I’d go with complete assemblies. I prefer Monroe QuickStruts (not he cheaper Roadmatics). Check rockauto, and there are often $100 off all four. Get an alignment afterwards. Consider lifetime alignment that are honored even with parts replacement.

If you like a firmer ride consider KYB, but I think those are too harsh and don’t absorb road bumps well. YMMV

And search up a 5% off code for rockauto.

 

How do I find the $100 off deals? I keep seeing it mentioned.

I'm leaning towards the QuickStruts tbh.

 

Absolutely Monroe Quick struts. Excellent choice. Give them about 2-4 months to settle, ride becomes very cushy. PLus, it's about 20 min per side job.
Be ready for camber bolts install. As you will have to re align front end and for that year, upper strut to knuckle bolts are likely worn out and camber will be off. Camber bolts are around $25 parts stores and are rather easy to install - if you read excellent write up on this on Subaru forum. Subaru owners got some fixation on negative camber wheels.....

 

I went with kyb strut plus complete assembly, 230k miles , regretted deeply right after installation when clunking of kyb softer and extra loop of spring banging each other. now waiting for a better mood to swap the used oem spring back.

 

Hmmm.
Before you do that.
Assuming that there was no mistake, on the strut alignment installation....

I would make sure that the two lower bolts are tight.
Then with the suspension lowered/car on the ground.
I would loosen the three upper strut nuts.
To set them.
(Car must be on level ground.)
Push car left, right, back, forth.
Put some muscle.... easier done with two people.
Then tighten the nuts to specks.

Regards,
aam.

 

I don't know how different installation techniques will fix subpar kyb spring. Took me 3 days of driving to find the painful truth on clunking, which never happened before installation, visible paint scratch on the brand new kyb spring when coils bang on each other. I have removed, dissembled, and installed 10+ times, I ended up putting a made in USA 5/8" heater core hose as a sleeve to silent the clunking

 

I also need to vent my frustration on lifetime alignment on firestore, after getting done 2 or 3 times, they called me back and persuade for other not needed service and repairs, when I said no, they would just let my vehicle sat on their parking lot, even no other vehicle or customer inline waiting, and at the end of the day, I called and they said oh, not done yet.
And I also realize pissing them off is not in my favor if my vehicle is in their hand, then I googled about Firestone lifetime alignment, many vehicles owners who bought lifetime alignment have exact same experience.

 

Yeah I hear you. Shame on Firestone pulling stuff like that, given the Camry is easy to align and takes little time compared to even a Honda with adjustable camber eccentrics.

If there’s another Firestone nearby maybe alternate between the two.

 

Avoid Firestone at all costs. I don't even think they offer any kind of alignment tool training. I had lifetime with my previous car and despite me even writing down what I was experiencing in bold on the form, they just either can't read or had no idea what I was describing. I finaly gave up because despite my repeated returns there I just finally decided to do my alignment myself with a tape measure an angle and a couple jacks. Honestly it was super easy and my car now tracks perfectly straight with the steering wheel in perfect center. The two things I complained about were finally fixed by me for less than $5 bucks. It's been almost 10k miles and no visible tire wear. I'm confident anybody can do Camry alignment. Looing at it all they clearly designed it to be easy.

Sent from my LM-V350 using Tapatalk

 

Hello New here,
just bought a 2005 camry .It has 200k miles on it. Struts need replacement but they are not too bad. My thought process is if i can do it my self its worth it. But paying mechanic 1200$ for all four not worth it on such old car better off just driving it like how it is.

in the past i have taken on DIY projects like changing disc brakes and valve cover gasket.
Should a newbie DIYER like me should take on strut replacement project ? or leave it to experts.

 

You should do it yourself, I did mine this summer on my 02 camry by looking at YouTube videos. It's simple. The 2 front struts were replaced with complete struts but the rear I did with buying the struts alone and reusing the old spring n mount and rubber insulator.
I used kyb for all. Cost me about $360 for all the struts.
It handles really well, but a bit harsh.
I guess with time it will get softer.

 

I don't care for aftermarket springs and don't use/recommend quickstruts.

So, I recommend ordering OE springs from an online dealer using the VIN.

For struts and hardware, use any common NAME BRAND parts. Inspect and reuse parts if you must.

If you have tools, any DIY'er that can follow directions can do the job.

You might need to 'rent' a 'spring compressor' from your local autopart store. And, I would use a torque wrench on every nut/bolt you touch.

Most tools can be found at harborfrieght at a fair price.

 

Hit or miss with any store. I will still take my car to do alignments at Firestone but I don't do it much because I don't need to. I've used the alignment machine while I as still in school and I've heard some stories about other techs at dealerships. So it is not that big of a deal for me. Getting stuff for free "has its price". That price being they probably rather not work on your vehicle whether they are busy or not.

 

Buy a complete assembly that way you get rid of your spring which have 200 thousand miles and the danger of using a spring compressor being a DIY.
That way it's just nuts and rusted or frozen bolt you have to worry about not the danger of using a spring compressor.
Best of luck.

 

I'd just buy the whole assembly especially if you're doing the install, it's an easy swap. And also the spring compressor can be dangerous.
If you're just doing an OEM swap check out MOOG/Monroe/KYBs I used those brands on my older Hondas and had no issues!

 

Just keep an eye on Rock Auto, Monroe, and the KYB websites once a week. They are advertised every so often.

 

You’ll see sellers advertise too. Come year end I think there’s another one coming.

See also Monroe’s website. Under “Resource Center” -> “Promotions”.

 

If you get quick struts, make sure to tighten the center nut at the strut mount when the vehicle is on the ground. Not too tight but just snug since the torque is not too high (around 50-52 N*m/35-38 lb*ft).

If you decide to rebuild struts, I would suggest to buy (2) two interchangeable fork coil spring compressors which are commonly used on European cars. You can buy them from Ebay.

 

To buck a few here: there are folks that have reported fit issues with the quick struts, especially Monroe. Something about the mount. The spring is likely just fine as is the knuckle assembly (its just metal). Meaning you are buying a lot of steel for no reason when you get an entire strut (well, the reason is it is easier to change). The shock itself is much cheaper and you can rent spring compressor from AutoZone for free, no need to buy the tool. It is more work, but you save bucks and learn a few things.

 

Spring compressors are not that hard to use but you need to be mindful that you are storing energy in the spring. If it were to release unexpectedly, that could be bad. Take your time and be safe.

• Wear safety goggles and gloves.
• Make sure the spring compressors are seated 180° across from one another on the spring.
• My compressors have safety hooks to prevent the top mount from slipping.
• Use hand tools to compress the spring. Pneumatic tools run the risk of compressing one side too much. You want to alternate sides and compress evenly.
• Don't over compress. You only need enough to remove the old strut, install the spring seat rubbers, the new strut, and secure the top mount.

 

So i installed new KYB in the front and used oem from junkyard in the rear

KYB are definitely stiff. Does anyone know if they will get a little more softer in next few days . i only have 20 miles on them so far..

I dont want Mazda 6. I want camry .
Thank god i put oem in the back. Atleast car is soft in the rear .

 

So i installed new KYB in the front and used oem from junkyard in the rear

KYB are definitely stiff. Does anyone know if they will get a little more softer in next few days . i only have 20 miles on them so far..

I dont want Mazda 6. I want camry .
Thank god i put oem in the back. Atleast car is soft in the rear .

KYB is the OEM for the shocks, at least for the SE trim. I don't think they get softer until they start to wear out. Not sure.

 

I do not like the fitment of the monroe quickstrut I bought for the Left Rear a year ago.
It was a bear to line up the suspension components and it fit right in the well.

I suppose it's an ok strut but I thought KYB's were suppose to be the best for these cars?

 

KYB are fine but they definitely stiffer compared to stock LE.

 

07 V6 LE replaced all with KYB Quick struts, no problems.
Regards,
500SL.

 

I'm in need of front struts and debating which way to go. Car currently has 212k miles. I prefer a stiffer sportier feel so dont mind kyb's but dont mind getting used stockers since they are supposed to be such great quality. Just scared to buy something with 150k miles just go to bad in a year and pay for alignment again.

 

The only reason i put used struts in the rear because i was able to find a Camry near my house with 60K miles on it.
And junkyard only wanted 40$ each. I thought i cant beat that.

I wont put used struts with 150K on them already. If you are ok with a little stiffer ride KYB are fine. i have new KYB in the front and i think it handles the bumps same as my Mazda 6.

 

my 2az-fe has 234k miles now, and back in memorial day weekend, i downgraded all corners to kyb plus complete assembly, i finally caved in, bite the bullet again, and buying oem strut mounts, oem strut bearings, oem upper strut insulators, oem lower strut insulators, and oem strut bumpers, keeping only the kyb struts.
from my last 6 months of experience on this brand new kyb plus, i am ending waste more money instead of saving on this subpar quality components.

 

how long did it take to start having problems on KYB ? i only have 200 miles on them so far.

 

How you guys feel about ORedy brand?

 

Best place to get KYB shock assembly? I prefer the stiffer ride. What is OEM brand? Monroe?

 

Oem is SACHS for LE