99 Solara Front Strut Rattle At Low Speeds - Fixed - 01-28-2008, 12:48 PM
Camrys and Avalons may exhibit a rattling or popping noise from the front suspension at low speeds. In most cases these noises have been traced to the upper strut cushion attachment to the strut tower. The upper surface of the tower is covered with a seam sealer prior to painting and becomes compressed when the upper strut mounting nuts are tightened. When the sealer wears away, the upper strut mounting nuts can come loose.Remove the upper strut mounting nuts one at a time. Remove any built up seam sealer on the threads and tower, then reinstall and re-torque the nuts to 59 ft. lbs. or 80 Nm also the center nut should be cheaked also by lossening it a little then re-torque to factory spec 36 ft.lb w/electronic suspemion or 26 ft.lb without fix mine up good no more clunking at low speeds......:D
This information is absolute GOLD. I found the same TSB from Toyota. I did the above AND removed the two C-shaped metal pieces that were between the two outside nuts. Re-torque all 6 nuts to 59 ft/lb and the noise from the front is completely gone! :clap:
First, the struts completely wore out. So whenever I went over a speed bump, my car will bounce a lot and totally scrapped the pavement.
Got my struts replaced at a mechanic, but then it rattles on the front right side.
Went to a different mechanic and they said it was the strut mounts and replaced them. The sound went away for 6 months. Then they came back even worse! Whenever I drive over bumpy roads, the rattle will be loud and obnoxious.
Went back to the same mechanic to use the warranty repair. Rattle was gone for 3 months.
Decided to go to my original mechanic to fix them. They replaced the strut mounts and the sound went away for 6 months. Sounds came back and they said it was my brake pads.
Even though my brake pads were worn and replaced, the rattles are still there, albeit less than before.
The problem sounds like a hard ball rattling around in a coffee can. Only at slow speeds on fairly poor roads. The noise doesn't seem to be localized, only that it seems to be coming mostly from the front and from either side. The noise goes away after about 40 - 45 mph or on the highway. Had it looked at 4 or 5 times and no one has a clue what's wrong. Two mechanics said it's the struts, but they're the minority and it's a lot of money to risk.
I have had this godforsaken car fixed, struts replaced and the damn rattle is back with a vengeance!!! It is only getting worse. It is driving me INSANE!!! I have had it in the shop so many times I've lost count, for this to be a Toyota, IT SUCKS!!! I am considering selling this car only because of all the problems it seems to have. It was a one owner car when I purchased and was very happy with it and then the problems started. The only things with selling it is putting the problems that this car has on someone else which I would not want done to me. My sister has a 99 Toyota Avalon, and it has the same damn problem, Toyota.... YOU SUCK!!
- Pamela H.,
Bassett, VA, US
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
First, the struts completely wore out. So whenever I went over a speed bump, my car will bounce a lot and totally scrapped the pavement.
Got my struts replaced at a mechanic, but then it rattles on the front right side.
Went to a different mechanic and they said it was the strut mounts and replaced them. The sound went away for 6 months. Then they came back even worse! Whenever I drive over bumpy roads, the rattle will be loud and obnoxious.
Went back to the same mechanic to use the warranty repair. Rattle was gone for 3 months.
Decided to go to my original mechanic to fix them. They replaced the strut mounts and the sound went away for 6 months. Sounds came back and they said it was my brake pads.
Even though my brake pads were worn and replaced, the rattles are still there, albeit less than before.
I will never buy a Camry ever again!!!
- Jimmy P., Milpitas, CA, US