2009 Front end shutters on bumps

[Josh41]

I have a 2009 Solara Conv. and the front end tends to shutter or shakes it almost feels like a loose side to side motion on bumps. It is most notable at about 10 mph on say a pot hole or speed bumb. The dealer says that because it is a convertable, it has a flexible frame.
I have found no mention of this online.
Thanks for your help.
Josh

[Beelerman]

I've only had my 2006 convertible a week, but I've notice mine does the same thing. Anyone else? Is this normal?

[4TOPDOWN]

My 2002 SLE convertible does same thing since I bought it two years ago with 80K miles from CARMAX with new cheap Triangle brand tires. I took it back to CARMAX and they installed new front struts, rebalanced 4 tires, checked alignment, and resurfaced rotors at no charge. Still shutters until today at 98K... bought new Michelins and alignment at NTB and shutter is gone.
Left front TOE was -0.69 deg. Suppose to be -0.10-+0.10. Was it the tires and/or alignment? Check your alignment

[gewaddy]

As I'm new to the Solara ragtop family w/ my '07 SLE, I have the same issues with mine. The best fix I've been able to find is the TRD (toyota racing development) Front Strut Tower Brace, coupled with the TRD Rear Sway Bar. MSRP at Toyota is about $210 for the FSTB & $200 for the RSB. Mine has a brand new set of Falken 502's put on right before I bought it, so they could also be part of the issue... Those prices are just for the parts--don't know about labor. When I install, I'll re-post to the forum my results--WE SHOULDN'T HAVE TO RE-ENGINEER these suspensions, just because we wanted the ragtop Solara! My last Toyota was an '80 Celica GT--All I did was put Michelins on it!

[edannan]

Body flex is common on convertibles. I have an '08 SLE that I bought about three months ago to replace a '90 Supra Turbo with targa top. I had body flex on the Supra too with the top off so installed a heavy duty (Cusco) strut brace. Didn't notice any significant improvement. I've been thinking of getting the TRD strut brace for the Solara but I'm a little leery as to whether it will make any difference after my Supra experience. Please let us know, if possible, the improvement after installation of the strut brace only. Thanks.

[gewaddy]

Installed my TRD FSTB Sat. morn.--noticed an immediate improvement on Cowl Shake. Where I got 2-3 oscillations side-to-side with my OE FSTB, the TRD gives me 1 move & settles immediately after... I live on the Gulf Coast where washboard roads are common & this is a 40-50% improvement. After 100-200 miles, I'll install my TRD RSB & report back my results... I'm very encouraged by my results to date!
gewaddy

[edannan]

Thanks for the update. You've helped me make the decision to get the brace for mine. Please let us know your thoughts on the rear sway bar as well.