Right Front Knocking Sound - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

slappy_545 · 03-01-2005, 07:02 PM

I recently purchased a 1997 Avalon. It has 130,000 km on it. There is a knocking sound coming from the right front suspension area. The sound is very loud when going over bumps at slow speeds. It does sound like a "bottoming out" sound. The sound is not present at greater speeds?

98 Avalon · 03-02-2005, 06:46 PM

Strut mounts is a major problem with this vintage Avalon. Try tightening the strut nut first. If no improvement or the nut turns freely, the mount is worn out. I had to replace my mounts along with the sway bar bushings on both sides. While I was at it, I replaced the swaybar links. Toyota also had a TSB regarding noise fron the inner tie rods. I have the squeek from the tie rods in cold weather. I live with the occasional sqeek since the steering rack is OK, and the repair is $$$!

parimento1 · 03-02-2005, 08:00 PM

yes,I had the same exact problem with my 97 Avalon, it is definitely the strut mounts and only cost about $60 each mount, plus labor from my local mechanic.

jlsell · 03-03-2005, 04:26 PM

My 1997 Avalon had the wrong struts installed, out of the factory. Fortunately, mine was still under warranty (lucky). Once fixed, no problems.

ericcyl · 03-04-2005, 07:00 PM

My 1999 Camry is having the same exact problem.

Unidentified uknocking sound coming from the right front, and is louder in cold weather, and is louder on rough roads that big pumps.

Toyota doesn't know what caused it,

Sears Auto center doesn't know what caused it,

Monro Muffler & Brakes doesn't know what caused it,

Until I searched the web, finally makes sense....

I have ordered the strut mounts and I'm going to replace the 4 sides including boots at once because my left front is starting to have the noise, but just not as loud, and I've also read in other forum that high milage camry having rear strut mount problems.

fire14 · 03-06-2005, 11:33 AM

The front strut mounts take more abuse and do go bad, make noise. They are typically replaced when the front struts are replaced. The rear strut mounts typically do not need to be replaced when the struts are replaced.

jgross · 03-08-2005, 07:22 AM

My 99 camry has the knocking sound in the right and left front. I took it to the dealer and he wants $800 to replace the strut mounts. I have never replaced mounts before does it require special tools?

Thanks for the help

98 Avalon · 03-08-2005, 06:35 PM

You'll need a spring compressor, a good set of sockets up to 22mm, a torque wrench, a service manual, jack and axle stand. You might want to consider replacing the struts since you have everything apart. Check the condition of the spring mounts and the strut bearing. The swaybar bushing and end links should be checked too, along wth any play in the suspension, ie. ball joints, wheel bearing/outer CV joint etc.

fj40supraman · 03-10-2005, 12:08 AM

Where did you guys get your struts? What did you give for them? Are they cartridges? Mine has 175K miles and I want to give it the new ones when it gets to 200K. Mine is a '99 if it matters. Anything special I should know, I've already changed McPhersone (sp?) struts before, so I know about compression tools for coil springs. Haven't done the research, but I know experience is priceless. Thanks

98 Avalon · 03-10-2005, 06:47 PM

I got my Tokico's on eBay for $300.00US for a set of 4 plus shipping. If you have done stuts before, there is nothing special with the Avalon.

mdoan · 03-11-2005, 03:15 PM

I got some KYB GR2 from tirerack...
I also replaced the front right strut mount from the dealer...put it in no more noise...
make sure you tight the nut down (like someone mentioned in previous post)

Quote:

Originally Posted by fj40supraman

Where did you guys get your struts? What did you give for them? Are they cartridges? Mine has 175K miles and I want to give it the new ones when it gets to 200K. Mine is a '99 if it matters. Anything special I should know, I've already changed McPhersone (sp?) struts before, so I know about compression tools for coil springs. Haven't done the research, but I know experience is priceless. Thanks

bcossa2001 · 01-08-2010, 01:59 PM

What a terrific forum. I have a 97 that has rattled for years--both the front right and the front left. I went home yesterday after reading this thread and sprayed some silicone on the strut mounts. No noise today--the silence is deafening....

AWESOME!!

kyle_wise07 · 01-12-2010, 06:25 PM

hey everyone. i have the same problem. both fronts are making the noise. today i went to tuffy tire and auto service, and they wanted 1600 for just shox and mounting plates. wtf. but i dont think i can replace myself.. and even if i could, i probably wouldnt trust myself enough to..
but i found these on cz... heres the link
is this a reasonable price?