Cupping on the rear tires. Do the struts need replacing?

When was the last time you rotated your tires? Rotation is very important with front drive vehicles. Rear alignment doesn't go bad that often. I would have it looked at by a shop that does alignments before you jump into replacing struts and springs.

Agreed. Have a look at this: http://www.procarcare.com/includes/content/resourcecenter/encyclopedia/ch25/25readtirewear.html

I have always rotated pretty regularly. I've had 2 alignments performed in the last 6 months. The top of the rear tires seem to be toed in at the top. I just assumed the struts/springs were worn out. 150,000 miles of mostly highway driving.

Seriously cupped tires can be associated with bad shocks / struts. Especially if you have high mileage and maintain proper tire inflation pressure.

Thanks Fordnut! KeithC801 if the car has that many miles it could be time for new struts.

Thanks for the input. How labor intensive is replacing the rear struts on an 06 Avalon. I probably won't try it myself because I don't have the time and have never replaced struts, only shocks on older cars.I just want to make sure I am not paying too much for labor or for the struts themselves. Is it worth upgrading over stock replacements for a stiffer feel? I commute about 120 miles per day of mostly interstate/high way driving.

An hour, hour and a half tops plus an alignment. They're not hard to do if you have air tools. Labor and strut cost will depend where you live and who you have do the work. Don't got to a Toyota dealer for this. Not sure why you would want a stiffer feel is you drive so much?

I may do little research and try it myself to save a little money. I got about a $300 quote for the labor, plus $210 for each rear strut. Thanks for your help. What kind of tires do you recommend I go back with for a car like this? No winter driving for me.

Kieth, you need a strut spring compressor to DIY. That number is high for labor, but that's only because you have an Avalon so you are rich and can afford it and don't care. That's their attitude anyway. Have a look here, it give good instructions and torque specs. http://partsblog.olathetoyota.com/5264/toyota-avalon-shock-strut-replacement/

And Monroe struts cost less than $200 for both sides. https://www.google.com/search?q=2006+rear+struts+on+toyota+avalon&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8#q=2006+rear+struts+on+toyota+avalon&tbm=shop&spd=5443671648982386894

LOL FordNut. But unfortunately that is the sad truth about Toyota and Honda owners. You should be able to rent a spring compressor from Autozone/Pepboys/ect. or you can buy a strut/spring combo and not have to worry about a compressor.

Or on same page $342 for all Four WITH springs. So that $710 is out of line, you can do it. I know you can--- and save nearly $500. I had all four struts put on my Corolla, (Monroe), 4 new Goodyear Eagles, and a 4 wheel alignment and the total was just under $1k. I don't remember the breakdown of each, I keep the paperwork in my car for warranty

Good morning..I was away for a few minutes before my last post