Expert: Sean Halliday - 6/7/2009

Question
96 camry 4cyl le and 98same
Priced strut/spring/top @210 each @ APW
Don't  really want to mess with spring compression
Have read reports of 2-8 hours. seams pretty straight forward...Can I remove the whole unit and replace or is
it under pressure from the spring? If I can do it the
extra cost seams worth it to me. My mechanic wants $1000
to replace the front pair only

Answer
The strut will come off as one unit complete with spring.If you want to change the shock only,you will have to compress the spring to re use it.Do not release the spring without first using spring compressors or you can be seriously injured as the spring is under a lot of pressure.It is impossible to replace the shock only without compressing the spring.$1000 is way too much,shop around to get a cheaper pair.This job can be done in 2-3 hrs.