2004 Solara SLE rear end noise

[falaniz]

While browsing Google's newsgroup for a problem that I was experincing, I came across a link to this site. I've noticed that the problem I have been experiencing with my 2004 Solara is a common one and that most people have given up on a resolution because of Toyota Manufacture Reps telling them that "The 'noise' is inherent in Solaras and in all cars having that type of suspension... even the Lexus coupe".

The problem I am referring to is a thumping noise coming from the rear of the car when going over rough roads. It sounds almost as if the exhaust system is bouncing off of the frame. I was wondering if anyone here, having this problem, ever got a resolution or if they were getting the same run around.

I brought my car into the dealer twice for this same problem and they seem to be taking a Trial and Error approach to fixing it. They are currently plannig replacing the rear stut assembly, in the rear, on both sides off the car and I don't have much confidence in that as being the cure.

Any help or suggestions you have would be greatly appriciated.

[TW85]

10,500 miles on my car with no thumping. Only a couple of rattles that come and go.

[online]

I had a rattle/thumping noise when I picked up my 05. I emembered a thread I read through on-this site and I discovered the my issue. The screw down plate that secures the cover over the spare tire was loose. You may also want to check if the jack and lug nut wrench are secured.

Hope this helps

[falaniz]

Honestly, thats one thing I have to admit that I didn't even check. I would think that the service guys a the dealer would have checked that out before suggesting replacing the struts, but you never know! I'll check it out when I get a chance. Also, I don't know if we are comparing indentical cars, they may have made some changes, either intentionally or unintentionally, that corrected the problem in the 2005 model.

[jig47]

I have the exact problem with my '05 SLE v-6. I removed everything from the trunk and the noise remained. If your problem is a loose tire, then you are one lucky dude. From what I have been able to find out, this is a common defect with Solaras and a fix has not been issued as yet from Toyota. One other member indicated that the strut is rubbing against the body causing the noise and it needs to be repositioned. Changing out the struts may not fix the problem. I am also in the process of getting this looked into. If enough people complain, Toyota will have to do something. Please keep us posted on your progress, and I will let you know if I make any headway as well. Good luck.

[cablemn]

I have the exact problem with my '05 SLE v-6. I removed everything from the trunk and the noise remained. If your problem is a loose tire, then you are one lucky dude. From what I have been able to find out, this is a common defect with Solaras and a fix has not been issued as yet from Toyota. One other member indicated that the strut is rubbing against the body causing the noise and it needs to be repositioned. Changing out the struts may not fix the problem. I am also in the process of getting this looked into. If enough people complain, Toyota will have to do something. Please keep us posted on your progress, and I will let you know if I make any headway as well. Good luck.

if the strut is rubbing against the body wouldnt there be some signs of abrasion and wear where the two meet. that would be an easy way to locate that particular problem. i also had this problem on my 2003 altima 3.5 se. they said they changed out some kind of bolt and nut on the rear shocks but it really didnt help. wtf is up with new cars today?
when we had body on frame builds we didnt have these kind of problems you cant locate. damn...give me the 1960s again.

[HomeboyMI]

I have the same problem on my 04 Solara. It is a sound like flexing of metal. I think a dampner weight would help. We used to put them on the Sevilles at Cadillac in the 70s. It would quiet the rear ends and you wouldn't realize you were basically driving a Nova.

I haven't taken my car to the dealer yet. Thought I would wait until they have a little experience dealing with this problem.

[falaniz]

I finally got a chance to test online's theory. I removed EVERYTHING from the trunk of the car, the jack, tire, tire cover, etc., even that plastic thing to the left that looks like a cup holder. I took the car to a road that I knew created the thumping noise and I found the noise was still there, but not quite the same. With everthing in the trunk, as I went over a bump in the road, the noise was 4 to 5 consectutive thumps with each being a little softer that the previous thump. During my test I was only hearing 2 maybe 3 thumps.

I am beginning to wonder if there is more than one thing contributing to the noise. While removing each item from the trunk I noticed that the jack had a tendency to move, even if it was tight agaisnt the bracket that holds it. The tire bounced of the body when I hit it with my fist, making a noise that was simular to the thumping, even after I tighten it. The thing that I really found odd was that the tire cover layed losely over the tire and was in no way secure. Obviously there wasn't very much effort put into the design and engineering of the trunk noise levels.

I am going to share my findings with the dealer and I may just go ahead and let them replace the both rear strut assemblies to see if it fixes things 100%.

[jig47]

Suggest you let the dealer replace both struts as well as the strut mounting brackets. At least you will be moving ahead as to what it is or what it is not. Please keep us posted.

[mmcdonald]

I think you got fewer thumps because there was less sprung weight when you removed everything from the trunk. So it may be the suspension, but it could also be something bumping from the ride. Have you checked out the TSB on the package shelf? People here were talking about it rattling. Mine never did so I don't know if this is the same issue.

I don't seem to get the same noise you are describing, but I do get a sway bar creak when I roll into some turns. It sounds like a muffled fart, not a thump.

[mtodde]

The plastic accessory tray on the drivers side can come loose and rattle like crazy. If there is a strut problem it can make it worse. I had a friend ride in the back seat with half the back seat down and he helped pinpoint the accessory tray as part of the problem. Supposedly the strut was a little bit loose so it vibrated when braking. It has been almost 2 weeks since they fixed that along with replacing the rear deck and installing a pad kit...I've got my fingers crossed and am knocking on wood.

[falaniz]

mmdonald,

Not sure what your referring to when you say TSB on the package shelf... but this noise is definetely a thumping/ knocking noise that seems to correspond to the springs expanding and contracting.

mtodde,

The dealer says its the struts causing the problem, I have made an appointment for Wednesday OCt 13th to have them replaced, we will soon find out if that is the true cure.

[mtodde]

Good luck. I hope they get it taken care of for you.

[mmcdonald]

Technical Service Bulletin. These are released by manfactuers as they discover and resolve problems. The TSB shows the mechanics how to resolve a problem identified by the manufacturer. Basically an admission of guilt.

[falaniz]

Oh OK, Thanks but already had that TSB for the rear shelf done on my car. That was one of the porblems I pointed out the first time I brought the car in. I was getting a horrible vibration over bumps and when I played the radio too loud.