94 Struts and mounts, rear rattle

[Limitboy]

My wife has a 94 Camry V6. There is a rattle coming from the rear which I believe (after much diagnosis) is do to the strut mounts. I intend to replace the struts and mounts. I haven't looked to see if the struts are sealed (since there was a changeover in October), but I was wondering if it matters whether they are sealed or not if I am replacing the strut and mount? And, does anyone have a bad experience with KYB struts or mounts?

Thanks

[Airjer_]

Check the sway bar bushings first! You can remove the two mounts for the sway bar and drive to see if the noise disappears. If it does replace the bushings. They are either 14 mm or 17 mm if I remember right. The sway bar can be measured with an open end wrench. Two bushings will run you less than $20.

[Limitboy]

Thanks, I will check that when I get home. Are you suggesting that the rubber/polymer inside the mount has worn away causing it to knock against the mount? I thought I checked the sway bar before, but I will check again. In general, you don't happen to know the answer to the strut compatability question, do you?

[Airjer_]

I didn't see anything unusual in the NAPA catalog. Looks like it is the same rear strut for all the submodels for that year. If you planning on changing everything you may want to consider a quick strut. It is one complete assembly. strut, spring, mount, rubbers, bump stop, and dust boot already assembled. Unbolt the old one and install the new one.

[Mike Gerber]

I agree with what the others have posted. I have used the Monroe Quick Struts on another car and was successful in stoping my rear rattle. I don't have any long term results on the Quick Struts to give you (long story) but initial results were very good. That said, don't forget to check the simple stuff first. Check to make sure the jack is secure on the passenger side of the trunk and also make sure the muffler is not loose enough to contact the undercarriage of the car. Also look underneath the spare tire in the well of the trunk to make sure nothing is rattling down there.

Mike

[Limitboy]

Thanks Mike, I actually striped the interior of the car down to nothing (no tire, jack, back seat, etc., and checked the exhaust (that was my first suspicion). Unfortunately, all of these were good and weren't knocking on anything.

I might try the Monroe strut assembly, if it is less than the struts and mounts separately. I saw one post and they quoted ~$185 per assembly and one of the online auto parts places quoted ~$280 for both sides (unassembled). I'll check out both avenues.

Thanks