I have a 1994 Toyota Camry with about 140,000 miles on it. The driver-
side rear strut is making some noise. If I push the wheel from the
side while it's jacked up, there is a slight give that causes part of
the racket. It's as though the stut's piston doesn't quite remain in
line with the cylinder. There is also a noise sometimes when the
strut compresses, like it needs to be oiled or greased or something.
I know the struts need to be replaced eventually. I have two
questions, however.
1) If I wait a few months to replace the struts, is there a potential
catastrophe around the corner? Is it possible that the strut will
fail in such a way as to rip the rear wheel off the car? Or will it
just fail and remain in place, drivable, but with no support from the
strut.
2) When I replace the strut, should I replace the springs as well, or
are they probably ok for another 100k miles? I've seen the Monroe
quickstrut, but my impression is that that's just an easy way to
replace the strut without using a spring compressor. Or would I
benefit from replacing the spring?

"JasonAndMichelle" <jamf00@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:77ed80bb-f276-4565-b508-2e89159a1b95@f36g2000hsa.googlegroups.com...
Yes with 140,000 miles and 14 years old, I would say if you have the money,
to just go with the Monroe quickstrut. I'm sure the springs are tired and
the mounts worn or at least somewhat worn.
Tony

On Jul 22, 10:46*am, JasonAndMichelle <jam...@gmail.com> wrote:
It may not be the strut but a 15$ bushing on a suspension arm, it was
on mine, total cost 35$

On Jul 22, 2:21*pm, "Anthony Diodati" <mrbreezeet1NO S...@verizon.net>
wrote:
My monroes were bad from day 1, they froze in winter

You might also have a loose ball joint. Check Autozone's free repair
guide:

http://www.autozone.com/shopping/repairGuide.htm

Check "Suspension & steering" section on how to check the ball
joints.




On Jul 22, 8:46*am, JasonAndMichelle <jam...@gmail.com> wrote:

A strut is a structural component of the front suspension. If the play
is from the strut and not from the ball joints then you should get it
replaced. Most pistons are made of metal and shouldn't have this
problem. But old parts break.

Get the Monroe QuickStrut. You'll also need new mounts and rubber
parts (boots, strut bumpers). It's worth buying the whole assembly.




On Jul 22, 8:46*am, JasonAndMichelle <jam...@gmail.com> wrote:

On Jul 24, 2:20*am, ransley <Mark_Rans...@yahoo.com> wrote:
I agree, look at your rear sway bar bushings before any other move. It
is a very common cause of noise and knocks in this year model, and is
easy to rectify.

Cheers