the car?

Next up is the brake pads and rotors. The front pads definitely need to be replaced as they squeal pretty badly. The pads are only 30% worn, but they are fairly old. I figured if I’m replacing the front pads, I might as well replace the rotors. It looks like Brembo along with Hawk HPS pads is the way to go. Can you think of anything different that I should go with? What do you recommend for pads for the rear drum brakes?

The stock exhaust system is pretty worn. Someone backed into the car and bent the exhaust pipe and muffler which causes a rattling noise when making turns, etc. I have received quotes and they seem to be fairly high. I was quoted $231.00 installed for the exhaust pipe and about $200.00 for the muffler (if it needed replacing) at two shops (basically the same price at both). Is there a better aftermarket setup that I should consider?

I'm looking for any and all advice I can get. Thanks and I look forward to your replies.

[cam2Xrunner]

Originally Posted by TradeViceroy

Afternoon:

I've inherited a 1997 Toyota Camry LE (4 cylinder) and I've got a few problems with it that need to get fixed. It’s pretty funny that a 1997 with only 42,000 miles has all these imperfections for such little driving.

First, the entire suspension system is pretty much shot. The struts are VERY weak and need to be replaced ASAP. From my research here, it seems I should replace my strut towers and bushings at the same time as well. It seems the favorite brand here is Tokico gas shocks. The stock springs may need to be replaced as well. Eibach seems to be the favorite as well. Do y'all have any other recommendations or advice on what needs to be done? Anything else I should consider replacing? Strut replacement runs about $175.00 (give or take) for the labor, but how much for the spring installation labor?

The springs need to come apart from the strut assembly anyways when changing struts, so just tell them to put the new springs in while they are doing it. Also remind the tech to support the rear suspension so the ABS sensor does not get pulled on(if you have ABS)

Now, I have the stock 14 inch wheels and I would like to replace them with either 15 or 16 in wheels. I've read that the Tokico/Eibach combination will drop the car a little bit. I really don't want to drop the body at all due to the condition of a lot of the streets here. In fact, I’m not really into dropping the body at all. All I want is a decent looking daily driving car. If I go with 16 in wheels with the Tokico/Eibach combo, how much of a drop will I be expecting? Do you have any recommendations on 16 wheels to complement the car?

If you don't want to drop the car, then just use the old springs. The old springs are still good, it's the struts that are worn out.

Next up is the brake pads and rotors. The front pads definitely need to be replaced as they squeal pretty badly. The pads are only 30% worn, but they are fairly old. I figured if I’m replacing the front pads, I might as well replace the rotors. It looks like Brembo along with Hawk HPS pads is the way to go. Can you think of anything different that I should go with? What do you recommend for pads for the rear drum brakes?

If you are looking for a trouble free long lasting replacement, I'd suggest the OE pads, or the Akebono Pro Act Ceremics. The Hawks are more of a performance pad, they will probably not last as long as the OE Ceramic or the Akebonos(pretty much same pads)

Brembo blanks are good, as well are Centrics, and Dealer OE. Your stock rotors are probably fine too, and might just need to be resurfaced.

The stock exhaust system is pretty worn. Someone backed into the car and bent the exhaust pipe and muffler which causes a rattling noise when making turns, etc. I have received quotes and they seem to be fairly high. I was quoted $231.00 installed for the exhaust pipe and about $200.00 for the muffler (if it needed replacing) at two shops (basically the same price at both). Is there a better aftermarket setup that I should consider?

There are quite a few options, what kind of sound characteristics are you looking for? That will change what people can reccomend.

I'm looking for any and all advice I can get. Thanks and I look forward to your replies.

[vu]

agreed

to save some money, you can buy the tokicos on ebay. just look up es300. they are cheapest last time i ordered. eibach springs will drop your car around 1.2" if you just want a decent look then just stick with stock springs.

[TradeViceroy]

Thanks for the replies everyone. It is GREATLY appreciated.

Do y'all have any recommendations on which wheel size to go with? I want to properly match the tires and wheels so my speedometer isn't off by much. I found a nice tire/wheel calculator at Miata.Net that computes the speedometer difference. I was thinking maybe something in the 16 in wheel range, but I’m not sure on which tire size.

cam2Xrunner:
Would it be beneficial to go ahead and replace the stock springs since I'm tearing out the struts? A 1.2 inch drop doesn't seem that bad at all. I just don't want my car skimming the streets or grounding on every little bump. If the slight drop makes the car look better aesthetically and won't harm anything, then I'm open to that idea. Will I really notice the drop?

I believe the rotors have already been resurfaced at least once that is why I was considering just buying new rotors. The Brembos are not the expensive. I will definitely have to check out the Centrics brand you mentioned.

Basically on the exhaust, I want something that is a good OE replacement of the factory exhaust. I don't need a loud exhaust or anything flashy (that's what the Flowmasters on my truck are for ).


vu:
Looks like the struts are selling for about $349.00 for all four on Ebay. Is that a good price to pay? I noticed KYB makes a decent set for the Camry and is almost $100.00 less. A lot of forum members agree that they are also a worthy replacement. Any thoughts?






Thanks again everyone.

[ECale3]

^if you want a good combination of looks, comfort, and performance i'd suggest 17" Rims with a nice set of tires.

The 1.2" Drop on the Eibach does improve the look, and is noticable, but is also fairly slight. If i were to go back and do it over again, i'd have gotten something with more drop. The tociko and eibach combo does make for a big difference in cornering performance though.

Also those quotes for your exhaust are pretty rediculous, for my complete custom setup i only spent $269 (200 of which was for the custom bent piping. Also keep in mind labor rates in CA are really high) and i probably paid too much (but i had it done on the spot).

[TradeViceroy]

Originally Posted by ECale3

^if you want a good combination of looks, comfort, and performance i'd suggest 17" Rims with a nice set of tires.

The 1.2" Drop on the Eibach does improve the look, and is noticable, but is also fairly slight. If i were to go back and do it over again, i'd have gotten something with more drop. The tociko and eibach combo does make for a big difference in cornering performance though.

Also those quotes for your exhaust are pretty rediculous, for my complete custom setup i only spent $269 (200 of which was for the custom bent piping. Also keep in mind labor rates in CA are really high) and i probably paid too much (but i had it done on the spot).

17 in eh? Hmmmmm. I'll check out the image gallery later today for images of cars equipped with 17in wheels. You really think 17 is better than 16?

I agree with you about the exhaust prices. I think $231.00 is way too much. I've received recommendations from a few people on exhaust shops. I'm going to shop around some more.

[cam2Xrunner]

Originally Posted by TradeViceroy

Thanks for the replies everyone. It is GREATLY appreciated.

Do y'all have any recommendations on which wheel size to go with? I want to properly match the tires and wheels so my speedometer isn't off by much. I found a nice tire/wheel calculator at Miata.Net that computes the speedometer difference. I was thinking maybe something in the 16 in wheel range, but I’m not sure on which tire size.

I'd definitely recommend a 17" wheel as well. A 225/45/17 will be slightly taller in diameter than your stock tire, but you will show less miles on the odometer lol A 215/50/17 will be a bit more comfortable, and also last longer because that size has more offerings in the V rated and H rated catagory, as opposed to the more aggressinve 225/45 offerings. It will be even a little bit larger than your 195/70/14's, but it will be axactly the same as the V6 models 205/65/15's so it should fit without a problem.

cam2Xrunner:
Would it be beneficial to go ahead and replace the stock springs since I'm tearing out the struts? A 1.2 inch drop doesn't seem that bad at all. I just don't want my car skimming the streets or grounding on every little bump. If the slight drop makes the car look better aesthetically and won't harm anything, then I'm open to that idea. Will I really notice the drop?

If you want to keep the stock height and comfort, just keep the stock springs. Any type of lowering spring is going to make the ride a little bit more stiffer. I had the Tokico Strut and Solara Eibach combo on my Camry. The Solara springs are 1.6" front and 1.4" rear IIRC, so a little bit more lower than the Camry Eibachs, but IMO it was still very comfortable. I'd definitely recommend the TRD Rear Swaybar when you do this too. It makes a world of difference in the handling.

Here's a side profile shot of the camry. The wheels are 18" Ace Spiders with 225/40/18's although I would have preffered a 235/40/18.

I believe the rotors have already been resurfaced at least once that is why I was considering just buying new rotors. The Brembos are not the expensive. I will definitely have to check out the Centrics brand you mentioned.

Probably going to be easier to find the Brembo's. Those will work great.

Basically on the exhaust, I want something that is a good OE replacement of the factory exhaust. I don't need a loud exhaust or anything flashy (that's what the Flowmasters on my truck are for ).

The cheapest way is going to be to have a muffler shop just fix it. I hear the Apex-i is pretty nice, but I've been out of the mix on Camry exhaust's for a long time now. I just now recently started replying in the camry section again. I think I'm starting to get the itch again for another Gen 4 V6.

vu:
Looks like the struts are selling for about $349.00 for all four on Ebay. Is that a good price to pay? I noticed KYB makes a decent set for the Camry and is almost $100.00 less. A lot of forum members agree that they are also a worthy replacement. Any thoughts?

I'd go with the Tokico's myself. The KYB's although stiffer than the stock struts, aren't as nice as the Tokico's.

Thanks again everyone.