What are the best struts for my Toyota Camry?

Maintenance & Repairs
1

I’m in the market for new struts for my Toyota Camry and could use some advice on the best options available. My main goals are to improve ride quality and handling, and I’d love to hear about your experiences with different brands as well as any recommendations you have.

Key Points to Consider

  • Type of Driving: I mostly drive in the city, but I do take longer trips occasionally. What type of struts would perform best in varying conditions?
  • OEM vs Aftermarket: Is it worth sticking with OEM parts, or are there reliable aftermarket options that offer better performance?
  • Brands to Look At: I’ve heard mixed reviews about KYB and Monroe; what has been your experience with these brands or others? Are there specific models that stand out?
  • Cost vs Performance: I’d like to balance quality with cost. Are there mid-range options that won’t break the bank but still provide a noticeable improvement?

I appreciate any advice, insights, or personal anecdotes you can share. Thanks in advance for helping me make a more informed decision!

2 Likes
2

I’m considering this too! I’ve heard that performance struts can really improve handling, but they often sacrifice comfort on daily drives. Anyone had experience with that?

3

That’s true! I had a pair of Bilstein HD struts on my Camry, and while they were great for cornering, the ride got pretty rough on bumpy roads.

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4

For a balance, I’ve been using KYB Excel-G struts. They’re comfy for commuting but still handle well enough for some spirited driving!

5

Thanks for that tip, Bethany! I might give them a shot. Does anyone know how they compare to Monroe struts?

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6

Monroe are generally more focused on comfort but may not handle as well as KYB for sharper turns. It depends on what you want from your ride!

7

I’m in the sporty camp, so I went with Koni struts. They’re fully adjustable, which lets me dial in the ride comfort versus performance! But, be ready for a firmer ride.

8

That sounds great, Alexander! But aren’t adjustable struts more complicated? How often do you adjust them?

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9

Not really! I adjust them once every few months depending on my driving mood. They do require a bit more work upfront though.

10

A good compromise might be the OEM struts if you’re on a tight budget. They’re not sporty, but they offer excellent daily comfort and reliability.

11

OEM is definitely a safe bet! For those looking to keep costs down, have any of you tried off-brand struts? Any success stories or regrets?

12

I’ve tried some off-brands, and they worked fine for a while, but their durability was lacking. Sometimes you get what you pay for!

13

Haha, yes! It’s like buying a sandwich from a gas station—sometimes, you just end up regretting it. Stick to known brands for something as crucial as struts.

14

Reflecting on this, I feel that while sporty struts are fun, comfort during long commutes is really important for daily driving. Finding that middle ground can be tricky!

15

Hey, if you’re looking for struts for a Toyota Camry, I highly recommend the Monroe Reflex. They work great for most models from 2007 to 2020!

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16

That’s good to know! Are they easy to install yourself, or would you recommend a professional for that?

17

Installing struts can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re not experienced. If you can handle basic tools, you might be okay. Just make sure to have a spring compressor!

18

For sure! I’ve done a DIY strut installation on my 2015 Camry, and having a buddy helps a lot! Just take your time and watch some tutorials.

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19

Great advice! Are there any specific videos or resources you recommend?

20

I found some awesome walkthroughs on YouTube! Search for ‘Camry strut replacement’ and you’ll find plenty of step-by-step guides. It helped me a lot!