2004 Solara SLE rear end noise

[yanges]

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.

what tire pressure are you running in the rear tires?

[falaniz]

yanges

I checked this morning and found both tires were at 30 PSI

[falaniz]

Good news! Replacement of the rear struts and mounts solved the problem. Toyota's work order states the following...

CK Customer states there ia a thumping noise from rear. Install SOP struts.
Cause: CK Abnormal noise when driving over bumps from rear. Replaced rear shocks, poor material, poor fit replaced shocks and mounts 482201 S
187 W 1.20
1 48540-A9120 Absorber Assy, shock (N/C)
1 48530-A9120 Absorber Assy, shock (N/C)
1 48750-06061 Support Assy, rr sus (N/C)
1 48760-06061 Support Assy, rr sus (N/C)
482201A Comb: Opposite Side
187 W 0.50 (N/C)
482201E Comb: Toe-In
187 W 0.20 (N/C)
FC: T1/91/T2/57
Part# 48540A9120

Based on their comments "poor material" I'm not sure if they replaced everything with the exact same part or if they used something of a better quality which is why I am listing part #s.

[HomeboyMI]

Thank you for keeping us informed. I will now take my car into my local Toyota dealer armed with your results. People like you are definately an asset to this web site.

Gary

[cablemn]

Good news! Replacement of the rear struts and mounts solved the problem. Toyota's work order states the following...

CK Customer states there ia a thumping noise from rear. Install SOP struts.
Cause: CK Abnormal noise when driving over bumps from rear. Replaced rear shocks, poor material, poor fit replaced shocks and mounts 482201 S
187 W 1.20
1 48540-A9120 Absorber Assy, shock (N/C)
1 48530-A9120 Absorber Assy, shock (N/C)
1 48750-06061 Support Assy, rr sus (N/C)
1 48760-06061 Support Assy, rr sus (N/C)
482201A Comb: Opposite Side
187 W 0.50 (N/C)
482201E Comb: Toe-In
187 W 0.20 (N/C)
FC: T1/91/T2/57
Part# 48540A9120

Based on their comments "poor material" I'm not sure if they replaced everything with the exact same part or if they used something of a better quality which is why I am listing part #s.

OH, YOU ARE THE MAN!!!!! just one question....how long did they keep the car?
i just removed everything from my trunk and i still have the noise also. i'm gonna run my car in next week. thank you thank you thank you. BTW when was your car built?

[falaniz]

They originally didn't have the parts in stock so they had to order them and they called me when they came in, that took just over a week. The replacement took approx. 2.5 hours. My car was built on 11/2003.

[falaniz]

After test driving for several days now I have noticed that the fix Toyota applied was not 100%. It was more like 98% and what I mean by that is that the noise is not completely gone. On occassion over larger bumps I can still hear the thumping. Don't get me wrong, this is a great improvement over that way it sounded before the struts were swapped out. I can't help but wonder if the noise will get worse over time. I have over 10,000 miles on my car and think that maybe the struts are aging prematurely. Will that noise get worse over time? I guess I have no choice but to wait and see.

[jig47]

After getting all jazzed up over Falaniz's post on the rear end noise, I headed on over to the customer service rep at the dealership. I showed him the post indicating the fix and part numbers and he said the area rep was there and would consider the fix. I thought this would get the job done, but after 3 days of waiting, I'm told this is "normal "and the part numbers are exactly the same as the parts already in the car. After inspecting the suspension/struts and finding nothing "wrong", the service writer said nothing at this time was being done by Toyota, as they all do this. The only good part of this is that Toyota paid for my rental car which was a real POS, a Dodge grand caravan. Unbelieveably, this car managed a meager 11mpg in the city. When I complained, Enterprise claimed, it's new and not broken in yet. DOH. Seriously folks, the only way this problem will be solved is if we write negative reviews on other car related sites about the defect with the suspension/transmission. Otherwise, Toyota will continue to deny us and treat us like a bunch of crybabies. Anyhow, gotta go, I have to write a couple of reviews, starting with MSN's website in their automotive section

[Katherine]

Yep... I'm having this problem too. A bad clunking/vibration on bumpy roads. And I think the brakes were making a funny noise the other night. Not to mention the Auto function on the window has went (there is water getting into the driver's side window, like in the body of the car, because when i roll down the window and roll it back up when it's not raining, the window is all wet, it's weird, i think it's affecting the window function)... Just add this to the list of problems I will have to present. And to think I thought I was buying quality...!

[falaniz]

After getting all jazzed up over Falaniz's post on the rear end noise, I headed on over to the customer service rep at the dealership. I showed him the post indicating the fix and part numbers and he said the area rep was there and would consider the fix. I thought this would get the job done, but after 3 days of waiting, I'm told this is "normal "and the part numbers are exactly the same as the parts already in the car. After inspecting the suspension/struts and finding nothing "wrong", the service writer said nothing at this time was being done by Toyota, as they all do this. The only good part of this is that Toyota paid for my rental car which was a real POS, a Dodge grand caravan. Unbelieveably, this car managed a meager 11mpg in the city. When I complained, Enterprise claimed, it's new and not broken in yet. DOH. Seriously folks, the only way this problem will be solved is if we write negative reviews on other car related sites about the defect with the suspension/transmission. Otherwise, Toyota will continue to deny us and treat us like a bunch of crybabies. Anyhow, gotta go, I have to write a couple of reviews, starting with MSN's website in their automotive section

I don't know If I'd settle for that lame excuse. Yes the parts are the same but who is to say that the assembly of the parts is correct? The mechanic who worked on my car made it sound like there was more of a probelm during the assembly of the car. I know they are suppose to go thru these quality control checks but it could be something that was overlooked or maybe even spec'd wrong, who knows. Taking the sturts apart and reassembling them would eliminate that possibility.

[It_Paved]

After test driving for several days now I have noticed that the fix Toyota applied was not 100%. It was more like 98% and what I mean by that is that the noise is not completely gone. On occassion over larger bumps I can still hear the thumping. Don't get me wrong, this is a great improvement over that way it sounded before the struts were swapped out. I can't help but wonder if the noise will get worse over time. I have over 10,000 miles on my car and think that maybe the struts are aging prematurely. Will that noise get worse over time? I guess I have no choice but to wait and see.

I had the noticable Bump in the back, but it seemed to have went away. I drive a lot for work and just crossed the 10K threshhold. Maybe I've been conditioned to "tune out" the bump. I'll listen for it the next time I go for a drive...

[It_Paved]

I had the noticable Bump in the back, but it seemed to have went away. I drive a lot for work and just crossed the 10K threshhold. Maybe I've been conditioned to "tune out" the bump. I'll listen for it the next time I go for a drive...

Listened for it...don't hear it anymore, though I know it was there at first.

Hmmmmm...

[Katherine]

I brought mine in not too long ago for the vibration in the rear. They said it was a loose cargo tray. At first I was skeptical but when I drove the car home (and since then) the noise has gone away. Guess I got lucky...

[jig47]

Could someone please explain where exactly the cargo tray is and how to stop it from making noise. I find it hard to believe that this is the cause of the thumping sound, but it would be great if it was.

[Katherine]

I think it's that black tray on the left hand side (if you are facing the trunk) with the cup holder-looking things. I don't know what else it could be. When they had it at the dealership and called me to say it was the cargo tray, i kept thinking oh no way, because i remember reading the posts from this board that said that that was an excuse and didnt solve the problem... Lo and behold, it really did!! I got very fortunate.