1998 Toyota Camry Struts/component replacement

HELOTES

MEMBER
1998 TOYOTA CAMRY
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
25,000 MILES

I have a 1998 Toyota Camry LE with 250,000 miles. I have had it for nine years without changing the struts or it's components. I have purchased the four struts and will be replacing them soon. When I do is it necessary to replace other components such as the mounts, bearings/plates, bump stops, boots, etc? Also, what should I expect to pay to have this done?

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,916 POSTS

The upper mounts must be inspected for binding and free movement. The center hole can rust out. There is no way to tell until the assembly is taken apart. The boots and cushions must be replaced if they are torn or deteriorated. With the proper safety equipment, it takes about a half hour to replace each strut. Supplying your own parts will not save you any money in the long run. The mechanic will not warranty parts they don't sell you. If a new strut develops a problem, you will have to pay again for the labor to remove it, you will have to run to the store to exchange it. They will want the old one back before they will give you the new one. All that time the mechanic's hoist is tied up with your disassembled car, and you will have to pay again for the installation and the needed alignment. This is similar to bringing your own food to a restaurant. The tiny profit the business owner makes from selling you the product is what pays for the time to do repairs a second time when the problem is caused by a part under warranty.

Caradiodoc