Is there a solid solution to front strut nosie?

[Ranger X]

Seriously, the number of threads regarding the whole Gen 4 front strut knocking/clunking/clanging/whatever-you-want-to-call-it is pretty ridiculous. I still have not fixed mine, but I may be about to sell/trade it so I think I should fix it. I've heard to try replacing the struts, strut mounts, sway bar bushings, something about a spring bumper, and so many other things...all I want to know is if there's a solid solution. It may be just the struts, but if it's not, I want to get it all done now. I don't want to spend any more money than I have to. I took a short video clip so I could get a sound clip of what it sounds like:

http://media.putfile.com/PB180119

And yes, that noise that you hear all throughout the video is me going over small bumps in the parking lot. You can also hear my steering wheel squeaking, which I have no idea how to fix, but I think I'm just going to leave that one alone.

[PeonHonda]

OK the video isnt loading for me but considering i work at a Toyota dealership im assuming its your strut caps. These are always going bad on the gen4 camrys.

[caveman017]

I think so. Thats what the one that I am buying sounds like at least
These are the parts i *think* I am getting
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t126757.html

[newbie212]

I finally fixed my suspension problems and I did it with one try... I purchased from my local store these struts called Monroe quickstrut.. It is everything you need new. Bearings, bumpers, strut, spring, mounts etc... Took me 2 hours to do both sides.... Money well spent... It cost me $290 for both fronts... If you have an entertainment book theres a 20% discount for carpartswarehouse which I used... Noise is 100% gone...

[jhbhatia]

the 4th set of strut assemblies the dealership changed for us was a new part number. (the previous one' s were the same part number that originally came out in 1997), you need to research the new part number and use that. That solved our problem. I got the part number from TN forums.

[skewe]

somebody mentioned that the KYB strut mount is too short or gave some problems after replacing. Just a FYI

RangerX, I thought u sold ur carmy?

[extoytech]

strut tops? yep at one point at work we were putting thermostat orings in the top of them and hammering them down.(don't do that it only works for a short time.)

[extoytech]

Originally Posted by Ranger X

Seriously, the number of threads regarding the whole Gen 4 front strut knocking/clunking/clanging/whatever-you-want-to-call-it is pretty ridiculous. I still have not fixed mine, but I may be about to sell/trade it so I think I should fix it. I've heard to try replacing the struts, strut mounts, sway bar bushings, something about a spring bumper, and so many other things...all I want to know is if there's a solid solution. It may be just the struts, but if it's not, I want to get it all done now. I don't want to spend any more money than I have to. I took a short video clip so I could get a sound clip of what it sounds like:

http://media.putfile.com/PB180119

And yes, that noise that you hear all throughout the video is me going over small bumps in the parking lot. You can also hear my steering wheel squeaking, which I have no idea how to fix, but I think I'm just going to leave that one alone.

you can fix your steering wheel by getting some P'Blaster getting under your dash and spraying it on the bushing/grommet that your steering intermediate shaft goes into as it exits the firewall.

[Ranger X]

Skewe, no I obviously didn't, or I wouldn't be asking this question. I was thinking about it but never got around to it.

Extoytech, the noise is coming from the steering wheel itself, not from under the dashboard...

I also forgot to mention that I already have KYB struts that I'm going to install. So I guess what I should have asked is, what else should I change with the struts? Just the strut mounts (same thing as strut caps right)?

[extoytech]

Originally Posted by Ranger X

Skewe, no I obviously didn't, or I wouldn't be asking this question. I was thinking about it but never got around to it.

Extoytech, the noise is coming from the steering wheel itself, not from under the dashboard...

(same thing as strut caps right)?

You should really try what I said with the lubricant, I've got money on that being your squeek but if it is comming from around the top of the housing spray some there also.I've probably fixed 100+ cars that had the squeel when you turn and 9 times out of 10 the people think it is comming from the actual steering wheel. It is kind of hard to diagnose a problem from a computer screen. BTW if you haven't done this yet raise the front of your car up and tighten all the strut bolts and nuts while the car is in the air, if at all posible use a impact gun, there are lots of your body style camry's driving around with that same noise that just need the fastners tightened. Anyway if your going to replace the struts and strut tops your problem should go away.

[hooRAH]

I tightened mine about 1/3 of a turn (with a big ass breaker bar) and the noise is gone for now. If the noise comes back, I won't be tightening it anymore, I'll probably replace the strut mounts (or tell my GF to live with it)

[Digger1]

I had the same problem w/ my '99. Luckily, it arose while the car was under warranty and the dealer put new front struts in it for free.

The problem never came back (knock on wood).