'98 Camry Bottoming Out

My '98 Camry seems to be getting a bit soft in the back end (an affliction I seem to be suffering from as well.). What's happening is that I've noticed that it seems to be bottoming out more often when going across driveway gutters and such that are somewhat low. This usually results in a scraping underneath in the rear. The car seems to be more vulnerable to speedbumps too, which allow the car to "bang" somewhere in the mid-frame. When I do a bounce check on the rear, the shocks seem to behave normally, although I hear a clicking/clunking sound at the top of the spring mount on both sides.

Is it common for the springs and/or struts to soften after several years in this model? I realize the struts may need to be replaced after 5 years, but if there is any realistic chance that the springs need to go as well, I would like to have some idea going in. The car has not been driven hard nor have heavy loads been carried in the trunk routinely. The problem has not come about suddenly, but rather, over the last year or two. Any help would be appreciated.

- Magnusfarce

Reply to
Magnusfarce
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Alas, after that period of time it's more than likely. Mine's an '96 and its also doing the same thing. If 3 adults inhabit the back seat, I have to be very careful over driveways etc.

It only becomes a prob tho, if you regularly carry a lot of free-loaders!

Jason

Reply to
Jason James

New struts will help greatly. The 6 cyl springs are supposedly stiffer than the 4 cyl - might find them in junk yard or from someone that has swapped out for preformance (lowered) springs.

Reply to
Wolfgang

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