Clunk in the trunk revisited

[jig47]

Just wondering if anyone has resolved the issue with the right rear thump/clunk sound via a Toyota dealership. I am growing weary of passengers asking me if my spare tire is loose. Does anyone know what would be the easiest way to inspect the rear strut towers. I'd rather not have to remove the rear seat if possible.

[cablemn]

I recently had my springs changed and my mechanic did not have to remove the seats. There was just enough room to see the nuts that hold the struts down. He did however have to remove some fasteners that hold the trunk material together. After the springs were changed i did notice the thunk is less noticable. I'm thinking the strut is definitely the cause. i'm just waiting for some aftermarket struts to come onto the market. Then we'll see.

[Kjk747]

So I have this same issue. I call it an issue only because it is not a problem. The dealer has told me so and actually one other mechanic has told me the same thing. The noise on my car only starts when initially started and frist driven (I'm saying once I turn the ignition on and put it in drive for the first time for that drive) I hear in the rear right wheel like pulsating. It sounds for about 2-3 seconds. I was going crazy hearing it every morning and I thought of course there was something wrong. Well not believing the dealer cause I think all of them are crooks I took it to a mechanic who is very familiar with newer type cars. He explained to me the exact same thing which I would like someone else to confirm for me cause it was a bit odd. He told me that it was the intial activation of the ABS system. Either they are both nuts or know eachother. I have heard that not only toyota solara has this initial noise but suzuki and subaru. Wether true or not I don't know I have a friend who has a subaru and I am bound to ask. If this is the same noise I hope that answers something. I did not believe it as well and I thought all my wheels have ABS why do I hear the noise in the rear right wheel? But I did not go into detail asking more quesions I fugured that if the second guy told me the same thing I felt comfortable enough to trust him as well. BTY I have a 2005 Sport V6 Red and I love it to death except for the fact that I am working for a car payment now and a gas payment!

[jig47]

No, this is not the sound I am talking about. My car makes the initial sound you are talking about as well. I only wish that was all I had. I am talking about a thump sound from the right rear every time you go over a depression like a manhole cover or expansion joint. Sometimes it feels as if there is something loose in the suspension. Two dealers have driven it and tell me they all do this. If they all did this, I think there would be a lot of irate people complaining. Why they have not come up with a fix is beyond me. I have been waiting patiently for a TSB, but so far none has been issued. When the transmission TSB is issued, I will bring it in for the tranny and the thump plus poor radio reception. If they fail the third time, I will be filing a Lemon Law complaint and also will be suing the dealership.

[joebxr]

Anyone interested in the fix, TSB is posted. Took mine into dealer today and they ordered parts to repair. Posted on the TSB list, but here it is if needed.
http://www.alldata.com/tsb/Toyota/1140508800000_1141718400000_SU002-06/261.html

[TW85]

I complained to the dealer about it last year and they retorqued the nuts for the upper supports. I've noticed a slight clunk coming from the trunk area again and I thought it was stuff I had in the trunk rolling around but after taking it all out, I can still hear it sometimes. If I remember right, there was a TSB for the clunking when I took my car in last year.

These dang dealers are so against following a simple TSB. Just like my sunroof, it makes a horrid groaning/rubbing noise but they say my car has the new parts (odd considering it was built in Oct. '03) so as far as they're concerned, there is nothing they can do despite the fact that the latest TSB includes my VIN.

[joebxr]

I complained to the dealer about it last year and they retorqued the nuts for the upper supports. I've noticed a slight clunk coming from the trunk area again and I thought it was stuff I had in the trunk rolling around but after taking it all out, I can still hear it sometimes. If I remember right, there was a TSB for the clunking when I took my car in last year.

These dang dealers are so against following a simple TSB. Just like my sunroof, it makes a horrid groaning/rubbing noise but they say my car has the new parts (odd considering it was built in Oct. '03) so as far as they're concerned, there is nothing they can do despite the fact that the latest TSB includes my VIN.

.

The clunk TSB was issued FEB of 2006, so rather new. There is a twin to the TSB for Camry's, also. My dealer followed the TSB I presented to them...i.e. road test to see if thump exists, then if it does, order parts and replace. They ordered parts and I scheduled a visit for 14 Apr to get it done.

[sonny4]

its probably not affecting you but in mine there is a bit of space in the latch that holds one of the rear seats up...and when you go over bumps or slow down too quickly it would move back and forth.

[joebxr]

its probably not affecting you but in mine there is a bit of space in the latch that holds one of the rear seats up...and when you go over bumps or slow down too quickly it would move back and forth.

This one might be a simple adjustment to fix.

[kgzero1]

This crap just started yesteday on my car. When I drive, it sounds like something is jumping and thumping around in the rear of the car. Taking it to toyota for the TSB fix and minor service. How long would this take (the TSB fix)?

[cablemn]

Well, i just dropped the solara off at the dealer tonight for the thump that i first complained about when i drove the car home from the dealership when new in 2004. I had a long "discussion" with the service rep then and they told me the noise was normal and blamed my TRD sway bar for it. Well now with the TSB i am vindicated. Of course i explained that the most convienient way to handle this is to order the parts first so i wouldnt have to make 2 trips to fix it but oh no, that would make too much sense.
So i am prepared to do without and deal with the hassle as long as they fix it. Everyone that rides in the car notices it too. They ask me if the car was ever hit. Its such a nice car except for that cheap sounding thump. It makes the whole car seem loose. I will post an update. Thanx for posting that TSB.

[tribander]

I had the thump TSB done to my 2004 V6 SLE coupe, if it made any difference at all I can't hear it.

What's up with this anyway? It's not like it an isolated incident it's a well know problem discussed not only on this fourm but others as well. I am thinking Toyota knows whats going on but the fix is so expensive they just don't want to cover it under warrenty???

Are there any members on this fourm that work for a dealership that knows what the solution is? In my case the TSB didn't fix the "thump". I love my Solara and it only has 8100 miles on it. I might have to listen to this for a long time!

[SirMacDaddy]

I have a gen. 1 and i think i have had the same problem as you guys. i would hear a noise every time i would go over speed bump/hump. i thought it was the strut, springs and all those things, but it turned out to be the tools that were attached to the bottom of the floor panel in the trunk. the wrench was just haning loose and ever time i would go over a speed hump it would it the metal piece on the rim. i just put it back into place and then taped it down. i dont know if the gen 2s are the same way, but i thought i would give my 2cents

[joebxr]

I did have the TSB done on my '06 SLE and the thump is definately gone.

[cablemn]

UPDATE: I'm still waiting for the parts to come in. But they were listed on my service order. The total in parts was about $795.00. I'm not sure how long they will charge toyota in labor but they dont want to do it on a saturday because the serv writer said it takes about 4 hrs to do. Probably not that long but based on that the labor should cost about $360.00.
That brings the total to over a grand! Its no wonder they try to discourage anyone from making this fix. I'll post an update after they fix it and let everyone know how it goes.