Sunyata7

Back in early 2010 I bought a '97 ES300 with 143k miles on it for $4,800. 3 years later, I gotta say it's the best car purchase I ever made. I absolutely love the thing and bought it from a licensed mechanic who co-owned the shop. I thought this probably meant I got a car in tip-top shape. In fact, many of the parts/belts and whatnot had been installed brand new.

So far, it's been my favorite car ever. It started off driving smooth as butter, but lately - the past year or so - I've noticed it hasn't been so smooth. I've just ignored it as nothing major happened, but a few days ago I finally took it in for a full inspection. They told me mostly what I already suspected - it needed new tires, new struts, and the knock sensor replaced.

The day after I took it in, I noticed the car did not drive anything like it used to. It shook badly and the wheel went from side to side (or pulled badly) if I let go of it. I took it into a Firestone today and they looked at it and told me the top part of the struts were installed upside down! Is this even possible, or am I being taken for a ride? I had already ordered new tires and struts before they noticed. I find it really hard to believe because the previous owner I bought it from (and who drove it) was a mechanic. Apparently in the 35,000 miles I've driven the thing for, the struts have never been installed correctly.

LeX2K

Which part do you think they mounted upside down?

Sunyata7

I'll check it out when I go and pick my car up here soon.

I would guess it was simply the spring bumper, so nothing too serious from the looks of it.

BDSL

Even if the spring bumper is installed upside down, it will have no impact to the ride quality.
It is just a piece of rubber that prevents the struts to be bottomed out.