Changing out strut mounts and spring bumpers - Advice needed (4th Gen Camry)

[Bob_98SR5]

Hi guys,

Whats up, guys. I'm moderator over at yotatech.com, a predominently 4runner and Tacoma forum. I drive a 98 4runner SR5. I need your expert advice.

As we always say to our noobs, SEARCH. Well I did just that and I have a few questions relating to the infamous clanking, groaning, banging strut issue.

My mom owns a 98 Camry (4 cyl). I drove it this weekend and it sounds like rocks on the slow stuff (compression/rebound). Its obviously metal-to-metal contact, so I assumed it had to do something w/ her macpherson struts.

I did some searching and narrowed it down to this:

TSB SU001-00 (Jan 00) - Suspension- Front Suport Change Reduces Noise
48609-33121 strut mounts
48603-33021 strut mounts

TSB SU003-98 (Augu 98) - Suspension - Groans from Front Driving Over Bumps
48331-06011 front spring bumpers

So there's the parts that address Toyota's fix. However I've read both success and frustration stories. Nevertheless, I'm going to buy these parts and go to work on my mom's car. Better than the $740 they were going to charge her at the dealership!

Anyways, I could not find anyone who wrote (in detail) how they replaced these parts. THus, what i'd like to know is:

- are the strut mounts easy to replace? having no experience w/ macpherson struts, my worst fear is unbolting the top off the strut mount and my last sight is seeing a spring launching out like a minuteman missile

- are the front spring bumpers easy to replace? actually, i have no idea what this is. i'm assuming its probably some type of polyurethane or rubber bumper/bushing between the strut tower and the strut mount. please correct me if i'm wrong here.

- do i need any special tools? SST from Toyota?

- after changing these parts out, do i need to do a 2 wheel or 4 wheel alignment?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm going to buy these parts tomorrow and then install them when i visit her at the end of next month.

Bob

FYI: my wife has a 95 Camry XLE (V6) and my mom as I said has a 98 Camry LE (i think its an LE but definitely a 4 cylinder). Comparing the two, there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Toyota has skimped on the build quality and the quality of interior materials between the two vehicles. My wife's 95 is a dream to drive while my mom's Camry is just a car w/ 4 wheels and a motor. Granted, one is a 4 cylinder and my wife's is a 6 cylinder, but aside from that, its pretty obvious to me someone took a minimalist approach to the 4th gen Camrys.

[88 LE]

Originally posted by Bob_98SR5
are the strut mounts easy to replace? having no experience w/ macpherson struts, my worst fear is unbolting the top off the strut mount and my last sight is seeing a spring launching out like a minuteman missile

You have to remove the strut from the car then use a spring compressor.

are the front spring bumpers easy to replace?

Never heard of spring bumpers.

I'm guessing its the rubber pieces that go on top and bottom of the spring.

do i need any special tools? SST from Toyota?

No.

[Pearl Jam-5150]

Cautions:

1) Do not remove the center nut (on Upper strut mount) When you have the

Strut assembly removed from the car.

Without the spring compressor installed properly on the spring.(tension off the center nut)

2) If the Car has ABS Brakes be very careful with the ABS Sensor/ Wire ($$Expensive)

(when the strut is removed dont let the lower control arm hang by the ABS wire!)


Spring Bumper- you will see it under the Upper strut mount / Upper Spring seat

At the top of the strut shaft.


Struts still in good shape? Now would be the time to change them!


I have a 1997 Camry LE V-6 My Toyota Dealer has replaced the Upper Strut Mounts

3 -times over the years..( the noise comes back, I have the latest redesigned mounts

on my car and still have the noise.. I agree Toyota skimped some on the 4th Gen. Camry...

Good Luck,


Ed

[ancdmd]

I've got a 97 with 110k miles, original everything in the suspension. I've got a question -- if I replace the struts with Tokicos and also replace the strut mounts and maybe the spring dampers, what percent improvement can I expect in returning the ride quality to what it was when the car was new? 50%? 75%? Obviously there are other parts that wear out and deteriorate the ride quality such as the ball joints and control arm bushings, but does anyone have any idea just how much these parts contribute to the quality of the ride?

[Pearl Jam-5150]

ancdmd

Good question ! my 1997 Camry has 85,000 mi.

I have (4) New Tokico Blue Struts on the way

If I get them by the weekend I will put them on my Camry

This weekend or next . I will Post what kind of difference this makes.


Ed

[ancdmd]

Thanks Ed, looking forward to hearing from you!

[Pearl Jam-5150]

1997 Camry LE V-6 85,000 miles

(4) New Tokico Blue Struts Installed

The Original Toyota Struts were Totally shot! ( Ride was Floaty Kinda Scary!)

The New Tokico's made a big Difference in the ride( Firm ,Controlled and Safe ride)

I recommend:

( 1) Replace all (4) Dust boots ( to protect the Strut shaft /seal)(Read Tokico Warranty)

(2)Depending on Mileage you may want to replace the Spring Insulators and

and Upper strut Mounts etc.


( 3) Again Be careful of the ABS sensor/Wire (If you have ABS) And Brake lines(dont

let controll arm hang by lines/wire ( I used a second jack)

(4) Be sure you have the Upper strut mount "seated" properly on the top notch

of the strut( Shop manual helps)

(5) Be careful with the spring compressor take your time

Goodluck!! ( you'll like working on the rear struts expecially the top nut removal !!)

Hope this helps ,

Ed