do a search, this question comes up frequently so there are LOTs of threads with peoples input in them

 

Noises? Like clanking?

 

It is more like a loud bang on one of my Camry if I drive over a small pot hole, or if I go into a left curve too fast. I can also press down the rear of the car with like 2 fingers. On the highway it is very sensitive driving in winds and I get blown around quite a bit. But I don't know if that has anything to do with it.

 

Thoughts: aftermarket struts are generalized, not tuned specifically to your model/grade level, so there is always some risk they'll be too harsh or too soft. Also, they change periodically so someone who had a great experience with one brand/line (like Monroe Classic, or whatever) 8 years ago might not reflect what you'll get if you buy them today (or the maker may have change the name of the line, again). Also, the person who reported a good result may have had a light 4 cylinder, manual trans CE model and you might have a heavy auto trans, V6 XLE model (no one seems to give all those details when they report how much they liked / hated particular struts). The valving inside is most likely not even specific to just Toyota models. To save cost the aftermarket will use whatever is close enough (volume = cost reduction).

Most people are just trying to keep an old clunker on the road for a few more seasons and will live with whatever they get, without returning / complaining / swapping them out again / etc.

So, unless you buy OEM struts, you'll be taking some amount of risk. The amount of the risk is TBD, based on all of the above variables.

That being said, most people find the "one size fits all" aftermarket struts are "good enough".

What has been a pretty common theme, though, are reports of aftermarket top supports making noise / having poor quality. So, there are a lot of threads on here where folks who have tried both have advocated to at least buy OEM top mounts.

Hopefully this information is helpful.

 

Thank you so much!
This was very helpful.
I think I figured out what I am going to do.
Based on my research and chats with other 3rd gen Camry owners, I will buy the Detroit Axle struts. But only for one of my Camries, to see how I like them. Since they are very cheap, it is not a big loss for me if I dont like them and have to go with something else. I will keep everyone updated on here about my experience.

 

Have you checked prices at RockAuto?
They had the best price on KYB complete struts for my Gen4 Camry.
My goal is always to keep cars running forever and minimize future repairs, and I ended up using the KYB compete struts.
Also, there is the 5% discount code -- see dedicated thread for a current code.
Good luck.
e_identity

 

Have you checked prices at RockAuto?
They had the best price on KYB complete struts for my Gen4 Camry.
My goal is always to keep cars running forever and minimize future repairs, and I ended up using the KYB compete struts.
Also, there is the 5% discount code -- see dedicated thread for a current code.
Good luck.
e_identity

I did check RockAuto. I can only find FCS and Monroe quick struts for my 3rd gen.
But thank you for letting me know about the coupon code!

 

not that I want to push you to any decision, but in terms of options available to you I see the KYBs among the choices listed on RockAuto for a 1996 2.2L:

1996 TOYOTA CAMRY 2.2L L4 Shock / Strut & Coil Spring Assembly | Shop Now at RockAuto

Suspension Parts and More for Your 1996 TOYOTA CAMRY at Reliably Low Prices. Fast Online Catalog. DIY-Easy. Your Choice of Quality. Full Manufacturer Warranty.

www.rockauto.com

Edit-looking closer I see it lists only the two rear, not the front, sorry.

 

IIRC, the Gen 4 front struts fit a Gen 3.5 ('94~'96). The Gen4 has a bracket welded to it for the sway bar, the Gen 3 sway bar mount is on the lower control arm. So, fitting the Gen4 to your '96 you just ignore that unneeded extra bracket.

 

I put Duralast quick struts from AutoZone on my wife's 01 V6 last summer, they work really well. Monroe from Advance are good too.

I had the same noise and it was a collapsed sway bar bushing.

 

Thank you very much! I will definitely look into those!

 

Hello Everyone!

I own two 96 Toyota Camries 2.2. One at 95000 miles the other 113000 miles. I am looking to replace my struts since they are making weird noises. I already jacked up the car and checked if anything else might be the cause. But most parts are new and nothing seems to be worn out. The ride itself isn't too bad but it is pretty bouncy like a ship.

Almost everyone recommends KYB struts. I am looking to get the complete assembly so I can do the job myself. I can only find the complete KYB assembly for all 4 wheels on ebay for $600.

For Toyota Camry L4 2.2L Front & Rear Suspension Strut Assy KIT KYB Strut-Plus | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for For Toyota Camry L4 2.2L Front & Rear Suspension Strut Assy KIT KYB Strut-Plus at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

Since I want to change them on both of my cars KYB seems to be out of my price range at the moment. After some research I came across the TRQ strut assembly from 1aauto. It doesn't seem to be one of those dirt cheap Chinese assemblies for like $200 however there are not a lot of reviews out there about TRQ. Did anyone here ever try them? 1aauto seems to be very professional but I have never ordered from them.

1995-96 Toyota Camry L4 2.2L Front & Rear 4 Piece Strut & Spring Assembly Set TRQ SCA57077

Order your 4 Piece Strut & Spring Assembly Set - today at 1AAuto.com. Up To 50% Off Prices EveryDay! Get Fast & Free Shipping On Premium Quality Parts. Shop Now & Save!

www.1aauto.com

What are your thoughts? I don't want to wast my money.

I just replaced all 4 struts on my 135K mile 2003 Camry Solara. Chose O'Reilly MasterPro whole assembly struts and saved about $50 per unit as compared to Monroe. Good quality, fit and relatively easy install. Ride is stiffer but old struts were spongy and completely shot. 2 of us did whole job in 3.5 hours. Overall quite happy. Hope this is helpful.

 

Thank you so much. I am planning on doing this myself. Do you think I will have a hard time without a second pair of hands?

 

Well, it was a lot easier and quicker with help of my brother-in-law, his air tools and floor jack. Rusty bolts are the worst of it. But it can be done with one. Watch some Youtube videos, especially about getting to top bolts in rear which may require disassembling back seat and rear deck. Good luck!

 

Thank you! I just bougt an electric impact drill and a torque wrench. I do have a nice floor jack. I will definitely watch some YouTube videos. Now I just have to wait for warmer weather 😂

 

Unless you already have an impact gun, buy the $40-$50 electric model at Harbor Freight, and set of impact sockets.
I couldn't believe how easy some jobs became using that tool.
2 days before job, SOAK all the bolts with penetrating lubricant (PB Blaster works) do it again 1 day before. Job will become much easier.
Also, again IIRC, you might want to buy new sway bar links ahead of time, they rust in place, you can play with them for a while and maybe they'll come off, but threads & rubber bushings, may be useless going back on; often need to be cut off.

 

I did my 1996 Camry that had 201K miles with the Gabriel assemble struts from Amazon and replaced the rear end links. I have about 7K miles on them and way better than the worn out original ones. They were not very expensive and are doing great for the commuter car.

 

You say your a mechanic? if so, paying thru your rectum for a job you could do for $100-125.

I changed from liquid filled struts to pressurized air struts for more street time I was expecting.

This work required a spring compressor from Harbor Freight $15.

I'm sorry, but if you are handy and still want to replace the whole damn strut assembly then you need to understand your doing the job using thee most expensive option you have.

Monroe had a sale- 4 air pressure struts for $100.

yeah yaeh, yaeh everyone wants upgrade right?

 

I installed KYBs on the back (stiffer), Monroe Quick Struts on the front (spongier). Personally, I prefer the softer responsiveness on the front since it's a FWD vehicle, and the firmer support in the rear for supporting passengers and trunk cargo.

Both KYB and Monroes are good, in my experience. LOTS of banter about strut decisions on this site. Like armpits, everybody's got their own opinions.

 

Thanks man! Never thought of combining two different brands but it makes sense.

 

I purchased all four struts and links from Detroit Axle at 117K miles. 4K miles later, and the struts feel adequate.

 

Thank you! I am pretty sure that I will change the struts on one of my Camry to Detroit axle.

 

I replaced all 4 struts with KYB's and they are definitely stiffer. I reused the original springs and bushings and had it done in about 8 hours on the pavement. The original ride height was restored in both front and rear and the handling is better than the 26 year old original OEM's that I replaced. Toyota says they replace the OEM's with KYB's if they don't have the originals in stock anymore, which they don't for my 1994 Camry LE 2.2L. I'm happy with them!