2002 Toyota Camry Newbie Question - 2002 Toyota Camry Front

Tiny
MISSY1984
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 90,000 MILES
Hello folks thank you for reading this.

I'm a noob when it comes to car repairs and need your advise on this. I have a 2002 Toyota Camry 4-cylinder LE (around 90,000 miles). For past few months I have been hearing noise from the front right tire area whenever my car went over potholes, ditches, bumps etc. After getting it checked at 2-3 places I was told the front struts need to be replaced.

They don't know yet if the strut mounts also need replacement (they will know when they open it). Anyway, I was given an estimate of $250 for front right struts and mounts (labor and parts). I was also told I would need an alignment done afterwards (around $55).

The repair shops also told that it is important that struts on both sides be changed and that usually struts are not changed only on one side.

My questions are:

1) The blue book value of my car is around $7500, so to be spending close to 10% of that (for both front side struts) seems painful, not to mention that I'm on a tight budget. Is it ok if I just change the front right side for now? Any major issues with this?

2) Does the estimate of $250 for front right struts and mounts (labor and parts) seem reasonable? Should I get more quotes? (I got two more, which were higher).

3) Is an alignment necessary? Any major issues if this is not done?

FYI - The usage of my car is minimal, about 200-250 miles a month, and not more than 3000 miles a year (mainly city driving).

Thanks again for your help with this.

-- Missy
Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009 AT 12:44 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
Hi there,

If the other strut is sound you can get away with doing only one, but both is better if you can afford it, the alignment is critical, with re setting the alignment you will destroy tyres very quickly, as I am in Australia the price is not something I can comment on, but go get a few more quotes any you'll soon see the best option.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009 AT 1:56 AM

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