Constant rear suspension issues spent close to $2,000!

[HarrisH]

I have '02 Camry LE with 140K miles. I recently replaced the rear strut mounts & struts along with the front strut mounts & struts. I purchase KYB mounts & struts. The rear started having this clunking noise whenever I would go over bumpy surfaces. I brought it back to the mechanic who tightened the bolts and the problem still persisted.

I went back again today after having the shocks & mounts installed just 2 months ago. He advised me that one of the rear struts was leaking and that the mount was defective!! Keep in mind these were purchase brand new from Rock Auto in December '09 and installed in Jan. '10. I had to fork over $800 for 2 new struts, 1 new mount & a motor mount. Well guess what... I still hear the same damn clunking noise! I also had the end links replaced as well. What could be causing this??? My '03 LE with 39K miles feels as solid as a rock compared to this one despite the fact that most of the suspension components have been replaced!

[sxe-10]

I had the same clunking noise when I installed aftermarket springs, we tried everything from tightening bolts to fully reinstalling the rear suspension but nothing seemed to work, the noise persisted for about 2 months and the noise suddenly went away after that, maybe it just needed a while for it to be fully settled in place

[Netforcer]

it's not about how tight it is, but if it's installed correctly and sitting properly... that will cause premature failure

[mcgill_redmen]

Worn Top-Plate cause clunking and worn bushing cause thumbing on uneven road eg: thum thum noise on the back and front.

[HarrisH]

Supposedly the rear struts and mounts blew. Not sure how. I purchased them BRAND NEW from rockauto. They were KYBs. The mechanic initially replaced 1 mount and 2 struts. So he went ahead and replaced both mounts and struts.

So far so good. Solid as a rock. Thanks for your input guys!

[Yazovets]

Rear struts and mounts eh?

Thank you for the useful information. My 07 Camry has developed the exact same thumping noises from the rear once I put on about 30000KM on my car.

Now it's got 94000KM and the problem has not only persisted but it's gotten much worse. I'll advise my mechanic to look at those rear struts when I go see him next month.

[darksparkz]

sway bar bushings?

cv joints?