Bad suspension sounds in a 2000 CE

[captainbunch88]

I have a 2000 Corolla CE with just over 100k on it.

Great car, but I am hearing two different noises.

First, I hear a horrible squeaking noise from the right front wheel area whenever I accelerate. It’s only when I accelerate, because it stops once I let go of the gas pedal. It is a very loud, annoying squeak. I think it is suspension related because you can hear small changes in the volume and pitch of the squeak as you go over bumps. Lastly, it doesn’t squeak when I turn, brake, or coast.

The other sound is a clunking sound in the right front wheel area as well. It ONLY clunks when I hit a bump with the right wheel, not when I hit a bump that affects both front wheels at the same time. This noise only started after I changed my sway bar links.

I recently changed my entire strut/shock assembly in both front tires, as well as sway bar links on both sides. I have done the 3-9 and 12-6 tests on both front wheels and there is NO play whatsoever. I have given the inner and outer tie rod a good shaking, but they are not moving. My tire is full of air, and my rim is not bent. I am planning on changing the front brakes soon, but the pads have plenty of life left on them. The sway bar links, as well as the bar itself, is very firm and isn’t moving at all. Every nut and bolt that I can see, including wheel lugs, is on very tight. I don’t see anything that is loose.

I do not hear any popping noises when I turn. The car turns and handles like a dream with these new stabilizer bar links.

Bear in mind, this all started after I hit a large curb on that right side. Could it be a bad lower control arm/bushings/ball joint? I thought maybe a wheel bearing, but there’s no play at the 12-6 position, and the hub will spin freely by hand when the car is in neutral and on jackstands.

Any idea what could be causing these sounds? Thanks!

[bail_w]

Wheel bearing for the squeaking noise?

[Kyle Hamelin]

Originally Posted by bail_w

Wheel bearing for the squeaking noise?

That's what I was thinking. Mine had the same squeak noise I think and I had the two front bearings replaced then the noise went away.

[captainbunch88]

Is this something I can replace myself? I know if I buy just the bearing, the old one needs to be pressed out. But what if I buy a new hub with bearings already in it? Would I still need to get anything pressed on or off of it?

[Kyle Hamelin]

Hm I'm not to sure if you can do this yourself. I don't know to much about cars and I didn't sit in on this fix. If you have any good mechanics that are kinda friends or whatever you can ask them but I think you might need some help. I know on some cars the bearing is attached to the strut? I could be wrong though. When I got it fixed it was 120$ per bearing I think.

[bail_w]

you can pull the hub out then bring your new wheel bearing to a shop and have them remove and replace the wheel bearing for 20-30 dollars each. Someone said Midas charge 20 each. Maybe you can get a better deal.