Do 2005+ Avalon's have bad rear shocks

[AVA1]

I've noticed since purchasing my 2006 avalon touring that when I put two people in the back seat that the rear of my avalon drops a great deal, much more than my 04 GS300. The rear wheels tuck into the fender in a big way, I've also noticed when I go over a speed bump slowly that I can feel the shock bottoming out.

This is something that never happened to my GS, granted they are to different cars but it just seems that the rear suspension is REALLY soft. So was wondering if the avalon's have a history of bad rear shocks.

[Tom in Tacoma]

Shocks aren't what holds up the car - springs do. The rear sagging is no indicator of bad shocks. But, if you're hearing something when you go over speed bumps, you should check out more than just the shocks. Find the source of the noise first. Otherwise you may have replaced a good part only to find the problem didn't go away.

Granted, the Avalon does have a soft suspension. That's what gives it its nice ride. But, in the 4-years I've been tooling around this forum I have yet to hear of anyone that had bad shocks.

[HATEnFATE]

Squating would be more a symptom of a soft rear coil. Bottoming out would more likely be the strut.
I've not seen many avalons come in with bad rear suspension but i would be very inclined to say they have a soft rear end to help soften the ride.

I'm no avalon expert by any means so someone else feel free to tell me I'm incorrect but I've not witnessed a great deal of suspension woes in the newer avalons.

[grandpapa]

I do notice the rear tires are very close to the fender even with no one on the rear seat. (05 Limited)

I wonder if I load the car up with 5 people, what would happen. Anyone know the payload on the Avalon? 1000 lbs?

[Seneca]

Originally Posted by grandpapa

I do notice the rear tires are very close to the fender even with no one on the rear seat. (05 Limited)

I wonder if I load the car up with 5 people, what would happen. Anyone know the payload on the Avalon? 1000 lbs?

Curb weight is between 3490 and 3600 lbs., depending on series.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is 4,565 lbs.

[pmesfun]

The 07 Touring doesn't do this, might lower a little but not much. My 99 does, this has to be weak struts because mine are way overdue, replacing them next week. I will bottom out with a full car load of people.

[Tom in Tacoma]

Again, shocks (and struts) do nothing to prevent sagging. That is a function of the springs. It is possible, on older cars, that the springs have weakened and the car will sit lower than when it was new. The function of the shocks and struts is to dampen the motion of a car going over uneven surfaces - you know - to absorb "SHOCKS"...

[pmesfun]

So if I replace the struts, the rear end will STILL sag the same whether new struts or 5 year old struts in the case of the OP's Avalon?

Maybe the OP should try doing a bounce test.

[blkavalon]

Originally Posted by pmesfun

So if I replace the struts, the rear end will STILL sag the same whether new struts or 5 year old struts in the case of the OP's Avalon?

Maybe the OP should try doing a bounce test.

my rear springs are done because i do lot of hauling, so i used these to aid the sagging.
http://www.streetsideauto.com/p/mr-gasket-1281/?utm_source=CSE%2BShopping&utm_medium=PriceGrabber &utm_campaign=PriceGrabber

[pmesfun]

Originally Posted by blkavalon

my rear springs are done because i do lot of hauling, so i used these to aid the sagging.
http://www.streetsideauto.com/p/mr-gasket-1281/?utm_source=CSE%2BShopping&utm_medium=PriceGrabber &utm_campaign=PriceGrabber

WOW, do you have original struts and how is you transmission holding up?

[Tom in Tacoma]

Originally Posted by pmesfun

So if I replace the struts, the rear end will STILL sag the same whether new struts or 5 year old struts in the case of the OP's Avalon?

Maybe the OP should try doing a bounce test.

If you replace the struts and the rear end was sagging beforehand, it will be sagging afterward unless you do something to reduce the sag. The struts do nothing to reduce sag. That is the function of the springs. If your car's rear end is sagging it's a spring issue that needs to be looked at.

Don't be mistaken in believing that a strut swap includes replacing the springs. Unless you ask for new springs, your old springs will get removed from the struts and put on the new struts.

'kay?

[grandpapa]

time to add air bag

[blkavalon]

Originally Posted by pmesfun

WOW, do you have original struts and how is you transmission holding up?

it has original struts and they are not bad yet. but im going to replace them anyway this summer. i haul my race motorcycles and a 1800cc motorcycle on it too. i have pulled my neighbors expedition for a mile with tow ropes. since its a old car i didnt care much. this car is extremely hard to kill and never intent on killing it. i do transmission flushes every 20k and all other regular maintenance. wow i do need a truck.

[biker90]

Just installed new rear springs and struts in my 06 limited (it still had originals) with 67000 miles. It lifted up the rear about 1 1/2 inches and the ride is 100% better ( I put kyb struts and oem Toyota springs) total= $800.00

[AVA1]

Originally Posted by biker90

Just installed new rear springs and struts in my 06 limited (it still had originals) with 67000 miles. It lifted up the rear about 1 1/2 inches and the ride is 100% better ( I put kyb struts and oem Toyota springs) total= $800.00

biker90

What made you change the rear struts, what issues where you having?