2000 corolla bottoming out problem.... need help

[sunny1975]

Hi
I am totally non-technical and got robbed by mechanics and I desperately need some help. I have very serious problem here. I bought a 2000 corolla CE a month ago. My car has a bottoming out problem. I hear a knocking sound front underneath the car when I hit a pothole or uneven road (you can find plenty in chicago). sound is louder on driverside than passenger side. I took it to Meinke and they said car needs new strut mounts ( I already have changed both front struts, coil springs and spring seats). both strut mount look good, no wear or tear. Do you guys think, I really need strut mounts or there is any other problem. It seems that shocks(struts assembly) are not long enough to keep the car on suspensions or there is very little clearance and when car hits a pothole then bottom part that connects two wheels (I dont the exact name) hits chesis. I dont want to go to dealer coz they will charge me $2000 for a car that is only worth of $3000. Any help/suggestion would be appreciated

[TrailDust]

to Toyota Nation!

I'm moving your thread over to the 8th Generation Corolla forum so the members there can help you out, but I'd also suggest using that forum's search feature to look for past threads that may discuss your issue.

[DjiNN]

Is it like a clunking sound? Does your car bounce back and forth when pushing down the rear or front end? Have you noticed you aren't able to control the car when going over bumps?

I have a clunking sound in my car that happens when i go over bumps/potholes. This is caused by a bad Stabilizer Bar Link. It causes stability problems.

Here is a write up of how to change it.

http://trdforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=33200

[sunny1975]

Well I havent noticed any control problem yet and have not tested if car bounces back and forth when pushed down the rear or front end but i noticed that whenever i go over a bump or pothole i feel the impact on steering wheel, feels like there is no suspension and wheels are directly bolted to body. Definitely I will run these diagnostics when I get back this evening. I will check the swaybar links during the weekend to see if they have any play or problem. Thanks for sharing that write up and I will keep you posted on latest

[MARK70]

I think your springs are not in the right place in the assembly , make sure bottom of spring is set OK in the strut , also top have a arrow , direction to the outside of car.They want to make some money for mistake...................
Also you need aligment after replacment of struts