Strut mounts and bearings???? (97 Camry)
 

I just found out that you have to replace the strut mount if bad. Hers are very bad. The question is, can I just replace the bearing and use the old mount because Napa sells just the bearing? Yes, I am replacing the struts also and probably the swaybar bushings. I have not done suspension work on a Camry yet. Is is comparable to a Civic or Accord in "skill level" because I have replaced all suspension parts on both a Civic(97) and an Accord(95) ? Oh and I do have spring compressors;)

If your looking for a replacement mount, some brands come with the bearing others do not.

The bearing can be separated from the mount. Don't know if NAPA sells the bearing only. The Toyota dealer may have it as their strut mounts can come without the bearing. KYB brand mounts typically include the bearing. Best to check when buying.

The Accord suspension is also a McPherson design but different layout. The lower part of the Camry strut bolts to the knuckle. It has a similar pressed in axle bearing design but the rotor is in front of the hub so it can be removed without pulling the hub off.

The axle nut is something like 132 lb-ft.

If you can do one, you should be able to do the other.

The Autozone website at www.autozone.com should have suspension info for the Camry in the vehicle self help repair guide section.

But can i change the bearing only? I CAN buy 1 bearing for $39 verses 1 mount and bearing for $55:D

Yes, the mount is 2-piece. Easily taken apart to replace the bearing.

What is wrong with the mount?

The bearing can start to fail making a popping noise when the steering wheel is rotated.

More common is the "rubber" material in the mount failing resulting in a knocking noise when going over potholes, speed bumps, etc.

I don't think that it is possible..
let me consult it with someone else...

Sorry, its been done for a while;) I ended up replacing the whole strut mountx2 and the stabilzer links. I could have replaced just the bearings but the rubber part in the mount itself was very warn so I replaced the whole mount. It was a 5 hour job total and the was because I used spring compessors, the bolts were rusted on the stabilizer links and I did not use air tools:) The car rides SO much better now!

The rubber in the mounts do start to go bad.

Good job!