front suspension rattle - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

madbomber08 · 02-12-2010, 07:10 PM

I have a 1998 Toyota Camry LE. It has about 118,000 miles on it. I recently had the front and rear struts replaced because they were rattling/making noise so bad. The rear does not make any noise anymore. The front, although, still rattles, almost worse than before the struts were replaced. The guy who worked on it also replaced the sway bar bushings I believe. Any time I go over the slightest imperfection in the road it's audible. The rougher the road, the worse it is. The rattle is annoying, and, depending on how loud it is outside of the car, embarrassing. I know other gen 4 owners have had this problem. But any feedback on the problem would be appreciated.

Thanks

bdy0003 · 02-12-2010, 08:36 PM

Ask the guy who worked on them if he repacked the bearings in the strut mounts with grease. Those typically make clunking sounds when turning the wheel, but it doesnt hurt to ask.

Mike Gerber · 02-13-2010, 11:50 AM

This is usually caused by defective upper strut mounts. Toyota had a problem with them on the 97-99 Camrys. They were redesigned twice after all the problems. Were they replaced when the struts were replaced? If not, you may have to remove the front strut assemblies again and replace the upper mounts with new ones to make the rattling go away. Before doing that, check everything up front first including the sway bar end links. They can also cause a rattle.

Mike

***JohnGD*** · 02-13-2010, 12:33 PM

Yeah, check the front mounts. They were problematic.

In general, it's recommended that the mounts be replaced along with the struts. The spring seat insulators should be checked for cracks/wear and replaced as needed.

***JohnGD*** · 02-13-2010, 12:36 PM

Most shops don't bother with the bearings. But I like to clean them out with alcohol and repack using Redline CV-2 synthetic grease.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdy0003

Ask the guy who worked on them if he repacked the bearings in the strut mounts with grease. Those typically make clunking sounds when turning the wheel, but it doesnt hurt to ask.

bdy0003 · 02-14-2010, 01:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnGD

Most shops don't bother with the bearings. But I like to clean them out with alcohol and repack using Redline CV-2 synthetic grease.

Haha, I just used WD-40 to clean it off and use some grease I found in my garage dated 1985. Grease was brown and made for suspension parts. No problems yet so far.

madbomber08 · 02-15-2010, 04:44 PM

So do you think I should just repack the bearings or put whole new strut mounts in? I am looking online right now and i see that the whole mount is around 75--bearings included. Apparently you can buy just bearings too. I am all for cheap, of course, but I don't want to go the cheap route first and found out I should of just went further by buying the mount itself. This rattle just gets to me for some reason. I guess I am just picky about vehicles. Anyway, what do you people suggest?

Thanks

P.S. We have a 2000 Camry CE with about the same amount of miles as mine, and no sqeak or rattle on stock components. The guy who said the 97-99 Camrys have some problems with suspension is definitely right.

bdy0003 · 02-15-2010, 05:08 PM

I say first recognize the location of the rattle because everything in this thread has been speculation that it has been the strut mounts. If it is, then yes, go buy strut mounts. You might as well not skimp out on the mounts, so buy ones that are guaranteed to last. Might as well do it right the first time. Just my 2¢