1997 Camry front suspension

[Bruced]

I bought a used 1997 Camry XLE with 100,000 km about 2 years ago. Most times when I go over a speed bump or pothole, there is a distinct rattle or clunk in the right front suspension. There is no noise in the left front. One mechanic said it was a worn bushing and the part cost over $200 and $150 labour to replace. Other than the noise, the suspension seems OK. Should I have the bushing replaced or just go for 2 new struts? Or is there an less expensive alternative?

Thanks.

[Wintermute]

What the mechanic meant by front bushing may be the strut mount or the strut mount bearing (items 23 and 22 respectively in the image link). If either of these items are damaged, your strut may no longer be held properly by the strut mount. If this is the case, you will definetely want to replace these parts as one of the things that can happen (happened to me) is that the spring may slide off the strut when hitting a bump. This will cause some pretty severe problems (especially if, like me, you happen to be doing about 80mph on the highway when it happens). The strut mount is pretty expensive...but it is definetely not worth it to wait.


http://www.partsvoice.com/ipc/images...4/04405437.tif

[hydra504]

are all these pics for a 97 camry??

[Wintermute]

Originally posted by hydra504
are all these pics for a 97 camry??

Not all of the pictures in that directory are for a 97 camry. Go to the "Service and Parts" --> "Parts Catalog" section on this site and they have links to diagrams for alot of the mechanics on the vehicle.

http://www.toyotaofkirkland.com/en_US/

[jhbhatia]

I know the suspension for my camry is like the worst..we have gone thru two sets of strut assemblies..but the noices are still there...Here the TSB for our camry (1997 xle v6) - see if any apply to you...

TSB # PG027-02 for Steering/Suspension - Ball Joint Inspection

TSB # ST008-01 for Front Suspension - Squeaking

TSB # SU001-00 for Suspension - Front Support Change Reduces Noise

TSB # SU003-98 for Suspension - Groans From Front Driving Over Bumps

TSB #SU00796 for Suspension - Rattle/Popping Noise From Front

Edit: These are Bulletins for 1997 Toyota Camry LE Sedan 4-Door V6-2995cc 3.0L DOHC MFI

[Tex97]

Originally posted by jhbhatia
I know the suspension for my camry is like the worst..we have gone thru two sets of strut assemblies..but the noices are still there...Here the TSB for our camry (1997 xle v6) - see if any apply to you...

TSB # PG027-02 for Steering/Suspension - Ball Joint Inspection

TSB # ST008-01 for Front Suspension - Squeaking

TSB # SU001-00 for Suspension - Front Support Change Reduces Noise

TSB # SU003-98 for Suspension - Groans From Front Driving Over Bumps

TSB #SU00796 for Suspension - Rattle/Popping Noise From Front

Edit: These are Bulletins for 1997 Toyota Camry LE Sedan 4-Door V6-2995cc 3.0L DOHC MFI

Mine does all that too. I just ignore it though as I already spend too much time at the dealer

[jeffmccombs]

I have a 1997 Camry with a front suspension that rattles... which is apparently very common. Worn upper strut mounts allow for just a fraction of an inch of space in the upper strut mount assembly such that hitting certain bumps (especially when the car is cold and on a quiet street) cause a very annoying rattle... sound like you're driving a piece of crap... but I found that if you tighten the upper strut mount nut (center nut for the strut mount easy to locate... pop the hood... look for the big center nut on top of the strut) it eliminates the "slop" and the car rides much more quietly. I think it only took about a quarter to half turn for me, but some have done more. This workaround has been effective for about two years now, but the real solution is to have both front struts and strutmounts replaced. New struts will greatly improve and tighten the ride (less nose dive and lift), but you need to be ready to DIY or pay about $500.