Rear suspension

JEREMY LANE

MEMBER
1995 TOYOTA CAMRY
3.0L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
254,000 MILES

I recently upgraded from 15 to 17 in rims and tires. I really don't want to think my so called friends are sabotaging me and my car but nevertheless when I drove it to my previous location it was driving fine. I stay for a couple hours and when I left and came back to my present location it sounds and feels like i'm running something over like a bump in the road or something like that, which I am not. The driver's side rear end appears to now be sitting on the tire, like the wheel well it almost sitting directly on top of the tire. And the driver side rear taillight is no longer working. What can I check to diagnose the problem so I can better determine if I have been made a victim in this?

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,205 POSTS

Hi,

the only way it can drop like that is if the strut broke and the coil spring (part of the strut assembly) is no longer holding it up, the top of the strut, where it mounts to the body has rusted through and the strut pushed up through, or the strut has somehow come disconnected.

I attached a pic below. I highlighted the coil and strut assembly. Check to see if it is damaged. Also, look both up to see if there is a rust issue and sown to see if something has come disconnected.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

Image (Click to make bigger)

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Friday, December 25th, 2020 AT 6:09 PM

JEREMY LANE

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Bro, I swear to you that I had found out earlier what the issue is/was. I swear to you, you are exactly right. The spring has broken free from the strut. Causing the car to behave like it is. Next question, where can I find a quality part at a reasonable price?

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Friday, December 25th, 2020 AT 7:03 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,205 POSTS

Hi,

Are you able to upload a pic of exactly what broke? The least expensive place I know of to purchase a new strut assembly (which will include the coil) is rockauto. Com Also, if you google discount coupon for rockauto. Com, you will find several to get an additional 5% off.

The thing is this. If it is the strut assembly, you should replace both sides simply because the opposite side is likely worn.

If possible, upload a pic or identify in the pic I attached what is broken. One other thought. Make sure the larger wheel isn't touching the assembly.

Let me know if I can help.

Take care,
Joe

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Friday, December 25th, 2020 AT 7:09 PM

JEREMY LANE

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I will send in a picture as soon as the sun gets a little higher in the sky. Is it safe, or well, okay to drive it like that?

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Saturday, December 26th, 2020 AT 4:24 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,205 POSTS

Hi,

No, don't drive it that way. It isn't safe. I will watch for your pics so I can better direct you, but based on what you told me, it isn't safe to drive.

Take care and I hope you had a good Christmas.

Joe