Clunking type noise from front - Strut Bearings?

[Stevarian]

I have a 1999 Solara SLE with 79k miles, and I am getting some noise from the front end, that seems to be getting more noticeable. It seems to be from the right front, and happens when I drive on roads that have some bumps. I did some searching on the net, and this board, and it seems there are some issues with the strut bearings.

I found this at http://yotarepair.com/Suspension.html

Q: I have received a lot of questions about noise from the front end over some slight bumps or washboard roads. These can affect the Avalon, Camry, Solara, Sienna and Corolla.

A: Many of these noises are caused by the inner tie rod end in these vehicles. The models affected and covered in Service Bulletins are: 95-00 Avalon, 97-00 Camry (USA built), 99-00 Solara, 98-00 Sienna, 98-99 Corolla. You may bear a squeaking type noise going over bumps that may go away after some driving. Your dealer has the information to assist you or you can ask me for the parts numbers. In Camry's the noise can also be caused by the upper strut bearings. It generally takes a "speed bump" type of condition to hear it but pot holes will do in a pinch. It really affected the 97-99 models and Toyota dealers know of the solution. It's not cheap since the strut has to be removed and the new bearing assy installed but it's the only way to solve that noise."

The guy at the local Toyota dealership said this is an expensive fix, like $600-700. (I haven't taken my car in to have it checked yet).

Is this a typical price for this work? I am assuming this would just be to replace the bearings, or would it be the entire strut assembly?

Any thoughts on this? And if I was going to have this done, is my best bet to go with the OEM parts, or are there better aftermarket parts?

Thanks!
Steve
Spokane, WA

[DaTwUnKrAziEpInOy]

I'm assuming that your car isn't dropped ?? Just remember that the dealership charges an arm and a leg for every repair. More than likely the only thing that'll be changed are the strut mounts. Hope this kinda helps you out.

[ZXLNT]

Stevarian check with your dealer. I believe there is some kind of service bulletin on this. I think its the spring mount pad or something like that, that wears out prematurely. Its likely that if you work it right Toyota will warranty it, at least partially...

[TRD MCV20L]

Perfect time to upgrade to colilovers.

[cdeez]

DO NOT TAKE IT TO THE DEALER!!!...unless you want to spend that money..but anyways,..

mine was making the same noise, but milton, the big dawg, the madinstalla, 1lokedoutsle, helped me take off the strut and we took the bearings outs, regreased it, put it back and it hasn't made sound yet. if you are a hands on person you should be able to do this.

[Stevarian]

Thanks guys. Unfortunately, I am not a hands on guy when it comes to cars. I can change the oil, etc, but nothing complicated, plus I don't have a lot of tools.

And no, the car is not dropped, it is just a stock SLE. It has been a great car, other than this noise issue, and plus the fact it has developed some little noises inside the cabin.

I will check with the dealership on the service bulletin, and see if there is anything they can do for me.

Does that price seem in line for the job though? If I was to do this, are there aftermarket replacement parts that might be more reliable? Or have they fixed this problem with the OEM parts?

Thanks again!

Steve

[hskrsolara]

I would struggle to pay 1/3 of that price for just bearings!!! Man, that is a screw job. I can get a brand new mount installed w/ bearing for $115, at retail price. They are screwing you for sure!