2001 Solara SLE V6 convertible

by **average_guy** » Sat May 23, 2009 8:08 pm

Hi:

I found this site URL in a comment at Toyota Nation on the Solara forum (under Camrys and Solaras). I have some questions about my Solara so I was glad to find this site. I'll be looking at posts and maybe posting to get my questions answered. Maybe I'll be able to add something to the site in the future as well.

average_guy
Pickerington, Ohio

by **BLACK V6** » Sat May 23, 2009 8:21 pm

Welcome. I find this forum alot more user-friendly than TN. Hope to see you around. Do you have any mods? If so lets see some pics!!

by **average_guy** » Sat May 23, 2009 8:32 pm

BLACK V6 wrote:Welcome. I find this forum alot more user-friendly than TN. Hope to see you around. Do you have any mods? If so lets see some pics!!

Thanks for the welcome.

No mods at this point. I bought the car for my wife's birthday last August, and it was garaged over the winter. Right now I'm trying to figure out if I have a problem with my strut mounts, which I have since found out is common in the Solara.

I'll try to get a pic posted soon.

by **BLACK V6** » Sat May 23, 2009 8:36 pm

Do you have the "rattling" problem? I just got that fixed in mine a few months ago.

by **average_guy** » Sat May 23, 2009 9:15 pm

BLACK V6 wrote:Do you have the "rattling" problem? I just got that fixed in mine a few months ago.

It could be described as a rattle. I notice it when I go over bumps or potholes, but I gues I would call it more of a vibration than a rattle. It feels and sounds like it is coming from the front end somehwere, like maybe a bad tie rod end would feel like. When it is parked and I push down on the hood it does give some and bounce slightly. It has a little less than 83,000 miles on it. We are the third owner and I don't have detailed records on it as far as if and when struts have been changed. The tires are at 5/32 and appear to have worn evenly but are in need of replacing. I want to find the cause of the rattle first so I don't waste new tires.

What did you have fixed? Were the symptoms anything like mine?

Thanks!!!

by **BLACK V6** » Sat May 23, 2009 9:19 pm

Yeah, exactly like yours. Apparently it happens alot to 1st gen solaras. I took it to a local shop. They had dealt with it many times and knew exactly how tofix it. It was a problem with the strut mounts. Im usually pretty good with car stuff but that one stumped me too. Im sure someone here knows the problem and fix. It just had something to do with the mounts is all i know.

by **average_guy** » Sat May 23, 2009 9:20 pm

BY the way, that is a sharp pic of your Solara. Ours is Silver with the black dealer pinstripe with a black ragtop and silver badges. I'll post a pic ASAP. We also have a Black 2000 Sienna and a Gold 1996 Camry LE Wagon; all have the 3L V6.

by **average_guy** » Sat May 23, 2009 9:23 pm

BLACK V6 wrote:Yeah, exactly like yours. Apparently it happens alot to 1st gen solaras. I took it to a local shop. They had dealt with it many times and knew exactly how tofix it. It was a problem with the strut mounts. Im usually pretty good with car stuff but that one stumped me too. Im sure someone here knows the problem and fix. It just had something to do with the mounts is all i know.

The word I'm getting is upper strut mounts. How much did you have to lay out to get it fixed? I've heard that it is very common, do you know if it is a recall item?

by **BLACK V6** » Sat May 23, 2009 9:34 pm

Im not sure how much it would cost. I had connections with the shop owner and he just had it done free of charge. I dont think its a big fix. I think youre right with upper strut mounts thing. That seems right.

by **average_guy** » Sat May 23, 2009 9:37 pm

It possibly was a recall thing then, unless you were still under warranty. I'll check it out. I really appreciate you taking the time to let me know about your experience.

by **average_guy** » Sat May 23, 2009 9:38 pm

Are those amber lights stock?

by **BLACK V6** » Sat May 23, 2009 9:41 pm

Sure, no problem. Are you talking about my fogs? Or my turn signals?

Turn Signals: Clear Corner Lens w/ Sylvania Bulb (blue tint)

Fog Lights: Transparent Yellow Paint w/ 2500K Nokya Bulbs

by **average_guy** » Sat May 23, 2009 9:51 pm

I was talking about the fogs. It looks great on the black. Probably sharp as can be at dusk...

by **average_guy** » Sat May 23, 2009 9:56 pm

Actually I just clicked over to your Cardomain site and saw the dusk pics..lol. It does look good in the pics, I'm sure better live. Was it wrecked before?

by **GzNutz** » Sat May 23, 2009 11:48 pm

Welcome to SG!

2001 Solara SLE V6 convertible

2001 Solara SLE V6 convertible

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