3ES (97-01) Suspension Overhaul Guide
#17
I agree, the price is pretty steep for such a simple setup. Although I have to say that I could not find a good set of coilovers for the ES. It seems that they all have some sort of flaws. Whether it be poor construction or a very harsh ride. I liked the Tokico's for their OE feel - every nut and bolt fit without any issues. At the end of the day, I'm happy with the results, and that's all that matters
#20
Keep in mind that I don't drive a lot of other cars, so my perspective of harshness is directly related to the original suspension. So what I consider rough, might be considered slightly harsher than normal on some other car.
#21
Lead Lap
Mr. B I'll have some additional input here coming soon but my experience is that the aftermarket shocks are not tuned the same way as the stock ones are, particularly the Tokico HPs, they are definitely a "sporty" shock. This is nice in the corners but you have to pay a price in the ride.
I'm sure the GR-2 or the lesser options are probably a softer ride, but the reality is Toyota spec'd a different shock tuning for each model, Camry, ES300, Solara, and Avalon...but any aftermarket option sells the same part for all. Anyone very happy with their ES300 ride should think about ponying up for the stock struts when replacement time comes.
I'm sure the GR-2 or the lesser options are probably a softer ride, but the reality is Toyota spec'd a different shock tuning for each model, Camry, ES300, Solara, and Avalon...but any aftermarket option sells the same part for all. Anyone very happy with their ES300 ride should think about ponying up for the stock struts when replacement time comes.
#22
Mr. B I'll have some additional input here coming soon but my experience is that the aftermarket shocks are not tuned the same way as the stock ones are, particularly the Tokico HPs, they are definitely a "sporty" shock. This is nice in the corners but you have to pay a price in the ride.
I'm sure the GR-2 or the lesser options are probably a softer ride, but the reality is Toyota spec'd a different shock tuning for each model, Camry, ES300, Solara, and Avalon...but any aftermarket option sells the same part for all. Anyone very happy with their ES300 ride should think about ponying up for the stock struts when replacement time comes.
I'm sure the GR-2 or the lesser options are probably a softer ride, but the reality is Toyota spec'd a different shock tuning for each model, Camry, ES300, Solara, and Avalon...but any aftermarket option sells the same part for all. Anyone very happy with their ES300 ride should think about ponying up for the stock struts when replacement time comes.
#25
I'm curious if the rear strut mounts have bearings too? I think that is what's making all the noise on my worn out front mounts. I was thinking of not replacing the rear mounts to save some money when I replace all four struts or would that not be a wise idea?
#26
At the very least, purchase four struts, four strut mounts, and two front bearings. Everything else can be safely reused.
#27
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I am shopping for the best deal I can to replace my two front strut mounts and bearings. I don't think the ride is bad, but it certainly is noisy on a cold morning, and sometimes makes an occasional rattle on anything less than a hot day.
Should I avoid the KYB bearings? I read bad reviews about the KYB actual strut, but haven't seen anything about the strut mount bearings. I found a good deal on ebay for both OEM revised/updated front strut mounts, but they come with KYB bearings instead of OEM. It would cost a lot more for me to order it part by part. I was curious if anyone had any advice on this?
Should I avoid the KYB bearings? I read bad reviews about the KYB actual strut, but haven't seen anything about the strut mount bearings. I found a good deal on ebay for both OEM revised/updated front strut mounts, but they come with KYB bearings instead of OEM. It would cost a lot more for me to order it part by part. I was curious if anyone had any advice on this?
#28
I am shopping for the best deal I can to replace my two front strut mounts and bearings. I don't think the ride is bad, but it certainly is noisy on a cold morning, and sometimes makes an occasional rattle on anything less than a hot day. Should I avoid the KYB bearings? I read bad reviews about the KYB actual strut, but haven't seen anything about the strut mount bearings. I found a good deal on ebay for both OEM revised/updated front strut mounts, but they come with KYB bearings instead of OEM. It would cost a lot more for me to order it part by part. I was curious if anyone had any advice on this?
#29
I am shopping for the best deal I can to replace my two front strut mounts and bearings. I don't think the ride is bad, but it certainly is noisy on a cold morning, and sometimes makes an occasional rattle on anything less than a hot day.
Should I avoid the KYB bearings? I read bad reviews about the KYB actual strut, but haven't seen anything about the strut mount bearings. I found a good deal on ebay for both OEM revised/updated front strut mounts, but they come with KYB bearings instead of OEM. It would cost a lot more for me to order it part by part. I was curious if anyone had any advice on this?
Should I avoid the KYB bearings? I read bad reviews about the KYB actual strut, but haven't seen anything about the strut mount bearings. I found a good deal on ebay for both OEM revised/updated front strut mounts, but they come with KYB bearings instead of OEM. It would cost a lot more for me to order it part by part. I was curious if anyone had any advice on this?
#30
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No I haven't confirmed this by checking for loose parts. I will have to crawl under there today and wiggle things around. I'm no expert with cars though so I'm not sure what all should and shouldn't be doing what. I DID read that these cars are prone to the rubber parts in the suspension hardening and becoming old with age. Considering the car has all original everything but oil and tires, I thought this was likely the cause. I live in Michigan and the roads up here are dreadful