strut replacement advice please

Toyota LE, FWIW.

Be careful what brand the struts are. There are some rubbish shock assemblies in replacement stuts out there.

$700 should get you 4 installed Monro-Wylie gas tourering struts.

Jason

I would suggest sticking with the original Toyota brand struts. From what I have heard and read, some aftermarket struts make the handing and ride very harsh and may not last as long as the original ones.

I did mine with Toyota struts at 170,000 miles. Rode like a new car. My rear ones are still original. I would replace just the fronts if I was her from Toyota. How many miles does she have on it? Why does she think she needs them? Does she have a clunking noise in the front end? If so Sears cant help...

Rab,

How mush it costed to replace the front struts with TOYOTA one incl. labor?

Thanks

Do all 4 - they all have the same mileage on them --- they are worn out at around 75k miles under normal driving. Monroes are fine - they have a lifetime warranty. You may need to also replace the strut boots at $35 each (the rubber rots away). Ensure they include a 4 wheel alignment in the cost. Parts are about $380 for the 4 (Monroe). I understand the dealer wants about $1200 for doing 4!

Parts are about $380 for the 4 (Monroe).

--------- Yes, but you're going to have a harsher ride quality. One of the first service procedures I had done when purchasing a used Camry was to remove the Monroe Sensatrac in good condition and replace with new original factory struts to avoid that jolt that went all the way up through the suspension into the steering wheel every day when I drove over a certain bridge transition. Toyota calibrates the valving and damping for specific applications, where I'm not sure Monroe even has a different part number for four or six cylinder.

Parts are about $380 for the 4 (Monroe).

--------- Yes, but you're going to have a harsher ride quality. One of the first service procedures I had done when purchasing a used Camry was to remove the Monroe Sensatrac in good condition and replace with new original factory struts to avoid that jolt that went all the way up through the suspension into the steering wheel every day when I drove over a certain bridge transition. Toyota calibrates the valving and damping for specific applications, where I'm not sure Monroe even has a different part number for four or six cylinder. However, I'm not sure I'd be replacing struts unless there is evidence replacement is required. I don't buy the theory that mileage is any representation of wear. If the damping is weak (the motion of the suspension is excessive over bumpy roads), or there are leaks, or the unit is "freezing up" ie., failing to move properly, or you have uneven tire wear, then I would replace them. Tire stores seem to love to recommend strut or shock replacement even when unnecessary.

Parts are about $380 for the 4 (Monroe).

--------- Yes, but you're going to have a harsher ride quality. One of the first service procedures I had done when purchasing a used Camry was to remove the Monroe Sensatrac in good condition and replace with new original factory struts to avoid that jolt that went all the way up through the suspension into the steering wheel every day when I drove over a certain bridge transition. Toyota calibrates the valving and damping for specific applications, where I'm not sure Monroe even has a different part number for four or six cylinder. However, I'm not sure I'd be replacing struts unless there is evidence replacement is required. I don't buy the theory that mileage is any representation of wear. If the damping is weak (the motion of the suspension is excessive over bumpy roads), or there are leaks, or the unit is "freezing up" ie., failing to move properly, or you have uneven tire wear, then I would replace them. Tire stores seem to love to recommend strut or shock replacement even when unnecessary. (and then IMO, sell units that are inferior to the originals) - at least with Toyota, most all aftermarket substitues are inferior in durability, quality and fit. I keep my vehicles a long, long, time and have learned through experience to stay with Toyota parts. Just my opinion of course, do as you like. What's the saying? the bitterness of low quality is remembered long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.

I would like a bit stiffer ride and handling than the original Toyota struts, but would be disapointed to lose too much of the smoothness. Anyone have experience with the Tokiko or KYB struts available for these cars?

Len

Tokiko is the OEM Yota shock manf -- they do make a better than OEM quality shock. I used the Monroes and was much more pleased with the ride -- always hated the soft Buick ride. I have KYB on other vehicles are they are quality prooduct at resonable price.

I like 'em! They too have a lifetime warranty and are not that much more than any other aftermarket strut. Um, the KYB's that is. I haven't used Tokiko for some years now and can't really remember. Think they were ok (put 'em on a 1980 Corolla SR-5, the car's 1st strut replacement.) Went with KYB's after that because they were more easily obtainable where I live.