struts diagnose?

[BiXLL]

Just how do you tell if you need new struts? I bought my Avalon used and do not know what it should feel like when new.

[buchaja]

My avalon was wallowing a little more than when it was new. I really suspected only one of my struts, the front driver's side was bad, and began thinking about replacing them. It was really subtle, but just didn't "feel right", especially going over bumps.

Then I took advantage of one of the Toyota dealerships free Winter inspections and was told they needed replacing - along with my battery, timing belt and sundry other things. The cost of all the work there made me serious about some upkeep on the car, and I inspected my struts and found them covered in oil, a sure sign they were bad. I opted to do the work myself, searched here and on other forums, and settled on KYB struts and mounts. I did all four wheels and it made a very big improvement.

I then got a battery at Autozone before I found my local Costco sells them cheaper. Oh, well. The new one has a 10 year warranty and seems well made. I noticed brighter headlights - and interior lights for that matter - too.

New tires from Costco (filled with nitrogen!) rounded out my recent upgrades. Again, ride and handling improved dramatically, and I think the suspension, ride and handling is better than new now.

I've yet to tackle the timing belt. I might do it when the warmer weather rolls around, but my car has 34k mi. on it and it seems too early.

It's an '03, all city driving (damn rough roads out here), and yesterday I thought I heard some brake scraping coming from the front. Another inspection, this one at BrakeMasters and paid for, said my brakes were fine.

I don't trust BrakeMasters.

Oh yeah; I tried the push and release test on the bumpers over each wheel before deciding whether my struts were really bad, but I couldn't tell with that method. No noticeable bouncing, Maybe minor bouncing, but nothing pronounced.

[BiXLL]

Then I took advantage of one of the Toyota dealerships free Winter inspections and was told they needed replacing

Do you know what they did, or how they determined the struts were bad? Are you saying unless they are leaking, they are ok?

[buchaja]

Originally Posted by BiXLL

Do you know what they did, or how they determined the struts were bad? Are you saying unless they are leaking, they are ok?

Sure. They simply ran it up on a lift and did a visual inspection.

The oem struts are oil filled, and if they're leaking they're bad. Or, perhaps just beginning to go bad.

Remember, I suspected mine were worn because of the ride. It was soft, wallowy, and a little bouncy over bumps - and more pronounced on one corner.

Various Internet commentators told me they couldn't possibly be bad at only ~30K mi., and that the "stealership" was lying. It was obvious when I pulled them and saw how much they were covered in oil that they had been leaking for some time and needed replacing. You can visually inspect them while they're on the car. Just turn the wheel all the way out and look at the struts.

I don't remember if it was all four, but I think both fronts were definitely gone. I made the right decision to do all four wheels however. I drove the car after replacing just the fronts, and it felt strange, kind of mismatched. Then I did the rears and it all came together.

How many miles on your car? You said you bought it used. Do you know it's history? My experience suggests oems need replacing anywhere between 25K and 50K miles. I am hoping to get much more out of the KYB's.

Let me know what you decide. If you tackle a DIY strut replacement, I might be good for a tip or two.

One last thing. Regarding your last question: back in the day, I knew of people who never replaced their shocks. Eventually, the oil that should be inside the shock (or strut) but is now outside the shock will dry and you won't see evidence of its having leaked.

[BiXLL]

well, I have 118,000 on it. I am thinking of going with the monroe quick strut so I get new springs as well as the struts.

http://www.amazon.com/Monroe-171678-Quick-Strut-Complete-Assembly/dp/B000C59KK4/ref=au_pf_pfg_s?ie=UTF8&Model=Avalon%7C1010&n=15684181&s=automotive&Make=Toyota%7C76&Year=2002%7C2002&newCar=1&carId=003

http://www.amazon.com/Monroe-171678-Quick-Strut-Complete-Assembly/dp/B000C59KK4/ref=au_pf_pfg_s?ie=UTF8&Model=Avalon%7C1010&n=15684181&s=automotive&Make=Toyota%7C76&Year=2002%7C2002&newCar=1&carId=003

[buchaja]

I think you're ready for replacements. I bought at Amazon too. Fast shipping, good company.

The Monroe quick-struts are probably a good choice. I'll use them if I ever have to do mine again. The KYB's are stiff for a family sedan.

[BiXLL]

Originally Posted by buchaja

I think you're ready for replacements. I bought at Amazon too. Fast shipping, good company.

The Monroe quick-struts are probably a good choice. I'll use them if I ever have to do mine again. The KYB's are stiff for a family sedan.

Exactly why I am thinking the Monroes, part of what I like best about the car is the soft ride.

[bobflood]

Buchaja: Timing belt interval is 90K miles; at 34k you are way too early.
Bixll: I put the Monroe Quick-struts on stepdaughter's Maxima. Much easier than replacing the shock part of the strut only and they work well.

[buchaja]

Thanks bobflood, I think the dealer was going by time on the belt. A neighbor said they can dry-rot in this desert heat too.

You guys are making me wish I had the Monroe's.