5th & 6th Generation (2002-2006 & 2007-2011)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 2002-2006 & 2007-2011
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A question for our experts: From day one my front left suspensions makes a clonking noise. Condition: when suspension expands/ or etracts fast (>30Mph) going over a bump or pothole. Noise is a metallic clonking noise, a single hit at each occurrance, no noise when going very slow. No noise from all other 3 corners.
Dealer checked it out today, confirmed the noise in front left and that it should not be their but could not find anything after 2 hours - checked strut for leaks, TRD springs and all mountings - all appears snug and tight. I need to bring it back again and they like to take more time and look at it again - but they are running out of ideas.
Car: 2008 XLE with TRD springs, 18" aftermarket wheels.
Any ideas or recommendation what else to look for possibly making that noise? Dealer would appreciate any recommendation as well. All under warranty.
I think you and I have similiar or perhaps the same problems....About a month ago...and Sorry if im late on the reply for your topic...I did notice that my XLE had some clanking noise around the dashboard and the side panels and the audio dashboard....I went to the dealership and told them what happened...and I requested to have a technician there ride around with me in the car and he also did noticed the sounds...so they fixed it up for me within a day...everything is fine now...smooth ride...no sounds except when you're accelerating...HEHHE...
Tobeit...take your car to the dealership...if it's under 30,000 miles, it's still under warranty cuz that's an issue coming from the car...not the sound that you made on purpose...have a tech ride wtih you...and point out wehre the problem is...they can fix it up for you...try that first...probably your best bet...you will not be doubted.
Thanks for the reply. Yes, I have taken the car to the dealership and they confirmed the noise appearance - they just could not find where it comes from yet. Mine does sound to come from the suspension. What did they fix on yours and I can recommend that to my dealer, just in case.
maybe the upper mount isnt fixed or tightened probably when they installed the springs?
Thanks Moky. I will compile a list of ideas/recommendation and present them to the dealer. I know they looked at the suspension for 1 hour and checked it but I do not know exactly what they checked. So, please, any recommendation like that is welcome - the more ideas I can present to better.
Btw, that is the same dealer who installed the TRD springs - I get good service from them.
Short update: I finally had some time to drop of the car at my new dealer in FL. First they stated it is all normal and referred to my strut bar touching the air-filter box. I then took the tech on a short ride and reproduced the heavy clunk at will going over little bumps. They now took the entire strut apart and concluded I need an entire new front left strut assembly and upper mount replaced. They did question me a few times about the TRD springs and install - after giving them the dealer phone number and contact in NY where I got these installed they went silent and now replace the strut assembly and upper mount on warranty. Parts are on order, will be done next week. I hope I can report that the noise is gone after that.
Short update: I finally had some time to drop of the car at my new dealer in FL. First they stated it is all normal and referred to my strut bar touching the air-filter box. I then took the tech on a short ride and reproduced the heavy clunk at will going over little bumps. They now took the entire strut apart and concluded I need an entire new front left strut assembly and upper mount replaced. They did question me a few times about the TRD springs and install - after giving them the dealer phone number and contact in NY where I got these installed they went silent and now replace the strut assembly and upper mount on warranty. Parts are on order, will be done next week. I hope I can report that the noise is gone after that.
well good thing the dealership is doing this on warranty.
but then again, forget the whole stock strut assembly...get some damn coils
you never give up recruiting, do you? ...one day, I might...
LOL hell no i don't quit
just wait when the teins come out. you can also go for bag-overs too for your stock struts. i have spoken with uas about their bags being used on stock struts. same bag and kit from the is, gs and ls.
Update: Got the entire strut assembly and upper mount replaced - no more noise on the front left suspension
Code for that is #482201 and parts are 48520-09F70 (absorber assembly) and 48609-06190 (Support Sub Assy)...in case someone wants to refer to that.
All repair was under warranty (and I have the TRD springs and a strut bar installed).
On a side note: While waiting for my parts and the appointment, I had the strut bar taken off. During that time, I really recognized how I got used to the effect of the strut bar - even though it is just the e-bay version.
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