Rear Strut Broken. Need Help.

[3vz4me]

Hey gang,

After some exhaustive searching I'm finally posting for help since I couldn't find the answer to my problem.

The left rear strut on my 1992 3vz camry broke today. It was dark but using a flashlight, I could see that the strut was rattling around loose inside the spring. It looks like it separated from the upper strut mount... is that possible? I've got almost 200k on the car right now.

My questions are:
-How is the strut attached to the upper strut mount? Bolts?
-What is a reasonable price to get the struts replaced? parts and labor? (I'll probably do both rears)
-I've searched for strut prices and found them for around $80 ea for KYB's. Is that reasonable?
-Do the strut mounts need to be replaced as well? Do the rears even have mounts?

Thanks for all the help!

[500KCamry]

The rear strut is held on to the strut tower with three nuts, same as the front ones that you can see in the engine compartment.

A strut is a good DIY, probably 1-1.5 hours for each, after you have the rear interior panel out. Assuming you have the tools for the job, a couple of spring compressors and a 1/2" drive socket to get the two nut/bolts off that joint the strut to the axle knuckel.

You should look at the boots and insulators, you might have to replace those too.

[3vz4me]

thanks for the reply.

if i were to do it myself, besides the struts and boots, what else would I need?

I know I'll have to rent a spring compressor. Since my strut literally broke off the mount, does that mean I need a new strut-mount and bolts as well? Is there even such a thing as a "strut mount" or does the strut bolt directly to the chassis of the car? I guess I'm looking for the "hidden charges." I don't like surprises.

[500KCamry]

The strut nut just attaches to the strut mount. Newer ones are a type that use a nylon locking insert. If the nut came off the strut could move around.