Hi Guys this lloks like a new site. I'm repairing a 1992 camry wagon with 160k miles on it. have done a few things to it- including replacing the interior now looking to replace the struts (shocks) I also have a 1989 sedan which will provide the donor shock which are it much better shape. the shock on the wagon virually stuffed but the car is good and very straight.

any one had any experience replacing struts and have any tips and pitfall advice

thanks
Aussiejo

 

After reading your post i did a quick check of my haynes manual for my Camry Solara, and yes changing the struts on almost any FWD car is usually a straightforward deal. Jack it up take off the wheel, unbolt the strut and remove the coil spring/strut from the car.
With one wrinkle though, you MUSt have a spring compressor tool to compress the coil spring and remove the struts. I'm sure I dont have to tell you, do not try to remove the strut from the spring without this tool, the spring is just too powerful and it will half kill ya unless it is compressed by the tool first before unbolting everything and replacing the strut. I dont know where you buy tools down under but www.Sears.com makes a pretty good one for $40 US.
And follow the instructions with the tool to the letter, grease the threads on the tool etc. and you should have no problems.

 

If you have never done it before,I recomment bringing it to a mechanic,things can get tricky depending on the condition of the car.