Hi everyone,
I just got a 98 Camry... And it has issues!
Runs great, 4-banger, 268k on the clock. TB just done, just recharged the AC, ready to start on the real issues now. Car needs an alignment but has an obvious suspension problem. I've done a number of jobs on various cars but none of them toyotas and none of them suspension.
First issue- I hit a low speed bump today, slowly enough that the car rebounded back and I had to give it a little gas to get over the bump- the car hit bottom hard coming off the speed bump- how do I determine whether it is the struts or the springs, or something else? What are the tests for ball joints and TRE's?

Second issue- I noticed a loud creak when turning the steering wheel at low speeds- is this a common issue, if so what is the resolution?

Is there anything else I should look out for on this car?

Thanks!

 

Has the car been lowered, smaller wheels or anything else done?

Take pictures and post of the car showing the spacing between the tires and fenders. How much ground clearance does the chassis have at the drivers door area?

For ball joints and TRE's you need to inspect them. A bar is used to check the ball joint for play. TRE's typically can be hand inspected for excess play.

Have someone rotate the steering wheel while you listen under the hood in the steering shaft U-joint area. Use a section of hose as a stethoscope. Also listen in the area of the upper strut mounts.

 

The creaking seems to come from the drivers side strut mount but I just started noticing it today and have not looked under the vehicle yet. Would it make sense to get a grease gun, or are all the bearings on this car sealed?

 

Sealed.

 

If you are replacing the struts, you might as well do the upper strut mount bearings while you're at it. Peace of mind for a high mileage car in my opinion.

 

I believe if you check at the auto parts stores. Full strut assemblies are now available.
That means, the strut, the spring, and the strut mount. One box, all assembled!
Tale it off at the bottom, 3 nuts at the top, out ,new one in, DONE!

 

I agree with Cochise, keep it nice and easy!