Susp. mods - Front End Noise is Gone

[dj14901]

Just wanted to give everyone an update. I finally had all of my stuff installed on my '98 Camry CE 5SFE w/5spd. (Previous mods included a Quickshifter and a drop-in K&N filter.)

- KYB struts all around
- Front KYB strut mounts
- Eibach Pro-kit (1.2" drop)
- Whiteline F&R Swaybars
- OBX front strut tower brace
- EBC Greenstuff front brake pads

All I can say is: WOW! What an improvement over stock! Ride is taut & controlled w/o being harsh, I'm definitely very pleased with the upgrades. My car had the common "front strut mount noise" problem, and now that's been solved. I'm not sure if the credit goes to the KYB mounts (which are supposedly a revised design) or having the strut bolts tightened, but I've very happy to be rid of the noise. So, the KYB mounts (~$60USD each) might be worth looking into for those still experiencing the "front strut noise" problem.

Take Care,

DJ

[Camcrazy]

hi,

Some PICS needed.

Why one need KYB strut mounts ?

Does stock mounts do not work with KYB Struts ?

How much you paid for Installation ?

[Zeek321]

Man, i bet the ride is a lot better. I want to put all that in my car, i have everything but the shocks, so im saving up money for them before i drop it. Why do u need those mounts???

[dj14901]

OK, I'll have to steal my brother's digital cam for the day and take some pics. I have no exterior mods (besides the barely-noticeable drop), I'm trying to keep the "Plain-Jane" exterior. The less attention it draws, the better, especially since I have been known to exceed the posted limits on occasion ;-)

I ordered the KYB Strut Mounts because they are a revised version of the Gen4 OE strut mounts, which cause a clunking noise in the front when you go over bumps. Basically, it sounds like your suspension is falling apart, but it only impacts early Gen4 models (97-99, I think). Toyota has an updated part, but I've heard mixed reviews, so I wanted to try the KYB part, which seems to have solved the problem.

I paid $381 for the installation of the struts, strut mounts, springs and swaybars. The labor for the front brake pads was about $50 (he also touched up the rotors to cure a vibration problem and re-adjusted the rear drums). I had all of this work done by my regular mechanic, who I've been going to for the last 8 years (since I've been driving), so I have a feeling that I got a good deal, especially considering the quality of the work. He also let me order the parts on my own, so he didn't make anything on the parts. He was very impressed with the results, and he's a former Winstop Cup Series racer...

[Camcrazy]

Kwel you got a good deal.

Did you get all 4 KYB strut mounts or just 2 for front ones

[dj14901]

just the front 2, those were the ones causing the problem... I actually haven't heard of anyone having to replace the rear ones...

DJ

[Camcrazy]

Thx again,

Does the mount look like this

[dj14901]

Yes, that's pretty much what the mounts look like, is that out of the KYB catalog. Sorry I didn't take a pic of the mount and post it before they were installed...

[spoling]

I have read now that the strut mounts, swaybar, and bushings can cause this clunking in the front and rear. Has anyone tried them one at a time or should you just go ahead and replace it all?

[keithy]

if you're doing it yourself, you can try it one at a time. But if you are paying someone else to do it, replacing all might be better to save on labor.

[Hajoca]

The answer here is the Dealer strut mounts are much more expensive, almost double in price. I believe that KYB makes the mounts for Toyota as well and the KYB mounts you find for about 60usd are made at a less expensive factory, but of the same quality of materials and workmanship.

I don't believe that the KYB are in anyway a copy or inferior.

I have seen on this forum that the rear mounts though do not fit up properly.

Originally Posted by Camcrazy

Why one need KYB strut mounts ?

Does stock mounts do not work with KYB Struts ?