Clunks after suspension work

[mtmx46]

I replaced my struts all around with KYB's but now the clunks on my Gen 3.5 are WORSE! There only used to be one coming from the right rear, now I have clunks from both the rear and a "jingling" sound from the front left.

My mechanic says I shouldn't have bought KYB's they are a very cheap brand. The car rides stiffer and I can feel every bump in the road, compared to before. I even had the rear strut mounts replaced because I thought that was what was causing the problem.

What gives? I thought KYB's would be close to a factory ride.

[cruisn76]

There is one documented thread about clunking after installing new struts, and I think your culprit is either the Rear Sway Bar, or your end links. Since you replaced the strut mounts ask the mechanic if he replaced the spring seat also.

With the RSB the bushings may be shot, so look into new bushings. If your RSB is rusted beyond recognition replace the whole thing. As for end links, depending on the age of the car they may be worn out, and in order to change struts the end links have to be removed and usually is unusable. Look into these two things.

As for KYB struts they are OE replacements so they are not crap.

[DarkMastyr]

Noises could be anything at this point. Don't discount improper installation. A slightly mis-aligned spring will cause all sorts of jingling and rattling sounds.

[Venom_5]

which KYBs?

the GR-2s should be stiffer than stock, and are a common upgrade here on TN

KYB also makes OE replacements for the Camry, but im not sure which model # they go by

[mtmx46]

They're the GR-2's so I guess I got the stiffer ones. But I didn't have the clunking noises before, other than a rattle out of the right rear part of the car.

Maybe I'll have a pair of slightly used Gr-2's for sale soon!

I'm going to go back to my mechanic and find out what the deal is. He suspects the struts rather than his tech

[felonyr301]

Could be the endlinks or sway bar bushings...

[ghettosled]

with my car, jingling sounds are usually the washers clanging around because the sway bar end link bushings are gone. clunking happened from the top nut on the strut not being tight enough so it clunks every time the strut moves. so light everyone else said, check you nuts (did i really just type "check your nuts"??) and bushings.

[mtmx46]

Originally Posted by ghettosled

with my car, jingling sounds are usually the washers clanging around because the sway bar end link bushings are gone. clunking happened from the top nut on the strut not being tight enough so it clunks every time the strut moves. so light everyone else said, check you nuts (did i really just type "check your nuts"??) and bushings.

Thanks ghettosled. That's exactly what I did and discovered some careless work by the tech that worked on my car. The driver's side front strut top spindle nut wasn't torqued properly. I tightened it up and the clunking on that side is gone!

[eyeball96]

I had front end work done on the 94. I had a clunk in the left front afterwards, and the cause was, the front endlink was loose.

I have KYB GR2 on the the 96 and their not "crap".

Find a new mechanic!

[mtmx46]

Actually he's a straight forward guy, it's just that he's a Monroe shop, so he naturally favors those.