Getting ready to order KYB parts for replacing rear struts on my 97 avalon xls with 140k mi. No noises, just a bumpy ride at 60 mph. Noticed that the bellows are torn in several places. Debating replacing just the bellows vs the entire mount. Am I reading right that the upper mount has a bearing as part of it? If so, should I forget about saving $100. and going with just the bellows vs entire mount? Besides struts, also replacing lower insulators and sway bar bushings.
bellows? bearing (in the suspension mount?) i dont quite understand, i thought that there were strut plates, and the struts and springs. where are these parts located and what are their functions.
and do they commonly go 'bad' or wear down, and if so generally what is their expected life? and if you buy new struts do they come as part of the strut?
You can buy just the bearing from sites such as www.rockauto.com. The bellows does not come with a new mount.
The bellows is part of the upper insulator.
I was not aware of a bearing in the upper mount [on the rear strut assy]. I thought it was just rubber and metal??? Conversely, The front struts do contain a bearing at the top mount IIRC.
The rear mount has no bearing, just the mount. This is a metal mount body with the strut rod bushing embedded in a rubber type material.
The bellows is a separate part.
The front mounts have a bearing between the upper and lower mount parts allowing the strut to rotate with the steering knuckle. It uses the same bushing-in-rubber design but the bearing allows rotation.
The rubber in the mount can break down with age but it can also last the life of the car. You can visual inspect the mount, on occasion if the rubber goes bad there will be a knocking noise as the bushing moves around when going over speed bumps, etc.
KYB makes a mount, they are OK and will work fine but not up to quality standards of Toyota. If you can reuse the old mounts suggest you do. They could be in good shape but you will need to inspect them.
The mount does not come with the replacement strut.
The rear mount has no bearing, just the mount. This is a metal mount body with the strut rod bushing embedded in a rubber type material.
The bellows is a separate part.
The front mounts have a bearing between the upper and lower mount parts allowing the strut to rotate with the steering knuckle. It uses the same bushing-in-rubber design but the bearing allows rotation.
The rubber in the mount can break down with age but it can also last the life of the car. You can visual inspect the mount, on occasion if the rubber goes bad there will be a knocking noise as the bushing moves around when going over speed bumps, etc.
KYB makes a mount, they are OK and will work fine but not up to quality standards of Toyota. If you can reuse the old mounts suggest you do. They could be in good shape but you will need to inspect them.
The mount does not come with the replacement strut.
I agree with everything toyomoho said, but to clarify, on my 1996, the insulator (upper) that was sold to me by the dealer had the bellows attached to it.
Also, I want to add that the KYB strut is stiffer than OEM and has less body roll. The OEM strut will give you a family car ride and the KYB will give a sportier ride.
I did not realize KYB sold mounts, but given the critical nature of the piece, I would not chance it to KYB. Go with OEM.
all and all what did you spend for a new suspension?
i'm trying to gauge my costs in the near future (hopefully)
I can only quote the rear suspension parts - Just over $300 by the time I rented the tools, drove over to the dealer to buy the parts - which had to be ordered. And I had to order the struts [KYBs] online.
My guess is that you'll be out more for the fronts.
Do you have ABS? That will increase your costs......and you'll need to be a lot more careful when removing the parts.....
Yeah, about $300 for KYB struts, mounts. insulators and sway bar bushings. Be careful if ordering from a site that advertises"Free Shipping". Free is only if you order thru their toll free phone #, even though they don't say so. Seems strange, order thru web site- pay for shipping.
Yeah, about $300 for KYB struts, mounts. insulators and sway bar bushings. Be careful if ordering from a site that advertises"Free Shipping". Free is only if you order thru their toll free phone #, even though they don't say so. Seems strange, order thru web site- pay for shipping.
97 Avalon- 140k mi.
Oh, yeah, I forgot about sway bar bushies - but they are cheap!
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