'96 Avalon rear struts

[msdprx14]

I have come to the conclusion that my driver's side rear strut assembly needs replacing. The car rattles in the back left corner where the back glass and rear side glass meet. I looked between the tire and body of the car and the boot is in shambles and their are other parts of the strut that don't stay in place. Is the strut assembly something I can replace myself or is it better left to an auto shop that will guage me and want to replace everthing in the rear suspension? I have replaced the rear sway bar bushings to fix another problem and it was a pretty easy process. This car has 223,000 miles on and still runs great. If this is something I can replace myself, please point me to the instructions on how to do so.
Thanks

[toyomoho]

Sometimes the bushing in the upper strut plate breaks down and starts to rattle. Taking off the strut assy is straight forward. The top of the strut is located beneath the rear deck panel. You will need to remove the rear seats and the panel to get to it.

If are going to disassemble the strut you will need a spring compressor. This can be purchased, maybe rented or build your own. Complete compete strut assemblies are for sale also. You might review the strut removal/repair procedures for the Camry. TN has on line service manuals; the procedures should be the same.

[avalontom]

msdprx14,

I've done both the fronts & the rears on my '95 with factory parts. Bought the spring compressor from a Harbor Freight store. If the strut isn't leaking, replacing the other parts may be all that's needed. Keeping the parts aligned while releasing the spring was the hard part.

Good luck!

Tom

[sloopercat]

You also might try tightening them by getting an impact wrench on the top nut. That fixed mine.

[msdprx14]

Where is the online manual located at?