knocking sound on front passenger side

[Ankaizes]

Hi guys,

My 2000 corolla has recently developed this "knocking" sound on the front passenger suspension area. It only happens at low speeds going over bumps. The steering has been good so far, still drives straight and tight and no unusual wobbling. I have tried pushing up and down on the passenger side of the car and even tried jumping up and down standing on the open passenger door but i cant replicate the sound this way. Any idea on what might be causing it? What are the possible suspects? Thanks!

[fishexpo101]

Double check the strut mounting bolts - both under the hood (three bolts there) and to the knuckle (where they bolt to the bottom of the strut). Check the sway bar ends and brackets - see if there is any slop in those. Sounds like the noise only happens when you unload the suspension first - so try jacking up that corner of the car and wiggling/prying on the wheel. Should be no movement there, if there is - you need to drill down and see what is moving under there.

[Ziggyy]

Stabilizer or swaybar link is worn. Most commonly heard at slow speeds over cracks in pavement etc. You won't feel it by jacking up one wheel, as this will twist the swaybar & place a load on the links. Put it up on ramps & make sure the weight is on the wheels, then use your hand or small prybar or screwdriver & attempt to move the link. Everything else wears great, unless you have a ba-zillion miles.

[Ankaizes]

You were right Ziggy! Brought it to the dealer and they told me it was the sway bar bushings, they also suggested i replace both lower control arms as the "joints" in them are worn which they showed me.

When it was all done, the suspension was so quiet now i never realized it has gotten so squeeky.

Thank again!

[Ziggyy]

I hope they showed you the problems with the control arms. The only parts there that will usually wear are the balljoints, & they seldom wear unless you have higher mileage. You can purchase balljoints separately from the control arms in the aftermarket. You gotta watch those dealers, they won't tell you there are less expensive options for repair. They try to peddle "OEM" parts. Aftermarket parts are constructed equally, or in most cases will exceed OEM parts in quality & longevity. Next time give a smaller repair shop a chance. You will find more honest answers & more repair options, as they have more to loose.
Glad you got it fixed!!

[Ankaizes]

Well, they did show me the control arms. Theres another link towards the back, opposite the ball joints, that is built into the control arms. They showed me those joints are stripped and explained that on other brands, like gm that joint is removable. They told me it caused creaking and it did look like its stripped although i know i was a bit forced to trust them that it did need replacing.

Are they right? Could those links wear and creak? Im beginning to feel like i got suckered into paying for more repairs than needed.

[Ziggyy]

Any chance you can upload a copy of your invoice & the inspection report form stating the reasons whatever parts needed replacement. Just leave out any personal info. Also, if you are unsure, you can ask for the old parts that were replaced. I'm not saying all dealers are crooks, but they don't always give you options.