2000 Corolla - front end rattles - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

coolelroy · 05-31-2010, 09:22 PM

The car: 2000 Corolla LE, 95k miles, AT, I bought this about 1 month ago

New parts: front brake pads, calipers, turned rotors, front struts, front sway bar stabilizer links, 2 new window motors [but I don't think they have anything to do with the rattle]

Problem: front end rattles, seems to be suspension related, sounds like it is coming from the vicinity of the top of the drivers side strut tower, barely audible at road speeds, rattles when turning into a parking lot from the road, very noticeable at 5-25mph, on gravel road it rattles constantly, this rattle was present prior to any of the new parts being installed and still rattles now, sway bar bushings look very good, the noise is much worse on the drivers side, maybe slightly on the passenger side

I don't really want to just keep buying new parts until I haphazardly run across the solution. I am thinking it might be the strut mounts/bearings since I didn't replace them when I installed new struts.

Any ideas? [please explain in detail what you are telling me as I am not a mechanic, I am not even qualified to play one on TV]

Thanks, elroy

scoutsout · 06-02-2010, 11:42 PM

I had the same problem when I installed new struts. I found that I didn't tighten the struts to the spec'd torque and also the bearings in the mounts were shot, but only on my passenger side. I found stock mounts on ebay for 45 a set. I'd try that. But first check to see if your fender is tight. I know it sounds stupid, but it wouldnt hurt to check all the bolts. I have 2 bolts missing in the engine compartment that attaches my fender to the body, and when driving at highway speeds it rattles. Hope this helps. Let me know if you find the rattle.

coolelroy · 06-05-2010, 01:02 AM

New strut mounts arrived today. [June 4th] I got a pair of mounts from Rock Auto for about $55 shipped. Auto Zone wanted $51 each.

I'll check the fender for proper mounting, as the car was wrecked prior to me buying it.

I bought a torque wrench yesterday so I can get the correct torque on the bolts.

I'll install the strut mounts tomorrow and post the results.

UPDATE: I pulled the old strut mounts out and they seem fine. The rubber is solid and the bearing is not loose, sideways or up and down.

Now what?

scoutsout · 06-05-2010, 01:34 PM

I know you're not wanting to spend a lot of money while "fixing" things. I would have to say, if its not anything that we have not already looked at or talked about, then I would say stop where you're at. If its not broke, don't fix it. I know its annoying to hear a rattle, but if there isnt any grease, oil, or fluid visible from this rattle, leave it as is. I have also found that my passenger side hub rattling while driving, only because it was loose. The previous owner replace both of the front ones, but didn't torque them to the proper specs. another thing to look at. don't spend any more money. let it get louder in order to find it. If the rattle isnt causing your steering wheel to shake bad, or causing a bad wobble while driving, leave it as is.