2000ES300

Hi guys

My 2000 es front left suspension kinda clunks when going over bumps. It is less noticable when there is a passenger in the seat. But it does not knock when im turning or anything.

WOuld it be a control arm or a bushing or what do you guys think is going on.

Seems not as bad if im turning going over a bump


Thanks for your help in advance guys

MangoMan

I would say the strut is going out. My rear left does the same thing.

2000ES300

that is very frustrating. I can imagine this will be costing a lot of money

MangoMan

I know this is the wrong side but you could find the left one if you search.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-S...QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/STRUT...spagenameZWDVW

It will cost you 65-90 bucks.

98_es300

is there anything you could spray on the strut mounts to prevent them from squeaking when going over bumps?

swifty562

I don't think so. its best to replace it... and when doing so.. its best to just replace both fronts.

98_es300

what if ive already replaced the strut and strut mount, and i still hear slight squeaking going over bumps? is it possible to lube the strut mount to prevent it from squeaking?

LC1338

Your description of the problem is not consistent One time you mention a thumping noise and then ask about squeaking. Our 97 ES would make a thumping noise when going over bumps, especially when the car was cold in the mornings. This was due to worn out rubbers in the strut mounts. Once I replaced the left/right strut mounts the noise went away. While I was at it, I basically replaced everything except for the springs. But, I believe the thumping noise was just due to worn out mounts. I replaced the other stuff just to get a better ride.

98_es300

problem solved: took out the rear seat to gain access to the rear struts and popped off the plastic cover covering the strut mount; sprayed some lithium grease and the noise is gone. while i was at it i also lubed up my sway bar bushings.

2000ES300

So you guys think its not just the strut mount but I should replace the whole strut?

LC1338

2000ES300 - I did the work myself so I only paid for parts. The strut mounts are around $60-$80, the strut assemblies are around $140-$180 each and I'm not sure about the labor. I know as a fact that the mounts on the 97 ES were defective and Lexus would have fixed them under the warranty but my ES was laready out of warranty when we bought it used. I doudt though that your 2000 ES has the defective ones. When I bought the new mounts I could see that the rubber design was different than the ones on my 97 ES.

If you decide to get them fixed, consider taking it to a Toyota dealer. They should have all the parts and you may save a few $100.

2000ES300

so do the left and right at the same time even if the left doesnt make the sound?

LC1338

I checked and some of the 2000 models had the defective strut support as well. Is your car's VIN included in this range?

JT8BF28G*Y0237725
JT8BF28G*Y5075984

If so, then you have the defective strut mounts and you should change both sides. Based on the work that I did on our ES I know that the noise is only due to the bad strut mount/support and nothing else (not even the strut bearing). So it's up to you if you want to replace other parts.

Let's be sure the diagnosis is correct. The symptoms on our ES were:
Clunk/rattle noise over bumps and rough roads.
Much more noticeable in cold weather.
Getting progressively worse.
First on the left side and about a year later on both sides.

I hope this helps!

2000ES300

those are all my symptons except mine is started on the right side and luckily has not gone to the left

MangoMan

Does the 99 have this problem? Freaking crap...