Question: Shock Replacement Problems - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

TRD_CAM · 01-29-2011, 10:50 PM

Hi everyone,

I'm experiencing some difficulties with my car after replacing my shocks... I was hoping I can get some technical advice from you guys.

So my front shocks on my winter vehicle (94' Toyota Camry Coupe) needed to be changed the other day. After taking the stock unit out, I realized that the stock shocks were completely done. So I got myself a set of KYB GR 2's, removed and reused the factory springs from the old unit, and reused the top mounts from the old unit as well. bolted everything up and installed it back in the mounts. It seemed straight forward as the stock unit wasn't comprised of too complex of pieces as I've seen in the setups of other vehicles.

However, after everything was bolted back in, i've noticed 2 things:

1) the car leans to the left quite a bit if I don't hold on to the steering wheel... (needs an alignment, perhaps?)

2) whenever I turn the wheel while its on the ground (either way), there's a minor "clunking" noise coming from the suspension assembly. (this doesn't occur if the wheels are off the ground, however).

Out of all the times I've switched out shocks, I've never had this happen... so
any advice / tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance guys.

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pmesfun · 01-29-2011, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TRD_CAM

2) whenever I turn the wheel while its on the ground (either way), there's a minor "clunking" noise coming from the suspension assembly. (this doesn't occur if the wheels are off the ground, however).

Had that same problem after the struts were replaced with the KYB-GR2s also, went away after a couple of days.

TRD_CAM · 01-29-2011, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pmesfun

Had that same problem after the struts were replaced with the KYB-GR2s also, went away after a couple of days.

I was kind of wondering if the system just needed to settle down a bit as well. Guess I'll give it a few days to see if the noise goes away. Thanks for the reply.

***LynchburgCSI*** · 01-30-2011, 12:21 AM

1) Get an alignment ASAP after replacing suspension components. You're DESTROYING your tires right now.
2) The clunking is probably because the main nuts that hold the upper mount to the strut have come loose. Check the torque specs, and re-torque all 4 of those nuts. (Do this before the alignment.)

TRD_CAM · 01-30-2011, 02:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LynchburgCSI

1) Get an alignment ASAP after replacing suspension components. You're DESTROYING your tires right now.
2) The clunking is probably because the main nuts that hold the upper mount to the strut have come loose. Check the torque specs, and re-torque all 4 of those nuts. (Do this before the alignment.)

The center bolt that holds the upper mount to the strut is as tight as can be. I've checked and rechecked it. Could the clunking sound be simply the assembly setting in?

In my previous experience, I've had a loose center bolt result in clunking whenever the car went over a bump. But this time, there is no clunking when going over a bump (it's in fact very sturdy). Instead, it's a weird clunking / spring twisting (hard to describe) noise whenever I turn the steering wheel.

***LynchburgCSI*** · 01-30-2011, 02:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TRD_CAM

The center bolt that holds the upper mount to the strut is as tight as can be. I've checked and rechecked it.

"Tight" isn't good enough. You need to be sure that the torque specs are correct.

bdy0003 · 01-30-2011, 02:38 AM

1. Lynch is right - get a wheel alignment

2. By chance, did you reuse your old strut mounts? In addition to the torquing the center nut, you might also want to see if the bearings in the mounts are properly greased. If not, you get some noise coming out of them when turning.

TRD_CAM · 01-30-2011, 02:51 AM

> Lynch: Thanks for the info and advice. I'll double check the torque specs tomorrow. If I may ask, why is there 2 different torque values for the bolts in the right and left diagram?

> bdy0003: Yes, I did reuse the upper suspension mount (as pictured in Lynch's diagram) if thats what your asking. There is simply a rubber upper insulator right below the mount and no bearings of any sort. (This was out of a 94' Camry suspension assembly)

bdy0003 · 01-30-2011, 03:35 AM

I dont know about the 94, but my 95 has bearings IN the 'suspension upper support', so they aren't pictured in the diagram. Someone chime in if the 94 doesnt have them. They are there to aid the pivot of the wheels when turning, while the top part of that mount (the 3 nuts) is stationary. When not properly greased, they make noise everytime you turn the wheel.

I advise you to torque the center nut first to see if that is indeed the problem. But you may want to regrease now so you wont have to go back there again.

bigbird · 01-30-2011, 07:52 AM

if you resued the strut mount it is the most likely source of your noise, not loose strut tower nuts. this is a common issue when replacing parts of the suspension. anytime you decompress the strut mount (remove it from the car) there is a good chance it wont be reusable.

***Mister_Perkins*** · 01-30-2011, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TRD_CAM

The center bolt that holds the upper mount to the strut is as tight as can be. I've checked and rechecked it. Could the clunking sound be simply the assembly setting in?

In my previous experience, I've had a loose center bolt result in clunking whenever the car went over a bump. But this time, there is no clunking when going over a bump (it's in fact very sturdy). Instead, it's a weird clunking / spring twisting (hard to describe) noise whenever I turn the steering wheel.

Your upper strut support wasn't installed correctly. You need to remove the spring, and spin the Upper Support 180 degrees.

TRD_CAM · 01-31-2011, 12:31 AM

Thanks everyone for your replies.

It would seem that the set up just needed to settle in a bit. Drove the car around town today and the clunking noise is pretty much gone. Car still leans a bit but I'm going to get it aligned first thing tomorrow.

Again, thanks for quick responses guys. Much appreciated!

pmesfun · 01-31-2011, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TRD_CAM

Thanks everyone for your replies.

It would seem that the set up just needed to settle in a bit. Drove the car around town today and the clunking noise is pretty much gone. Car still leans a bit but I'm going to get it aligned first thing tomorrow.

Again, thanks for quick responses guys. Much appreciated!

Good to hear.

Make sure to double-check on those torque specs.

71Corolla · 01-31-2011, 12:52 AM

Torque specs are for babies, just turn until you can't turn no more.

Actually the lock nut on a strut can't be over torqued too easily because the mount rubber starts to twist.

New struts always make the car ride so nice and sweet, congrats on the repairs.

***LynchburgCSI*** · 01-31-2011, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71Corolla

Torque specs are for babies, just turn until you can't turn no more.

Actually the lock nut on a strut can't be over torqued too easily because the mount rubber starts to twist.

New struts always make the car ride so nice and sweet, congrats on the repairs.

When it comes to suspension, torque IS important. I'm usually not a huge LOOK UP THE TORQUE SPECS NOW OR EVERYTHING WILL BREAK type of person.... but for this... follow them.