helo all, i have a 1988 camry sedan,4cyl,2 litre..my mechanic tells me that
the shocks are gone and that its expensive to replace them..whats the setup
on these cars..struts or whatever..years ago i used to replace shockies on
holden ht,hq etc. myself without to much trouble..is this a job i could do
at home (given that i have tools and reasonable mechanical aptitude).
any info appreciated.
steven.
johngdole@hotmail.com - 09 Feb 2008 02:20 GMT
The following is what your car uses in the front left (~$60, I
searched 88 Camry LE, 3SFE on rockauto.com). http://info.rockauto.com/Monroe/71860.html
But I do prefer the Gabriel Ultras from the local Autozone. Labor is
usually $30-50 a corner street price. And you would need an alignment
afterwards ($60 or so on a good, recently calibrated Hunter alignment
machine).
http://www.autozone.com/N,14600660//shopping/partTypeResultSet.htm
The rubber spring insulators/boots and bumper should be changed out.
20 year old strut mounts should probably be changed as well so you
don't have to go back in later. These can be done at a shop for as
little as $500 and goes up as you replace more stuff. Cheaper if you
have a knowledgeable friend willing to do it for a case of beer
afterwards! ;) ;) ;)
I personally would stay away from the "Keep Your Bilsteins", or KYBs
for short.
See:
www.monroe.com
http://www.gabriel.com/gforce1/eng/default.htm
> helo all, i have a 1988 camry sedan,4cyl,2 litre..my mechanic tells me that
> the shocks are gone and that its expensive to replace them..whats the setup
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> any info appreciated.
> steven.
johngdole@hotmail.com - 09 Feb 2008 02:28 GMT
Holden is Auzzie only? So forget about the Autozone then. I don't know
if the Holden uses shocks and uses slightly different compressor, but
a strut spring compressor like the following is what I use:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947057000P?keyword=strut+spring+compressor
It's not hard, and the typical precaution about dangerous compressed
spring applies.
Maybe Australian Truck & Auto Parts:
http://www.atap.com.au/pv_shockabsorbers.html
> helo all, i have a 1988 camry sedan,4cyl,2 litre..my mechanic tells me that
> the shocks are gone and that its expensive to replace them..whats the setup
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> any info appreciated.
> steven.
helmut - 09 Feb 2008 05:33 GMT
thanks for the info..i think i really need to replace the strut so maybe its
not worth it.
I cant recall ever using a spring compressor..just a jack and fencing wire
:-).
> Holden is Auzzie only? So forget about the Autozone then. I don't know
> if the Holden uses shocks and uses slightly different compressor, but
[quoted text clipped - 19 lines]
>> any info appreciated.
>> steven.
johngdole@hotmail.com - 12 Feb 2008 05:01 GMT
Maybe your local store will exchange the entire strut assembly (with
spring) for a new one as Haynes manual suggested.
Sounds like the Holdens use coil springs and shocks, then. And you use
the jack to compress/uncompress the spring while using a metal safety
chain.
If you're not comfortable using a strut spring compressor maybe have
someone who's done it help out. It's not hard, but a moderate workout
with the front springs and a standard length 1/2" ratchet. Always
handle the springs carefully because they pack a good punch.
> thanks for the info..i think i really need to replace the strut so maybe its
> not worth it.
> I cant recall ever using a spring compressor..just a jack and fencing wire
> :-).