Hey guys,

It seems that my 2001 Camry needs new shock absorbers. Do you happen to know if this is a costly endeavor? Would you recommend ordering shock absorbers online? Do you recommend any particular brand?

Thanks so much for all your great help,

Best wishes!

Not too familiar with that generation Camry but, I'd bet you have struts and not shocks. If you ask 10 people what's the best strut you'll get 8 different answers. Just buy a brand name strut such as Monroe, Gabrial, etc. Struts are a regular replacement part so I would call around to local parts stores and compare pricess. There are special offers all the time. Watch your newspaper adds.

My next strut change I'm using what are called Monroe Quick Struts. You get the strut and coil spring as a single unit and makes the job much easier (so I've read). If you have over 100K miles you might consider changing the coil springs as well.

Rip,

Thanks so much! I couldn't ask for a better response than this. I will follow your suggestions and let you know how it'll come out.

Take care and all the best,

YK

I'd just get the TOYOTA brand. My 89' has the same original ones that came with the car bought new. I've been told by my dealership that if it's not leaking then why spend extra money? To answer your question I want to see what I pay for up front first. My 2 cents.

rimfire,22

Strongly recommend the quick struts from monroe that RIP recommends. I replaced all four on my 98 camry and what a difference! Felt like a new ride. As mentioned the quick struts come with the coil spring, strut, bearing mounts, bump stops, boot cover. No compressing required. Just remove the old ones and install the new ones. For the front you'll more than likely need an alignment. As of two months ago the cost of these struts at advance auto were $165.99 per quick strut.

I will 3rd the Monroe Quick Struts.

Mike

I just had my nephew install Monro Quick Struts on my 94 Camry w/134k. He has replaced many struts having worked at a garage a few years ago. He said the quick mounts were a snap to install, and he wished they had quick mounts for the front of the car. Apparently they only make them for the rear of the 94's. The height of my car is noticably higher and the handling is much better. I can't wait to get the front done now! I got the struts at Advance auto during a 15% off sale and saved a considerable amount of money.

Vote #4 for the Quick Mounts!

Jackie

Your car is really young to need replacement struts. I would get another opinion. Camrys go a long time on their factory struts.

Does anyone know where I can get independent reviews and quality and price comparison of shock absorbers in general. I have searched the net, but have not found anything that is very informative and or independent.

Mikethekey

I think they don't offer the fronts because the strut mounts used are alot more expensive being that they have the bearings in them...just a guess though.

Annoying in that usually they put on sales or rebates like "buy 3 get 1 free" or "20% off when you buy 4", but you can't just buy 4 quick struts.