1990 Camry LE

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Dale - 28 Apr 2007 05:48 GMT

I have a bad driver's side rear strut.Do I need to replace both, and
then I am told I need to have the wheels aligned? I just bought this
car and it is 19 years young with 90,000 miles on it. It is in near
showroom condition. Is there any advantage to replacing the rear
struts with the "quick struts" that contain both the spring and strut
replacement thus saving labor to depress the springs the "old way"?
Any suggestions about adding a cd player, either an add on or replace
the entire unit or add the multi changer like in the truck? Thanks
for all the advise in advance. Dale Rockland, Maine

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Daniel - 30 Apr 2007 00:31 GMT

> I have a bad driver's side rear strut.Do I need to replace both

===
Yes. You should do both sides, just as you would change both sides for
brakes or tires to equalize characteristics on each side.
==
and

> then I am told I need to have the wheels aligned?

==
Yes. You need to have alignment checked and adjusted as needed anytime
you replace suspension components.
==
Is there any advantage to replacing the rear

> struts with the "quick struts" that contain both the spring and strut
> replacement thus saving labor to depress the springs the "old way"?

==
The advantage to Toyota parts is that you're maintaining original
equipment in quality, operating characteristics and fit. Personally,
I've found harsh ride on aftermarket struts, but as you say, the "all
in one" is easier to install because you don't need a spring
compressor or serparate parts like the rubber boot, spring and strut
mount. I always go with original parts, your choice.
==

> Any suggestions about adding a cd player

==
See Crutchfield.com to find an Alpine unit that fits your model. If
you get MP3 capability, you probably don't need a CD changer because a
single disk holds so much music.
==
, either an add on or replace

> the entire unit or add the multi changer like in the truck? Thanks
> for all the advise in advance. Dale Rockland, Maine

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johngdole@hotmail.com - 01 May 2007 05:49 GMT

The Monroe QuickStruts are cost effective if you start to replace a
lot of parts. It's likely a 19 year young car would benefit from it.
However, I do prefer the Gabriel Ultra strurts over the Toyota (now
likely all KYBs, aka "Keep Your Bilsteins") or the Monroe Sensatrac
used in the QuickStrut. However, the Monroe Reflex is said to be
pretty good and will be phased in to replace Sensatracs. I don't think
the KYBs, with their primitive valving, are even worth my time putting
in.

I am happy to get to use the Gabriel Ultra with multi-stage inertia
sensitive valving. Installed myself with Monroe strut mounts (re-used
everything else but not likely in yours). AutoZone has 50% off 2nd
Ultra or buy-3-get-1-free coupons at times. Lifetime warranty,
comfortable ride and good control, and the price is right. Good deal.

Check out the Gabriel G-force video whether you buy it or not:
http://www.gabriel.com/gforce1/eng/default.htm

> I have a bad driver's side rear strut.Do I need to replace both, and
> then I am told I need to have the wheels aligned? I just bought this
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> the entire unit or add the multi changer like in the truck? Thanks
> for all the advise in advance. Dale Rockland, Maine

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johngdole@hotmail.com - 01 May 2007 05:55 GMT

Get an Alpine either way. Check www.crutchfield.com. Or better yet,
get an Alpine or Pioneer 6-disc CD/DVD player with touch screen for
your near-showroom-condition car. :) :) :)

Make sure your factory head unit can interface and control a CD
changer. You may need an interface from www.blitzsafe.com.

> Any suggestions about adding a cd player, either an add on or replace
> the entire unit or add the multi changer like in the truck? Thanks
> for all the advise in advance. Dale Rockland, Maine

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