rear struts access

[umniy]

I am replacing my '99 Camry struts. Front was not a problem, but I could not find the rear struts mounts. From what I understand, they are under rear seats. Could anybody give a detailed procedure of how to get to them?
Thanks, everybody.

[AyzhenInvasion]

remove ass cushions, remove bolts for side cushions (will be exposed when u remove ass cushions) (unbolt, lift up, pull out), flip back cushions down, take off center light (pinch sides, pull up/out) (detatch wire), pull out cardboard (lift up on the outer end, then pull out). u'll see them..., they're capped with plastic black caps

[SnakeyeS]

^^ are u doing your springs too?? just curious cause i have 99 with poor struts and wondering if i should replace both springs and struts.

[keithy]

IMO, spring does not really need replacement unless if you have the extra money or if it is already bad. The thing that really need replacement are the strut and mounts. I just did the front end of mine with KYB GR2. I didn't have enough money, so I just replaced strut and mounts. Spring is still good on mine.

[umniy]

I replaced just struts. Springs looked O.K., but "looks" is not a very technical criteria. This is my first strut job (and probably last on this car), so I would not know for sure.
I have another question that I asked privately, but will post it anyway:
I've been driving on the new front struts for a few days now, replacing the rear struts in a week or two. No lowering and I am keeping the springs. I know I need alignment done. I guess, it can be done on both front and rear ends. Ideally, I want it done to all wheels at the same time. Could it hurt if I kept driving for a couple weeks without alignment? The car is not pulling, tracking fine. Could it have big hidden problems that I would not notice? My mechanic is a little leery on that.
Thanks.

[barthmonster]

did all 4 on my '94 camry (235k) with GR-2's and original springs. Did not do alignment. No problems, drives like a new car. Bought new tires, will keep an eye on them...

[keithy]

my guess is that, getting your alignment done is not a universal rule. After I installed my front struts, my alignment is still ok. So, that means that the installation did not affect the balance of the vehicle. But if it does, it is still not too late to do the alignment then. Of course, if you want a perfect job, go ahead and do the alignment. But I just burned a hole in my pocket recently and could not afford anything more.

[umniy]

I am still struggling with my original question: how to get to the rear struts mounts? This weekend I've gotten to doing it and could not figure out how to remove the rear seats. I looked under, behind reclining backs, but could not find anything. It is probably something very simple that I am overlooking. Please, help the amateur!

[FRANKENCAMRY]

On a Gen3 your remove the ass cusion by grabbing the bottom front and yanking up hard. I think it's the same for a Gen4.