A few questions.

[ice745]

I have a 1994 Toyota Camry, 4 cyl 2.2 L. First of all, I noticed the suspension is pretty loose. I can push the car down if I force my hands and I can keep it going, It looks like it has hydrolics when I do it. I figured it was normal cuz I was just pushing it, but I tried it on a different car and it barely moved. A car repair shop told me I needed new struts, but I don't want to beleive them. They messed up my car pretty bad that time I took it there, I had a lot of stuff to fix that they said they did, and stuff that they didn't do right. I just want an opinion on if I should replace the struts, or if its fine. It handles fine on the road, I love how it turns and everything, I don't bottom out. I just don't know if its dangerous keeping a car on 'bad' struts. If I should replace them, is it easy to do myself, or should I have a mechanic do it. I have a decent knowledge of car repair, I'm not a complete newbie, but I am not nearly an expert, lol. I usually do body work and interior work, I haven't done much with the engine yet except spark plugs, ignition wires, and an oil change.

Second I was wondering if anyone knew what kind of A/C I have in my car. I know there are two different kinds, one that you just buy a 'recharging kit' for, and one you have to buy a 'retrofit kit' for to upgrade it to the newer kind. I just want to know for if I ever need to 'recharge' it, what I should buy.

Third is I noticed on the front of my hood, I can see little bumps forming that push up and slightly crack the paint. I am pretty sure this is rust, and its already damaging my paint. I wax the car regularly, but it was used, so I don't know how it was kept before me. Are there any suggestions on what I should do to fix, or at least stop this from continuing?

And finally... I made a really dumb mistake. I had music on so I couldn't really hear anything, I thought I had started the engine, but apparently I didn't, I put it in reverse and didn't move. So I attempted to start the car, accidently leaving it in reverse. The starter motor didn't even make a sound, I don't know if it has a safety thing to not go while the car is in gear, or if I jammed it up and possibly caused damage to the motor.

[ice745]

And I forgot to ask about servicing the belts. In case they ever break, or it comes time to replace them, how do I do it? It doesn't seem like there is enough room to work, is it possible to squeeze my hands in there, or do I have to lift the engine a bit, or take it out? If its something not too hard, and worth saving the money of having a shop do it, please tell me how.

[Joe W]

The struts probably don't need replaced at this time.A simple test is to get the car moving as you described then stop.If the car stops within 3 cycles it's OK.Replacing them is probably left to some one with a little more experience as you must compress the spring.
As for the A/C there is a sticker in the engine area that relates to this.It will either say R-12(old stuff retrofit kit)or R-134a(new stuff that you can use the recharge kit for).
The bumps probably are rust and should be sanded down and primered then painted.
The starter episode didn't hurt a thing.There is a starter safety switch that prohibits the starter from engaging in any gear except Park or Neutral.
Servicing the accessory drive belts is possible and not as hard as it looks,you could purchase a Haynes or Chiltons manual for this car.Available at most auto parts stores.However the timing belt should be replaced about every 60,000 miles.You can't see this belt,but if it breaks,your not going anywhere.This should probably be left to a mechanic.(Try to find a different one).

[Mike Gerber]

ice745,

The 94 Camrys came with R134a refrigerant and therefore you can use the recharge kit.

Mike