Got a strut mount question...

[dbanker]

I just got my car back today and had the front strut mount bushings replaced to fix the "noise" problem. I have a '99 Solara and it was very noticable. I was skeptical at first of how big of a difference there would be but I can definitely tell the difference. For those of you who have this problem I would DEFINITELY recommend doing this. The dealer paid for the parts and I the labor (about $200) with an alignment (about $70). Though I'm sure you could have it done cheaper elsewhere if you wanted. Anyway- It made a huge difference. No noise now and even better handling/cornering (slightly). Which surprised me.

[Kocho]

'00 LE 4 cyl. However, the noise might come back. I have the TRD springs / Tokico struts and this might be contributing to the noise. Basically, I'm living with it ...

I have replaced both mounts about 3 times (including a KYB mount) and the noise is still there a bit better after replacement but it gradually comes back. My driver side is noticeably worse than the passenger side - when I sit at the pass side I almost don't hear it, but on the driver side it is bad.

BTW, I also have the TRD insulator (dicontinued) and don't think it makes a difference as far as the noise is concerned. It does make the mount stiffer though, resulting in tighter handling, but more road noise

[dbanker]

That's interesting. I've had good luck with mine thusfar. I've only had them on for about 3 weeks though so it's too early to tell. I'm still very glad that I had them replaced, there's a huge difference. I'd replace them again if I had to, that noise was a pain.
I'll be pissed if that noise comes back though...I'm currently on OEM springs/struts so that could be why. I plan on getting the Tokico/Eibach combo here in a few months so it'll be interesting to see what happens then.

[cdssolara]

For all of you who had this problem: Did you notice the clunking sounds only over bumps and rough surfaces? I am getting a similar clunking sound from my right front strut area, but I only get it when I accelerate from a stop or slow speed, and when I brake at slow speeds. For me, front to back movement seems to cause it, as opposed to up and down movement. Has anyone else had this kind of noise under the same conditions?

[SpikedMantis]

For all of you who had this problem: Did you notice the clunking sounds only over bumps and rough surfaces? I am getting a similar clunking sound from my right front strut area, but I only get it when I accelerate from a stop or slow speed, and when I brake at slow speeds. For me, front to back movement seems to cause it, as opposed to up and down movement. Has anyone else had this kind of noise under the same conditions?

I get a clunking noise that sounds like that when I back out of my garage.

[cdssolara]

For all of you who had this problem: Did you notice the clunking sounds only over bumps and rough surfaces? I am getting a similar clunking sound from my right front strut area, but I only get it when I accelerate from a stop or slow speed, and when I brake at slow speeds. For me, front to back movement seems to cause it, as opposed to up and down movement. Has anyone else had this kind of noise under the same conditions?

I get a clunking noise that sounds like that when I back out of my garage.

Does it come from only one side, or does it seem like it's from all over? Do you ever hear it over bumps, or when going forward?

[SpikedMantis]

Does it come from only one side, or does it seem like it's from all over? Do you ever hear it over bumps, or when going forward?

I sometimes hear it from the right front or left back. But I could be wrong, I've been told I'm deaf. But I have noticed it at lower speeds. I'll try again after school.

[Guest]

This is the same problem I had. When I was at the dealer the head tech there said that the noise has historically been most predominant on the passenger (front right) side. Although both front strut mounts can be affected like mine were.
The noise I had was an annoying "clunking" sound, it's hard to describe. It was clearly noticeable when going over speed bumps, or up driveways and across washboard road surfaces. Now that I've had both strut mounts replaced the problem is completely gone, it's great. IMO it all just depends on if you can live with it or not. I'm sure the problem you all are having is the same I had as well as other's who've had this fixed. I just can't imagine it'd be anything else.

[Guest]

I had the same problem with my 99 Solara. It is the strut mounts. I got my struts and strut mounts replaced and the problem went away. A week later the noise and rattling came back. I took it in and the mechanic said that the strut mount they put in ended up being defective. Luckily it was under warranty and they replaced it. I have not had problems since. At first they thought it was the brake calipers and changed those out which obviously did not solve the problem. I got charged for that too, so don't let them tell you it is the brake calipers. It cost me an arm and a leg but man it drives so smooth now.

[BamBam]

To everyone that has changed their strut mounts...

How long have you had your 'new' mounts in and has the noise resurfaced??

Personally, I had my front struts and mounts changed under warranty once already, which solved the problem for about 6 months or so. Now a year and a half later, its louder than ever.

[Kocho]

I had mine replaced under warranty in November 2001 (27K miles). At the same time I put in TRD springs and Tokico struts. The noise diminished at that time, but did not disappear completely. It gradually returned within less than a year (actually within the warranty period of the repair). However I decided to change them myself this time, so I did it (at about 35K miles). Same thing - within several months the noise came back, especially on the driver side. I then tried a KYB brand mount on the driver side, but in my opinion it was worse than the redesigned OEMs which I'm currently with. The noise is not too bad, but very annoying if I pay attention to it. Now I have about 56K miles (mostly highway). It is definitely getting worse though, and I expect that in the summer I'll be changing the mounts again.

On the other post about noise from the front when coming from stop or reversing:

This is (most likely) due to the movement in the brake caliper when the direction of the wheel rotation changes. There again is a TSB for this - to put some special grease that would minimize it for about 6 monts. It is again considered "normal", so I would not worry about it too much if this is indeed the cause for your noise.

Here is list of "good" TSBs applicable to G4 Camry/Solara and some Avalons. The brake noise one is BR004-00. Check-out the power steering sqeaking noise one - ST004-00 - many have it (including me, but have not attempted to get it fixed yet)

ST008-01 DEC 01 * Front Suspension - Squeaking Noise
EG011-01 AUG 01 * MIL ON - DTC P0300 Random Multiple Cylinder Misfire
SU001-01 JUL 01 * Wheel Bearing Dust Deflector - Ticking Noise
BO017-01 MAY 01 Power Seats - Movement/Adjustment Inoperative
BO011-01 MAR 01 Seat Belt Tongue Plate Stopper - New Parts
BO028-00 NOV 00 Trunk - Water Leaks
BR004-00 OCT 00 * Brakes - Pad Clicking Noise
EL011-00 OCT 00 Daytime Running Light - Disabling Procedure
ST004-00 JUN 00 * P/S - Power Steering Rack Squeaking Noise
SU002-00 MAY 00 * Suspension - Rear Axle/Shock/Coil Reminder, ABS
SU001-00 JAN 00 * Suspension - Front Support Change Reduces Noise

[ingenu]

I just got a 99 SLE V6 and love everything but the %$#&@* noise coming from the front struts when driving over bumpy roads. I wonder if it's worth the money to get them fixed?

Is it true that the only problem is the noise and there are no other bad consquences of not getting them fixed?

[dbanker]

It all depends on how annoying the noise is to you. It sounds like you're pretty fed up with it though, like I was. I'm very glad I got it fixed and am REALLY hoping it doesn't come back like other's have experienced. If I had the option to do it again I would. So far after 1 month and 1k with the new strut mounts I've had no problems.

Also, the only problem is the noise. There is no safety or performance concern with the strut mounts. So you can drive on them with no problem.

[cdssolara]

It all depends on how annoying the noise is to you. It sounds like you're pretty fed up with it though, like I was. I'm very glad I got it fixed and am REALLY hoping it doesn't come back like other's have experienced. If I had the option to do it again I would. So far after 1 month and 1k with the new strut mounts I've had no problems.

Also, the only problem is the noise. There is no safety or performance concern with the strut mounts. So you can drive on them with no problem.

dbanker - have you noticed any new noises, or are things still fine with your car? I'm getting very fed up with the sound coming from my front right strut area, and even though it doesn't seem to occur when I go over bumps, I have to think it's the strut mount. Anyway, I was just curious if everything was still good with yours.

[indiglosolara]

I had this same problem with my 02 solara. i took it to 2 dealer ships and didn't find the problem. Finally i got really pissed at the noise since at the time my car was only 3 months old. i finally took it to LONGO TOYOTA in el monte cali. and they foudn the problem. they said it was the mouting bracket from the rear lower where the struts at mouted. they said they had alot of solaras coming back for this problem. they had a solution for me and since then it hasn't come back here what they had to change on my car:
Both Rear Struts, Mouting Brackets(unsure which one) bushing for top and bottom and washers. this solved my problem and since then never heard the noise.. thanks god!!! hope this helps u guy out a lil but..