Rear suspension clunking

[ShadySport]

So i can't figure out why the rear suspension is clunking.

items that i already changed...
rear struts
rear strut mounts
rear sway bar end links

it sounds like it's coming from the left and right side of the car. it's not as pronounced when it's wet out but it clunks loud over big bumps or over a sequence of bumps.

i push the exhaust system and the hangers all looks to be ok...no sag or anything.

on hwy it doesn't float and it's fine over smaller bumper but once i hit a bigger one it clunks.

the suspension arms looks to be ok...(both the front and rear). the rear with the adjusting tube in the middle can be twisted but it looks to be ok.

the strut rod seems to be ok (the piece goes from front to back)...i can't find any movement in that.

i tried to push the car up and down and i can't hear it. it sounds like it only clunks when there's a sharp bump.

there's 4 suspension stopper that comes from the suspention member (big piece that goes across the rear of the car)...are there any bushings that needs to be replaced there?

car is a 00 LE V6..with about 130K on it.

any help would be greatly appreciated it. i'm going crazy hearing the noise.
thanks!

[toyomoho]

When you changed out the sway bar links did you replace the bushings, one on each side of the bar just before the bar takes a steep curve.

[ShadySport]

Originally Posted by toyomoho

When you changed out the sway bar links did you replace the bushings, one on each side of the bar just before the bar takes a steep curve.

i do have the whiteline sway bar in the back...but it does look a little worn (bushing). i'll pick up new bushings and give that a shot.
thanks!

[Mike Gerber]

Check for play in the "rear lateral control rods". Those are the rear rods on each side that runs to the wheel area. The rear one is the one that has the adjustment that looks like a tie rod. Jack up the rear of the car and support it safely on jack stands. Now grab each wheel at 9:00 and 3:00 and try to move the wheel back to front and in and out. There should be no movement of the wheel. The bushings in those rods go bad. Sometimes, when they go bad you can actually hear the clunk noise. The only fix I have found is to replace those rods with new OEM ones and redo the alignment. I have not been able to find the bushings seperately, nor anyone in the aftermarket selling these "rear lateral control rods". They run about $145 each at the dealer, plus tax.

Mike

[ShadySport]

Originally Posted by Mike Gerber

Check for play in the "rear lateral control rods". Those are the rear rods on each side that runs to the wheel area. The rear one is the one that has the adjustment that looks like a tie rod. Jack up the rear of the car and support it safely on jack stands. Now grab each wheel at 9:00 and 3:00 and try to move the wheel back to front and in and out. There should be no movement of the wheel. The bushings in those rods go bad. Sometimes, when they go bad you can actually hear the clunk noise. The only fix I have found is to replace those rods with new OEM ones and redo the alignment. I have not been able to find the bushings seperately, nor anyone in the aftermarket selling these "rear lateral control rods". They run about $145 each at the dealer, plus tax.

Mike

thanks for your post mike. i'll go the cheap route of sway bar bushing and will go to the controls rods if they appear bad.

[Mike Gerber]

Originally Posted by ShadySport

thanks for your post mike. i'll go the cheap route of sway bar bushing and will go to the controls rods if they appear bad.

Remember, it doesn't cost you anything to check the "rear lateral control rods" the way I described in my previous post. You don't even have to take the wheels off. It should take you about 10 minutes.

Mike

[ShadySport]

toyomoho take the prize. it turns out the poly bushing was quite worn. i swapped out for another bushing slap some grease in it and bolted it up. took a quick spin and no clunk.

mike i'll still check the lateral rod and make sure it's tight.

thank you both!!

[rollerdawg]

Are there any pictures out there of the parts that need to be replaced? Is this a hard job to replace the rear sway bar bushings? The thump in the trunk has got to go...

[toyomoho]

An easy job provided the bolts are not frozen. Besides a clunk, worn bushings can make a rattle and squeak (or all three noises). Usually loudest when going over bumps or potholes.

Go to www.rockauto. Look up for your cars rear suspension bushings and for those items that say more info, click to see a photo of the item.

The link below provides access to service manuals:

http://oregonstate.edu/~tongt/camry

[rollerdawg]

Thanks for the link, but the .pdf doesn't seem to work. I get the opening page, but can't seem to open any of the links. I'll try again later.

[mandyfig]

Sway bar bushings did it for me! No more clunk, thump!