is this a wide spread problem?

 

Not sure that you'll find many camry experts here, mostly truck...but I would say no. They aren't overly hard to strip, since the heads are aluminum, but I would say it's a crappy mechanic issue, not a camry issue. So if it's a widespread problem, it's because of a mechanic not knowing what the hell he's doing. You've got to be careful when you work with any bolts on an aluminum head.

 

helicoil they are around 2 bucks a piece. Requires drilling. Have fun. a machine shop will do it for around $300

 

Assuming this isn't spam.....


which part is stripped, the head of the bolt, or the threads in the block?

 

If its the head, just tap it out to the next size bolt. I also put a flexible joint between the downpipe and the rest of the exhaust to eat up the excess vibrations and shock to those bolts and the aluminum head, from the weight of the entire exhaust system.

 

x2......used to have a camry in college and the helicoil worked like a charm

 

striped as in like a zebra or like a tiger. Or is it more of a kudu striping. Just kidding. Might want to change the spelling in the title though.

 

yes this appears to be a very common problem on 2.4l,the rear head bolts strip out,the bolts are loose on removale,it is not the result of the mechanic not doing his job.check other forums,and check with toyota