The clunking noise in my 98

[jon456]

It is on the passenger side up front. It only happens when it is cold outside for some odd reason, it is extremely loud too. Does anyone know what this is and why it would only be loud when it is cold?

[nathanfyffe]

I have the same problem in my 1998 Toyota Avalon XLS. The clucking noise is on the passenger side. I have read about this problem on the internet and I think the problem is the strut plate is loose, and either needs tightened or replaced.

[toyomoho]

When type of driving, going over bumps, accelerating, braking, turning?

[jon456]

its pretty much always, even the slightest bump in the road will make it sound. It's pretty constant. And again, only in cold weather. This week was in the 50's and its been going nuts. The last few months were 80's+ and it wasn't doing the clunking, but last fall and winter it was doing the clunking too. So it's not a new thing.

[toyomoho]

Might be sway bar bushings, sway bar connecting link or upper shock mount. When these parts wear out they tend to make noise when going over bumps and potholes.

Sway bar bushings issues are common and cheap/easy to replace, connecting link more expensive but easy DIY, upper shock mount around $50 and requires taking the shock apart.

Start out by looking at the cheapest parts first. Might also be a broken fitting that attaches the link to the lower suspension arm, not normal to break but they can.

[parimento1]

i second the strut mount. had the same prob myself, that fixed it

[nathanfyffe]

Hi parimento1 I appreciate your post to confirm. I still havent tryed fixing the strut mount on my avalon. Did the strut mount have to be tightened or replaced? Cost? Thanks

[ruff2001]

I have the exact problem with my 2000 Avalon, the colder it gets the louder the noise gets. I changed the stabilizer bushing and i still have the problem. I do most of the work on the car myself (timing belt,brakes,electrical everything except suspension) I f you get yours fixed please share.
Best Regards
Ian

[ruff2001]

I have the exact problem with my 2000 Avalon, the colder it gets the louder the noise gets. I changed the stabilizer bushing and i still have the problem. I do most of the work on the car myself (timing belt,brakes,electrical everything except suspension) I f you get yours fixed please share.
Best Regards
Ian

[jon456]

I took it to the dealer and they wanted 1500 bucks to replace all the struts and strut mounts? Anyone else think thats high? Anyway I'm getting it fixed elsewhere, still going to be about 1 grand. Then the dealership wanted 600 bucks to replace the plenum valve cover. I also have to get the rear defroster fixed. This car hasn't been reliable since I have had it. Anyway I'll let you guys know how this goes, hopefully that should fix the problem.

[lv6l]

i too have this problem in my 97 avalon xls. seems like toyota makes good cars but when they have flaws, we all have flaws....what is a connecting link, upper shock mount and strut mount? let me know and i'll go check on mine.

[cexsiman]

i third the strut plate, a friend of mine had the exact problem a week ago in her volvo, i know the sound and that was all she got fixed and the problem is fixed. the part itself shouldnt be more than 100, but its like, while you are in there mind as well do the strut. 1500 sucks, but its a ton cheaper if you are willing to do the work yourself. but from a shop it sounds alright, espcially for all 4 installed. and it also depends on how long you want to keep the car and all that.

[jon456]

All new struts and strut mounts, and new sway bars. Sound is gone, 2500 later. And yes Toyota makes good cars, but when they have a problem, it is some real bullshit problem. Like just stupid little shit that pisses me off breaks.