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SolaraGuy.com • View topic - Strut Clunking Noise?
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Strut Clunking Noise?

PostPosted: Fri Nov 15, 2002 12:51 pm
by Ben
Hi.

My wife's 99 Solara has developed a clunking front strut noise from both
sides. What the hell happened, and what is it going to cost to fix?

A dealer said it was strut plates?, and it did not effect the saftey or operation of the car, however; it sounds like the front end is falling off when you hit bumps.

Is this a common thing--what should I do ?

Thanks -

Ben

Co-Owner, 99 SOLARA SLE

Yes it's a common thing...

PostPosted: Fri Nov 15, 2002 1:56 pm
by SKYravefever
A lot of the Camrys and Solaras have had problems with the upper strut mount, which causes the clunking. I've also been told by the dealer that it's doesn't affect the performance of the struts, other than the annoying clunks.

Here's a short discussion.
http://www.camryman.org/cgi-bin/config.pl?read=181065

Personally, I've had the clunking for a good 10K mi., and have not bothered with fixing it as it doesn't affect the performance, or so I've been told. It IS definately annoying though. I agree with you that it sounds like my car's falling apart when it clunks :cry:

PostPosted: Mon Nov 18, 2002 6:31 am
by SolaraGirl
i have also had that noise for a while, and so far everything is ok (knock on wood). :fadein:

PostPosted: Mon Nov 18, 2002 6:35 am
by SolaraGirl
i have also had that noise for a while, and so far everything is ok (knock on wood). :fadein:

PostPosted: Mon Nov 18, 2002 11:41 am
by Jay
I had the same problem with my left front strut..

I went to the junk yard, and found entire (spring+strut) suspension set up for $65. No more noise...

PostPosted: Mon Nov 18, 2002 5:24 pm
by Yanks0114
Jay wrote:I had the same problem with my left front strut..

I went to the junk yard, and found entire (spring+strut) suspension set up for $65. No more noise...


hmm...haven't found many solaras at junkyards, was it from a solara or a camry?

PostPosted: Mon Nov 18, 2002 10:25 pm
by Guest
I had that problem with the rear driver's side. Toyota said the strut was blown and replaced it and it has been good ever since

PostPosted: Mon Nov 18, 2002 10:27 pm
by Cyanide41
sorry, that last post was me. I forget that the work PC doesn't log me in automaticly

PostPosted: Mon Nov 18, 2002 10:28 pm
by Jay
From Solara..

Camry and Solara has different spring rates. If you are mechanically inclined, you can just buy the strut from either Camry or Solara.... Only problem is that junk yards don't like to sell "ONLY" the strut... It's too much work for them to actually compress the spring, and etc..etc...

PostPosted: Tue Nov 19, 2002 5:15 am
by Yohon
Jay, I've got an 01SLE with this problem (I'm aware that Toyota has a TSB for 99MY only), mainly the passenger right front strut.
. . . when hitting certian bumps (not holes) it sounds like the shock wants to shoot to outerspace and makes a magnificant pounding noise in it's effort to do so. jeeesh.

Here, I know of only two (that's 2) bumps in Michigan that will cause this to happen so I avoid them at all costs. Futher, my car has 30k miles and there is no problem with pull etc. except for the fact that my tires have to be replaced already. Bridgestone Potenza's soon to be replace by Bridgestone Turanza H . . . but not before I think that the strut problem or loose ball joint may be wearing down my tires prematurely.

Question:

Can you provide the names of the components you used to replace your struts? and, no I'm not looking to lower my vehicle nor make a stiffer ride . . I be gettin ode man and want a smmooooothe ride. and . . . I do know that eventually my car will be out of warranty, hense I would want to fix them once, and pay the dealer only once.

any help would be appreciated, thanks.

PostPosted: Fri Nov 22, 2002 11:54 pm
by TITO
I have the same problem on my fornt end and the sound is louder on the right side. As mentioned, the problem is with the upper strut mount. If you replace them with after market strut plates you can fix the problem. Replacing your struts or springs will not. I bought new KYB struts and lowering springs for better handling an appearance. It looks and handles great but the "clunking" noise is still there just as before and it seems to be getting louder. I just can't get myself to pay to fix the strut plates. Somehow I feel like Toyota should pay for it (design flaw). That's why the dealer keeps telling us that IT does not affect safety or handling, its true but it sure is annoying! Big car maker politics.

Re: Strut Clunking Noise?

PostPosted: Sat Nov 23, 2002 12:15 am
by Vampire
It is quite common. What happens is that the upper part of the spring moves around in the plate and bangs around. The fix by Toyota was a revised upper strut isolator. Which is basically a thicker and slightly bigger upper rubber mount that is supposed to prevent the spring from dancing around and making a noise. Part of it also forms the strut rod accordian cover.

Ben wrote:Hi.

My wife's 99 Solara has developed a clunking front strut noise from both
sides. What the hell happened, and what is it going to cost to fix?

A dealer said it was strut plates?, and it did not effect the saftey or operation of the car, however; it sounds like the front end is falling off when you hit bumps.

Is this a common thing--what should I do ?

Thanks -

Ben

Co-Owner, 99 SOLARA SLE