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Just wondering if anyone has experience in locating a replacement for the hydraulic damper that attaches from the front of the engine block to the front subframe rail (Toyota PN 12307-20021; ~$90). Its stampings seem to identify it as a KYB part (GE09), but I've been unable to find a reference anywhere to this part number.
I'm not interested in dropping $100 on it at the dealership until I'm positive there are no cheaper alternatives that work just as well.
Originally posted by 5Sfte Engine dampner? Are you talking about the engine mount?
No, I'm talking specifically about the damper. Parts catalog identifies it as a vibration damper or absorber (see part number above) and groups it with the motor mounts, but technically it is not a 'mount', since it does not carry a load.
I don't have a picture handy, but it is basically a shock whose base attaches to a bracket on the front subframe and whose threaded rod matches up to a bracket on the bell housing just south of the slave cylinder.
Originally posted by DIRTBIKEZ Try Conicelli Parts, I've ordered a few things and have been very satisfied.
As have I, but re-read my original post:
"I'm not interested in dropping $100 on it at the dealership until I'm positive there are no cheaper alternatives that work just as well"
It's a small shock, with pretty standard mounting interfaces. I see no reason why I should have to pay Toyota's jacked up price to get a shock plus the boot, brackets, and hardware (of which mine are in perfectly good condition) when there might be a possibility of finding just the shock elsewhere, from a reputable manufacturer, and for much less money.
Originally posted by Aussie Ed i know what you're talking about.
their in my car too, i think i have 3 of them coz its a v6.
what's wrong with your dampers???
I'm not sure about other model years, but the gen 4 parts catalog I have lists only one, and there is only one on mine. Again, I am talking about the damper, not the motor mounts.
I am fairly certain the damper is shot. The harsh and excessive backlash I have at low speeds in low gears is symptomatic of a worn/failed damper, whose very purpose is to attenuate the vibration and torque loads transmitted to the subframe. I have inspected the motor mounts and torque rod and they are in good condition. I am not going to go off on a wild goose chase replacing motor mounts when it's highly likely they may not be the problem. The SVT Contour also uses a damper and the symptoms arising from the damper's wear and failure are pretty much the same as what I'm experiencing with the Camry.
The litmus test was when I removed the damper, there was no change in backlash and low-speed harshness. If anything, it behaved better--owing to the fact that when some shocks fail they actually generate harshness rather than moderate it.
try junkyards, or ebay. Any place you can get a used part. Any car that has not been in a head on colision will have that part in perfectly good condition. That is your best bet for getting it cheap.
As have I, but re-read my original post
"I'm not interested in dropping $100 on it at the dealership until I'm positive there are no cheaper alternatives that work just as well"
I did read your original post. Conicelli isnt the dealer and you would save a few dollars over the dealer's price. Dont be cheap, do it right the first time.
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'91 Camry DX
2.0L 3SFE Auto
R.I.P.
Originally posted by DIRTBIKEZ I did read your original post. Conicelli isnt the dealer and you would save a few dollars over the dealer's price. Dont be cheap, do it right the first time.
Assuming you're referring to the same Conicelli Toyota/Honda/Mistsu/Nissan in Conshohocken that I am, I consider them a dealer. They sell cars, parts, and service.
List for the part is just over $100. Conicelli and a couple other online parts sources want $80. A 20% discount ain't bad, but with shipping I'm still throwing away a Benjamin Franklin for what amounts to a simple shock and some unneeded bracketry and hardware.
'Doing it right' is not a matter of driving up to a dealership or online parts outlet and blindly paying list or thereabouts on an OEM part for which there may be a less-expensive, perfectly suitable replacement sold by those who actually made the OEM part (KYB, in this case). If I can cut out the middle man, I'll do so without apology. What you may call 'being cheap', I call 'doing my research'.
'Doing it right' is not a matter of driving up to a dealership or online parts outlet and blindly paying list or thereabouts on an OEM part for which there may be a less-expensive, perfectly suitable replacement sold by those who actually made the OEM part (KYB, in this case). If I can cut out the middle man, I'll do so without apology. What you may call 'being cheap', I call 'doing my research'.
I agree, but it does come to a point where you have to put a value for your time spent compared to the money you could spend. (Does that make sense?) I just cant see you finding that part for much less. Either way, good luck with the research.
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'91 Camry DX
2.0L 3SFE Auto
R.I.P.
Originally posted by DIRTBIKEZ I agree, but it does come to a point where you have to put a value for your time spent compared to the money you could spend. (Does that make sense?) I just cant see you finding that part for much less. Either way, good luck with the research.
That does make sense, and I understand that line of reasoning, but taken to its logical conclusion, most of us should be taking our cars to Jiffy Lube for a $20, 15-minute oil change instead of doing it ourselves. If I considered my time (prep & execution) and materials involved, my standard half-hour oil & filter change runs me close to $50. Not exactly a screaming bargain.
An additional benefit for me as an enthusiast (if I could still fall into that category, having dumped the Contour for a Camry ) is that I find the hunt therapeutic.
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Engine Damper
) is that I find the hunt therapeutic.
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