Received around 9AM, These are KYB brand for my 2000 Toyota Avalon XLS.
I bought these at http://justsuspension.com/?___store=kyb_outlet
all 4 cost $276.76/4=$69.19 each (shipping free), which I thought were cheap compare to other sites I looked at.
I know I need to change the insulator(bottom of strut) because the rear ones are ripped, probably just change all 4. I'm not for sure about the mounts and bearing condition. Any one have advice on how to tell if the condition of mounts/bearing are bad and need to be replaced?
I am planning onto change the struts with the help of my dad. any advice on how to avoid any kind of accident? I know the spring compressing is the most dangerous.
You'll like these struts. As for compressing the springs- I went to Autozone and used their loaner program for the compressors. You just give them a deposit and it is refunded when you return the tools.
As long as you are going to all this trouble, I would certainly go ahead and change the insulators and the strut mounts. The mounts can be one of the biggest culprits in making noise. However, if money does not allow changing all of them right now I would think that you could check the bearings in your old ones and test them for smooth operation, give them a good cleaning and reinstall them if they appear to be in decent shape.
The Following User Says Thank You to Goofaroo For This Useful Post:
All the best, hope the job goes well for you! That being said, I tried the same thing about 3 months ago, and got beat. Pulled out one strut assembly without a problem, but was woefully unprepared for the difficulty of compressing the spring and removing the mount/bearing assembly. After about an hour of struggle, I gave up and put the old assembly back in. Did have a garage replace the struts with the KYB's--and had them do the springs, too. Major improvement in the way the car handles. I'm just too old for the big jobs anymore!
The Following User Says Thank You to OHC For This Useful Post:
I had to force myself to continue after I did the first one (front). The second one went a bit smoother and the rears were fairly simple. The biggest problem was the Oklahoma heat. It was like an oven in the garage and the older and fatter I get the less I can work in the heat. I would definitely put this off until there is some cool weather next time. Overall, it took me two nights and about 7 hours to do the struts and the brakes. The brakes took about 30 minutes tops. I also had the luxury of using my father-in-law's lift so everything was at eye level.
Any precaution on how to use the spring compressor?
I can't wait for all 4 to be installed, my avalon fishtails when driving and turning over a bump or mid size hole(not potholes) Hopefully new struts get rid of that, better turning/cornering, and less bounce going over a speed bump
When you are compressing the springs, try to keep the compressors directly opposite of each other and make sure and use the safety pins. Tighten them evenly.
Your car will definitely handle and ride better. It's very surprising and disappointing that Toyota put such crappy struts on these cars.
The Following User Says Thank You to Goofaroo For This Useful Post:
When you are compressing the springs, try to keep the compressors directly opposite of each other and make sure and use the safety pins. Tighten them evenly.
When I did this, the first one (front wheel) took me nine hours. The second (other front) took four, and the two back wheels took me about two to finish both.
I had to purchase another set of compressors and use three on each spring. I just couldn't get two to pull the spring evenly. I used the cheap Harbor Freight sets.
I too am old(ish), fat, and slow, and I live in Southwest heat and did it last summer. Ended up sore as hell, but would tackle the job again if necessary - but I'd get some kind of better compressor, hydraulic maybe. For the price of labor alone you can DIY the job and buy all the tools.
Kog - I think you got great struts and good advice on how to attack the job. Bearings and strut mounts (new) for sure IMHO, even if it hurts the bank a little bit. (Like buying a new suit and then wearing a dirty shirt underneath).
But you other guys who are actually coming clean about the struggle with the heat and Father Time, thank you - I thought I was the only one.
I too have gotten too old and fat to mess around with spring compressors. They are hard to use and can really hurt you if you are not careful, even for a moment. Another suggestion (this is what I do now) - pull the units yourself and take them to a local garage that does suspension work (I use my local Kaufmann Tire). For $25 apiece they take apart, remove the old parts and put the new parts in. Best $100 you will ever spend!!
__________________
2002 Avalon XLS; Black with grey interior; no mods; 2nd owner; 165K+ miles.
The Following User Says Thank You to bobflood For This Useful Post:
I too have gotten too old and fat to mess around with spring compressors. They are hard to use and can really hurt you if you are not careful, even for a moment. Another suggestion (this is what I do now) - pull the units yourself and take them to a local garage that does suspension work (I use my local Kaufmann Tire). For $25 apiece they take apart, remove the old parts and put the new parts in. Best $100 you will ever spend!!
I just called my Local Kaufmann Tire and said they don't offer that service
Phone service and face to face bring very different results.
Establish yourself with a place and you often get preferential treatment as well as better prices.
I think they respect you for doing some of the work yourself.
Phone service and face to face bring very different results.
Establish yourself with a place and you often get preferential treatment as well as better prices.
I think they respect you for doing some of the work yourself.
I just called my local Car-X. The they said they will do it for $20-25+Tax.
Wooot!
Now I need to get parts that I know I have to replace, the insulators, not sure about the upper insulator (I think I will need to replace it too). I think the mounts are still fine(I don't see you any thing that is abnormal or any noises) I also was thinking about reusing the bellows.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bobflood I too have gotten too old and fat to mess around with spring compressors. They are hard to use and can really hurt you if you are not careful, even for a moment. Another suggestion (this is what I do now) - pull the units yourself and take them to a local garage that does suspension work (I use my local Kaufmann Tire). For $25 apiece they take apart, remove the old parts and put the new parts in. Best $100 you will ever spend!!
Thank you for giving me the idea to call my local garage! Now I don't have to worry about the compressing the spring and less time to finish the work!
Anyone needs help changing the spark plugs(couple days ago) or flush brake fluid (yesterday)? <-- I just successfully did these project
I want to give back to the community for helping me in past and now
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Hopefully new struts get rid of that, better turning/cornering, and less bounce going over a speed bump 
Honesty
and less time to finish the work! 
1999 Toyota Avalon
Linear Mode
