Auto Parts: Camry Springs, pep boys, guideline specifications


Question
Hi there. Help me out here please.
I drive a Camry 92 LE 4cyl and i have to replace the springs. Since i live in Ecuador, i can't find this part for my car, no one sells that here.
The question is: Can i remove the springs and take them to the parts shop and buy a spring of other car that fit mine? i know i will not find the same one but maybe one with the same characteristics will do.
Do you know which car's springs can fit my camry?
Thanks very much for ur help

Answer
Hi Carlos,

because your vehicle was manufactured for purchase outside of the USA, I would not be able to accurately give you the interchange for YOUR vehicle as it most likely differs from the interchange of vehicles manufactured for use in the states.

You are correct in assuming that as long as the spring meets the exact specifications of the one you are replacing (spring height as well as spring diameter and diameter of the rolled-steel) you should have no issues. If you go outside the guideline specifications of the new spring it could adversely affect the ride characteristics of your car which could be dangerous or even deadly. So if the spring on your car is 8" wide, 14" tall and the bar is 3/4" thick, you'll need to match those specs exactly in order to replace. If the new spring is 16" tall, it will probably add a few hundred pounds of excess spring pressure once installed and that could affect ride height which would be dangerous. If you opt for a 5/8" thick bar instead of the 3/4" or whatever is installed, you will reduce the amount of weight the axle can carry and that could also be dangerous.

My advice would be to seek-out and find a local auto technician and ask what they think.

Looking for a reputable service technician? My advice on finding a good technician is: Steer clear of the dealership and 'chain' stores like Firestone, Sears, Pep Boys, Monro Muffler/Brake, Midas, etc. as they usually only employ ONE ASE Certified Tech just so they can say they do and chances are, that guy is the asst. manager or manager and is not in the store to diagnose/repair vehicles anyway. Find a service location in the link below or get some names out of the yellow-pages and do a drive-by. Garages that employ ASE Certified Technicians will be marked with the 'Blue-Seal' insignia. If unsure about whether a place employs Certified Techs, just ask to see their credentials. ALL ASE Certified Technicians will be PROUD to show and display their certificate(s).

Thanks for the question, I hope this information was helpful to you.
Fred
Knucklebusters Used Auto & Truck Parts, Inc.
www.knucklebusters.us
570-453-0910
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