Hi there, i'm have to replace my rear struts - i think. I get a light thump when i go over medium bumps (it's possible i get it over harder bumps but its not audible due to other noise). So... I assume that i would have to take off the wheel and look up? anyway i cannot take off the wheel? lol

and if i'm replacing them - the car is now 7 years old and i'm not sure if i want to get OEM - my cost of those are about $180, after market like KYB is about 80, SACHS is about $110. thoughts and opinions?

thanks!
m

 

I have a 2007ES. On my 07ES, there are 06-12 Camry's dampers/springs installed. Note that the ES's springs (coils) are not compatible with Camry's. Therefore, if you really want to use Camry's parts (for whatever reasons, most likely for saving money), you have to use Camry's dampers and Camry's springs at the same time.

 

I was thinking of getting the entire loaded strut with spring, dampers/shocks and mounts...

 

This was partly covered a couple days ago https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-...-es-350-a.html
Usually those pre-loaded strut and spring sets use lower quality components for the springs, strut mounts and bearings compared to OEM and do not last as long.

 

ok so i looks like i'll go with just the strut - do i really have to go with OEM or is KYB or monroe ok? rock auto also has SACHS for about $110 a side i think (OEM is $180)

 

First of all, are you sure it is your struts? There are many suspension components, strut mounts, etc. So I recommend you identify the real issue before throwing parts at it.
Many people have lost their minds trying to figure out suspension sounds and threw away lot of money.

 

Sachs is a very reputable German manufacturer and OEM supplier to BMW, AUDI etc. Their shocks/struts may provide a slightly stiffer ride and better handling than OEM. I put some Sachs on a Mazda back in the late 90s and thought they were better than the OEM KYBs.
KYB makes the OEM struts/shocks but the KYB stuff is about 10% stiffer. The new Monroe shocks/struts are supposed to be very good but I would wonder about longevity.

 

^^^Good advice