Need Diagnostic Help... - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

RICO8458 · 07-17-2007, 06:58 PM

Hello Mates:

I have 2005 Camry with 46,000 miles on her. I have started to hear a noise when I am turning and braking from high speed to low speeds, like when coming off a highway ramp and stopping at a light or making a right turn from a moderate speed, slowing down some to brake for a right turn, etc... What I hear is on the left side, driver side, like under the car, sort of a bubbling gurgling light knocking sound, as if something were loose under the chasis or uder body. my neighbor says He thinks it could be time for new shocks, but I am not sure, maybe it could be something else. the car is still new so to speak, I dont beat her up much. just use her to work and back, all high way miles, but i do cross a lot of those dang speed bumps where I live. That should not cause any major problems as I go slow over them. what do you folks think is the issue or the problem based on the prima facie of the facts I just wrote down? any feedback is appreciated greatly.

Peter

gdanaher · 07-17-2007, 07:12 PM

Pull the wheel off and check that the brake pads are not seriously worn so you can eliminate that as a cause. Look at the strut for any oil leaks which might indicate the strut needs to be replaced. Look at the outer cv joint boot to make sure it isn't torn. If it is, dirt is likely in the joint, grinding away at it, and that could cause the noise you hear. While there have someone move the steering wheel while you look for play in the tie rod ends. Shouldn't have any play.

Try to isolate the problem. Is it braking or is it turning?

RICO8458 · 07-17-2007, 07:27 PM

Thanks Brother. I is ony when i am turning.. that is a good start for process of elimination. I will do all that you mentioned and find out the problem. thanks for the great feedback. I appreciate your kind help and support.

Peter

Aceventura9586 · 07-18-2007, 08:49 AM

Hey man, you're talkin about a gurgling bubbling sound. I have that in my car now but that's because I hit a NASTY pothole a few months ago goin like 35-40 MPH. And I mean the kind of pothole that you fall in up to the lug nuts and then slam into the other side and pop out. It bent my wheel and broke some ribs on the side of my tire. At the same time it took my strut tower and slammed it into my hood and bent the hood. So now when I"m going slow or turning and such as you were talking about, I get a popping and bubbling sound. The sound I get is coming from the hood popping in and out cuz its twisted from the pothole. So check to make sure your hood is still straight and not all bent to hell. First thing though, think about any time you can remember hitting a nasty hole or bump in the road that rattled ur teeth.

RICO8458 · 07-18-2007, 02:01 PM

Hello brother:

you are absolutely correct. I hit one pot hole going like 65 miles an hour crossing the George Washington Bridge on the major deagon expressway here in the Bronx. I really felt that one. it was a hard hit., then also like one month after that one, I also hit another pot hole at night doing 60 miles per hour crossing the Veranzano bridge on my way back to staten island, NY. I hate the city does not fix these roads, and at nigth you cannot see the dang road so avoid them. I know these must have something to do with the sounds I am now hearing. I am going to lift up the car and do an inspection of the whole area for damage, leaks, etc... I have the 2005 base model, so the suspension is not the greatest in the world and cannot handle these types of hits. thanks dude. you hit the nail right on the head. i will check the struts too.

pete

Aceventura9586 · 07-18-2007, 05:30 PM

After you do that check the hood. Its really easy and you dont even have to move anything. There's two parts of the hood that come down on each side of the grille to the front bumper. Check the gap between each of those places. If its messed up, then one part is going to be closer/farther away from the bumper than the other. You can check it visually or you can even use a ruler to measure the gap. If there's no problem then they're the same. If you look on my car, the right piece sits higher than the left one which is from it getting twisted. I got my shocks and suspension checked, and everything was fine but its just popping from the hood. If you see a difference or can't tell. Go to a body shop and have them check it.

RICO8458 · 07-19-2007, 06:43 PM

Well, I lifted the car today. I did an inspection of the bottom, under the car, etc. no leaks, no tears, nothing seems to be broken, when i lowered the car, the strut took like one minute, then let out a small noise, and when down slowly further. i surmise that I believe I have to replace the struts. now, the question is, which struts should I buy? KYB, Eibachs, etc.. I am budget minded now, so I cannot spend a whole lot, but want to get the most for my money, any suggestions on the struts to put on her?

Peter

gdanaher · 07-19-2007, 09:39 PM

Eibach would be my personal choice but then I would get about pricing them and others and see what the local parts guy can get for you. Monroe isn't out of the question, especially on a budget. Sounds like that strut has internal damage from the potholes.