Got a strut mount question...

by **dbanker** » Fri Dec 13, 2002 12:38 am

I've read around a bit about people complaing of a "clunking" noise when going over bumps and hitting pot holes. I've had this problem for a while now with my '99 Solara but thought it was something with the struts...but am maybe starting to think the strut mount may have something to do with it. I guess other's have said they've contacted mechanics and they've said it's just an inconvenience and doesn't affect safety or performance.
It's annoying as hell though! Does anyone have any idea how to fix this problem, or has anyone out there had this fixed? Can you just get a new strut mount installed? If so how much would something like that cost?

by **cdssolara** » Fri Dec 13, 2002 4:40 pm

You can probably take it to a Toyota dealership and get it fixed for free. There is a Toyota Service Bulletin about this general problem, although I don't know the number offhand. Get this done before you upgrade your struts and springs, though.

by **NASTY** » Fri Dec 13, 2002 7:07 pm

im gonna guess its this one:

-a revised suspension support was devised to eliminate a noise from the front suspension on washboard type road surfaces (SU001-00, Jan. 2000)

by **dbanker** » Fri Dec 13, 2002 7:38 pm

Yeah I'd really like to get this fixed. What is it exactly that they fix? Do they install a new support? I'm not quite sure what they do to fix it...

Has anyone gotten this fixed on their car? Or is it not that wide spread of a problem?

by **Guest** » Sat Dec 14, 2002 10:52 am

Thanks for posting that service bulletin number...that looks like it's the one. I'll give em' a ring and see what that say. Hopefully they'll work with me!

by **dbanker** » Sat Dec 14, 2002 12:55 pm

Just went to my toyota dealership and found out the problem is the "front bushings" (strut mounts)...or something along those lines. It typically has been a problem in the front right mount, but can affect the front left as well. Mine is this way...the front right is quite a bit worse than the front left. Each costs rought $80 and about $150 for labor or so. And it's not under my warrenty...I have a '99 with a little over 65,000 miles and therefore have to pay for it myself (damn). For those who have 3 years/35,000 miles can have it done under the warrenty coverage I guess.

by **Jay** » Sat Dec 14, 2002 6:47 pm

I had the same problem with my front left.

by **NameLess** » Sat Dec 28, 2002 11:49 pm

I had the same problem with my solara. I got it checked at 2 dealerships. And I was told that it was the "strut tower mount bushings." That it was a "common problem." When I replaced my springs, I checked them, and they seemed to be fine. I didn't replace the bushings. They didn't make any noise for about a month or so, but the noise came back soon enough.
Although its back, the dealer told me that it was nothing to worry about, just an annoyance. Anyway...does anyone know if this problem was ever recalled or there was any word on it? Thanks.

-Minh

by **dbanker** » Sat Dec 28, 2002 11:59 pm

I was told they were the front bushings as well and that the front right bushing tended to be the worst. This is the case with mine. This was not however posted as a recall, just a service bulletin. If you're still under warrenty take it to your dealer and they should take care of it for you. I'm past my warranty so I need to take care of it myself. They run anyhwere from around $67 to $85 depending on where you buy them and the installation runs about $200 or so at the dealership. You could get them installed somewhere else for quite a bit less I bet...same with the price on the bushings. The toyota dealership I was at had the highest price for the bushings.

by **4banger** » Sun Dec 29, 2002 10:34 am

can you bring in the service bulletin number and have it serviced if you're on the extended warranty. Also, would still have to pay the $50 deductible. Cause if I do, I might as well have the one for the seat done too.

by **dbanker** » Sun Dec 29, 2002 2:56 pm

I'm not sure about the extended warranty...I don't know if service bulletins apply towards extended warranty plans. Give it a shot though, I bet they'll do it for you. Wouldn't be a bad idea to have the service bulletin number with you either, it'll show that actually know what the heck you're talking about. If you don't have it it's SU001-00, Jan. 2000. Might want to double check just to make sure. And I don't think you'd have to pay the deductible. Let me know what you find out if you go in...I'm curious what they'll say.

by **qlaval** » Mon Dec 30, 2002 7:13 pm

dbanker ask:

Does anyone have any idea how to fix this problem, or has anyone out there had this fixed?

There is two ways to have this problem fix.

One is to change your upper struts mounts for post 1999(I've heard some 2000) version model.
The parts are about $75usd/each but installation could reach a few hundred more plus don't forget
another front alignement....

Or try to find this discontinued TRD part:
Part #: 00602-48700-100 It was called an Upper shock mount isolator.
It was looking like this:
http://www.aei.ca/~qlaval/TRD%20Isolato ... %20KIT.JPG

Your best bet is to do it when you are upgrading to Tokico/TRD struts/springs combo.
But i do recommend that you avoid TRD struts since they are also discontinued.
If one ever come to fail you will have (just like it happen to me) to change all four struts one more time. Kind of very expensive...... :cry:

Hope it did help.

Q

by **adam2562** » Wed Jan 01, 2003 5:42 pm

yea since i lowered my car whenever i go over a bump it sounds horrible... its all over the front end... it used to bejust the passenger strutmount supposedly but do u think that after lowering it it has takena toll on the struts too? if so i may just sell my springs and get coilovers....

by **qlaval** » Wed Jan 01, 2003 6:30 pm

Adam2562 wrote:

...whenever i go over a bump it sounds horrible... its all over the front end... it used to bejust the passenger strutmount ....

I don't know, for myself i did switch to new strutmounts the same time i did change the struts/springs set.
But since it is all over the front end maybe
one of these Service Bulletins could apply?

-ST008-01 DEC 01 Front Suspension - Squeaking Noise

-SU001-00 JAN 00 Suspension - Front Support Change Reduces Noise

Ask your dealer about these TB. Maybe they could help resolve the issue.
If not changing strutmounts or having a TRD isolator kit will resolve the issue.

Good luck!

Q

by **adam2562** » Thu Jan 02, 2003 7:59 am

thing is, i cant apply those to my car.... i have 100k on my car