Rear Suspension Knocking after Strut and Mount Replacement!!

[kaarona1]

I just had my rear struts and mounts replaced on my 99 Solara SLE V6. Even after brand new Monroe Sensatrac struts and Mounts, my back end is knocking hard when I drive over rough surfaces. Of course, I was also one of the lucky ones who now has my ABS light on from the mechanic not disconnecting the ABS Speed Sensor. I told him that it is on and he said bring it back if it does not go off soon.

Anyway, what else could be causing the knock in my rear suspension??
Thanks in advance!!

[Ruski]

Same problem after i installed mine GO Back to the Shop Have them pull the whole interior trim in the rear And tighten the Top Hat Nut !!!!! Problem solved Did it for me on both side

[kaarona1]

That was my initial thought. I was just wondering if anyone else had other thoughts before I go back to the shop to tell the guy he has to replace 2 ABS sensors that they broke at $170 each and he has to take the interior panels back out (couple hours) to tighten some nuts they left too loose. This guy is not going to be happy.

[Ruski]

the shop shouldn't have half ass there work.. thats the problem i had so i fixed it. and about the abs sensor wow that sucks for them Better hope it dosnt come out of your pocket

[anttarz]

Problem: you brought it to a ghetto mechanic

Solution:
-Bring it to a real mechanic
-New ABS sensors $$
-The complete struts need to be re assembled correctly
-Everything has to be nice and tight

The longer you wait the more damage to the mount you'll do

Good luck

[Ruski]

^^^ Anttarz is correct. or Do it yourself

[kaarona1]

Thanks guys.. Im going back today to let him know his work needs to be corrected. Ill update tomorrow.

[kaarona1]

OK, I ripped the entire back out and got to the strut mounts and test drove on rough surface with mounts exposed. One side is very tight and no knocking. Other side seems stripped, I try to tighten it and it goes a half turn then loose again. WTF? This side knocks hard on bumpy road.

[SolaraBlue]

dude, take your car back to the shop that you bought and had the struts installed and have them fix the problem.

DO NOT DO THIS YOURSELF or the warranty for the work they did is out the window......

[unbalancedwood]

If it sounds like the noise is comming from down 'low' in the tire area, it could be the sway bar link needing to be tightened.

But yeah...take it back

[Ruski]

Other side seems stripped, I try to tighten it and it goes a half turn then loose again. WTF? This side knocks hard on bumpy road.[/quote]

If your gonna do it yourself go for it up to u.. The reason y its spinning is in the top mount. i had this problem also. I grabbed a C clamp or any type off clamping tool with a towel around and gripped the strut up high where it dosnt go into the housing to keep it from being ruined. Then went to tighten the clamp prevents the strut from spinning.. while you are tightening it .. Good luck.. But i say take it to the shop dont do it yourself.. unless you know what your doing

[kaarona1]

DAMN! I took it back to the shop today and they tried tighening the top bolt..... Still banging.. Then they took the entire strut and mount off disassembled, then reassembled and tighened to 60lbs of torque.... STILL Banging!! What else could be knocking?? I know for sure it is on the dirvers side rear!!

And we have not even addressed the ABS light yet, except for that he knows its on.

Ive had this Solara for 3 years and put on 100K miles. I have only had to replace an oxygen sensor (and timing belt/water pump at 100K). This car has been great except for the *$&% Suspension (front and back).

Any other suggestions?

[Ruski]

sway bars linkage

[unbalancedwood]

^ what he said, if it sounds like its coming from down low, near the tire, then thats probably it.

If it were from the mounts you would hear it above the seats, where its located....

[Ruski]

i had to replace two of my sway bar links because off stripped bolts during the install..