Rear End Squeak?

[TW85]

Have any of you noticed a squeak in the rear end during a hard or sudden stop? The squeak happens as you come to a complete stop and the rear end settles back down. I took it to the dealer yesterday for my sunroof and also mentioned the noise, and even duplicated it for the mechanic to some degree, but they completely ignored it. Any idea what the squeak may be? It does not occur over bumps, only when coming to a complete, hard/sudden stop.

[Dekanas]

Yes, I have noticed it too. But I think it is from the front of the car??

[DocJohn]

Suggest to your Toyota service folks they read TSB SU002-06 "Rear Suspension Thump Noise" which states:
"Some customers may experience a thump noise coming from a combination of the rear upper supports and rear shock absorbers when traveling over bumps or rough road surfaces. Updated rear upper supports and rear shock absorber service parts are available to improve the noise condition."

Tell them this is what you are hearing and that you want the updated rear upper supports and rear shock absorber service parts installed.

I don't know for certain that this will correct your problem, but I doubt it will make it any worse (... "won't hurt, could help"....)

[TW85]

I am convinced these fools at the dealership are intentionally deaf to noises. I distinctly heard the rear end thump described in the TSB (the squeak I originally asked about is a separate issue) while on the test drive with the service manager and mechanic but of course, they heard nothing. The service manager even went so far as to say it is the gas sloshing around in the tank.

The squeak I mentioned definitely comes from the rear. If I come to a gradual stop and ease up on the brakes before coming to a complete stop, the noise cannot be heard, and that is exactly what the service guys were doing even though I told them it only happens during more abrupt stops. Such as if I have to stop suddenly in a parking lot, when the rear settles back down it squeaks. It is at its worst in 85*+ weather and can barely be heard (and can be mistaken for brake noise) at lower temperatures. To make matters worse, I am out of warranty in two months and simply do not have the time to keep messing around with these issues.

I am really disappointed in Toyota lately. If it didn't cost so much money, I would sell this car and buy something else.

[DocJohn]

Sorry to hear about your dealership problems. I initially had similar problems with my dealership when I first bought my Solara and I brought it in for them to fix the left drift problem. I got the same kind of run around and blow off as it sounds you are getting.

My only advice would be to try a different Toyota dealership. Maybe they will be more amenable to correcting this problem for you before the warranty expires.
I also would also suggest calling and/or writing to Toyota Customer Relations complaining about your dealership’s failure to fix your car even though the problem you are having is described in a Toyota TSB and covered under warranty. (This is what I finally had to do).

BTW - My Solara is with Toyota service as of yesterday having the work done to correct the rear suspension thump problem as per TSB SU002-06. They had to order the new parts and my car should be ready later today.

[PXLpainter]

If you have a TRD RSB installed, then grease up the bushings some more.

If you still have OEM RSB - get the dealer to do it!

[TW85]

Had the squeak before I installed the TRD RSB. Or did I? Hmm, will have to think about this. What grease would be best? Have read something about a Mobile 1 synthetic. When I installed the RSB, I originally placed the bushings in the wrong location and had to slide them over, and as a result, a lot of the grease was spread across the bar. Still can't imagine it is the cause of the squeak but I'll look into it. Would certainly be an easy fix and I wouldn't have to mess with the frickin' dealer.

[DocJohn]

Had the squeak before I installed the TRD RSB. Or did I? Hmm, will have to think about this. What grease would be best? Have read something about a Mobile 1 synthetic. When I installed the RSB, I originally placed the bushings in the wrong location and had to slide them over, and as a result, a lot of the grease was spread across the bar. Still can't imagine it is the cause of the squeak but I'll look into it. Would certainly be an easy fix and I wouldn't have to mess with the frickin' dealer.

Yes, you can get a squeak from the RSB if its not well-lubed.

Mobil 1 synthetic grease works well (especially in cold climates). White lithium grease will do the job well too and is very resistant to water.