I have 5 Avalons (4 2000s & 1 2003). I have replaced all the rear struts and a few of the front ones. I only used Monroe Quick Struts with no issues at all. (Technically I used AutoShack rears once, but one failed on the first day. They didn't have stock on a replacement so they refunded my money NP.)
I'd suggest replacing the sway bar links too as they are often a bit difficult to get off and nearly worn out anyway. I try to find a brand that does not have grease fittings since the guys who work at the quick oil change places "forget" to grease them. Sway bar bushings are also cheap and easy to do.

A little trick when installing the struts: the brake lines mount to the strut. Rather than opening the hydraulic lines and needing to bleed the brake system, simply remove the retaining clip and cut the little tab that the brake line mounts on with a cut off wheel when removing it. On the new strut, carefully cut a slot in the tab and bend it open enough to slip the line in. Then straighten the tab and install the brake line retaining clip. Paint/rustproof the cut part.

 

Thanks Professor, will try the Monroes

 

I have the $50 FCS from RockAuto on my 2000 and have no issues. The original toyota struts had 129,000 and were shot.

I love the KYBs on my 2006 accord v6, but the Avalon demands a softer ride which the FCS deliver.

Even if I change them out every couple of years, I'm happy.

 

Stick with OEM shocks and struts. Personally, I doubt you need new struts unless your car is 40 years old.

My 2005 4runner with 210,000 miles doesn't need new shocks. If I were to buy new I'd go OEM.

I once went with AM shocks for a GMC Jimmy, and it was a waste of money and time. The OEMs were 17 years old and worked better.

 

OEM struts fail. The Toyota struts in a new to me 2005 highlander w/191,000 miles were made by KYB and were shot. struts in a new to me 2000 Avalon with 126,000 by KYB were shot.

Looking at the FCS $50 quick struts I just got for both the Avalon and Highlander...I can't tell you i can see a difference between OEM and the FCS. Installed - I can't feel it. I put AM KYB quick struts - $150 each - in my 2006 Accord v6 years ago and they were new car stiff and took about 6 months to settle the right height. I like the Accord's ride and to me the extra $200 was worth it. Same with my 2003 4Runner. It has the XREAS shocks, but I put on KYBs. Stiff, as it should be.

Toyota cars handle like mush, and the FCSs are fine. I can replace them what?? 5 -6 times for that price compared to a OEM from Toyota. My labor is free.

 

I had a shop replace the passenger side caliper on my 2005 4runner, as it was bad. Cars steering would shake violently before the new caliper beginning at 35 mph. A wheel alignment would have been a waste of time and money. Car can go to 70 mph again! No shaking SW or shaking front end. Just took one new caliper that was $85 at Amazon.com. to get me fixed up!

Now the 4runner steers like it did when it was brand new. No steering wheel shakes or wobble. What a relief, and calipers are relatively cheap.

I think 4Runners have 4wheels with calipers, but only the front ones will give you big steering wheel wobbles.

KYB make good struts and shocks but after ten years of driving roads a lot of front end parts will fail, IMO.

 

I had a shop replace the passenger side caliper on my 2005 4runner, as it was bad. Cars steering would shake violently before the new calipers beginning at 40 mph. A wheel alignment would have been a waste of time and money. Car can go to 70 mph again!

Now the 4runner steers like it did when it was brand new. No shakes or wobble. What a relief, and calipers are relatively cheap.

glad for you. I understand the calipers pistons are known to stick in the bore.

 

If its bringing it back to OE level of quality and performance, maybe you are going to drive this thing another 185k miles then you need OE level parts from the dealer. If you need the vehicle for a shorter time, just enough to get you into your next ride, slap on the cheapest parts you can find and it should be fine/different (i'd recommend doing all four corners on quick struts since the geometry afterwards is going to be allover the place if you do a single/axle). The in between priced parts are just that. Monroe has two levels of quik struts, one with a lifetime warranty (which YMMV on the replacement) and one with a basic normal warranty period (cheaper).


Pricing usually goes:

OEM/Dealer Counter------------------------------------>KYB/Monroe Lifetime----------Monroe 1 yr-.......>everything else where its 4 for the price of 1.

 

Recommend OEM, night and day difference, removed originals from 2004 with 215k on them, struts had some life left, but not much. It's a whole new car now, i couldn't ask for a better ride.

 

Dont use Monroe Road Matics..i got them on back of my 03 they are rattling junk

 

Yes, use OEM. Use Monroe.

Joking aside, Toyota uses different brands depending on years and models. KYB, Sachs and even Bilstein on some trucks.

I personally prefer Monroe OESpectrum struts or QuickStrut assemblies. I would steer away from cheaper value lines from any company.

 

I would stick with OEM if you can get it, Toyota parts tend to be not too expensive compared to other vehicles. I know a guy that put on some expensive fancy aftermarket struts on his Lexus and ended up taking them off and putting the OEM back on because the expensive ones turned out not to be so great.

 

I installed the KYB's on the front of my 2002 Avalon, unfortunately as others have commented they seem too stiff. I searched for Genuine Toyota OEM struts for front and rear as they were what gave the Avalon it's notable suspension/comfortable ride but they are no longer available. I found the only pair of Sach's for the rear on rockauto, supposed to be a good replacement, have not yet installed. Had to go with KYB strut mounts too. It seems that there are no good replacements on the market that will provide the original specs/ride/comfort.... ?

 

I personally don't care for KYB, but some members like the firm handling.

Anyway, I think the Sachs should work fine, they are also considered OEM. I just prefer Monroe's OESpectrum/QuickStruts. And Monroes come with lifetime warranty even for normal wear. And Sachs? 24 months warranty.

I found the only pair of Sach's for the rear on rockauto, supposed to be a good replacement, have not yet installed. Had to go with KYB strut mounts too. It seems that there are no good replacements on the market that will provide the original specs/ride/comfort.... ?

 

I find the FCS to be great. Installed them (all 4 replaced) recently on a 2000 Camry, 2000 Avalon and 2005 Highlander. All had original Toyota struts from KYB and 100-200k miles. They are Toyota equivalent ride quality, quiet and suit me fine. And for $75...easy choice.

As far as KYB - I have them on my 2006 Accord v6 and 2003 4Runner v8 BECAUSE they are stiff as hell and I want the control, handling and feel. I would not put KYBs on the other 3...especially the Avalon.

 

i went to 15 inch steelies which came with michelin x-ice tires. improved ride cause higher sidewall. my next step is softer tires. kyb g-struts are new and seem ok. car has 200,000 miles and doesnt burn oil and runs mint. good motors.

 

Can someone recommend the closest to OEM place to buy rear struts (left and right) for a 2001 Toyota Avalon xls?

 

Try Sachs. Or KYB if you like firmer ride and handling. It depends on your ride preference. In my case I'd ride Monroe QuickStruts or OESpectrum struts (not their cheap line Roadmatics) because a preference for softer ride. And Monroe offers lifetime warranty even for normal wear.

https://www.toyotanation.com/threads/suspension-overhaul-2004-se-i4-m-t.1554050/

 

Monroe QS or OESpectrum are what I prefer myself. Properly torque all nuts and bolts, particularly sway bar links to avoid clunks. You'll need an alignment having worked on suspension or steering components, but rear assemblies might not change it.

 

Went with Monroe Quick Struts

 

John I am looking to buy the plastic piece that covers OBD2 connector under the steering wheel (lowest plastic panel on drivers side). I had a moron mechanic cut it and it needs to be replaced. Can you help me locate it to purchase for my 2001 Toyota Avalon xls?

 

No not fuse box cover. It is the plastic piece connected to the bottom of plastic piece 55302-AC010 containing the vsc off switch and the switch to turn on/off the 115V electric plug in the back seat. It is the lowest plastic piece in the car on driver side covering the OBD2 plug.