jchou0615

iTrader: (1)

help me out here guys, when i drive and go over bumpy road or mud holes, the front right tire has sounds coming out...can you guys tell me whats the problem? and how much does it cost to repair it...or you guys think i should trade it in and get another car?

mmlex1987

Thats ironic, as I have a very well maintained/like new 2000 ES 300 with a similar sound. I have much experience with automobles and it sounds like a bearing plate noise on the right upper strut mount. (you can see it from under the hood) but to change the strut must be removed. I brought it to my dealers attention, and if you could believe this, they stated they could find no problems. Usually when a vehicle is long out of warranty, "those who know whats best" the dealer, yeah right.. would have recommneded something. Maybe you could go to a private shop and get a free estimate with you referring to that upper bearing plate. They should be able to show you the movement to duplicate the noise. I only hear my noise at low speeds over slightly imperfect parking lots and the such. Let me know if this helps out.

zazag

That seems to be an inherent problem with '00 and '01 ES. My '00 ES is also plagued with the same clunky sound coming from the right front any time I hit a bump.

mmlex1987

Hopefully someone can help us all address the exact issue.

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

Strut tower mounts. The grease inside them oozes out/dries up with time, and it causes the clunking sound, due to the metal on metal contact.

I noticed mine went last year, doesn't affect drivablility but is a PITA to hear every now and again. I am thinking of getting it done all at once this spring, if i manage to get lowering springs as well.

jem1660

Would this be the same resolution for a sound coming around the right-rear tire/wheel? Or does that seem to be something related to the area around the sub-box rattling?

Ariyanna

My 2000 has the same noise and its the strut mount, u can put some silicon Spray on it but its only temporary. The best way to get rid of the noise is to replace the strut mount, you might as well replace both side and struts while your at it.

mmlex1987

Thanks for all of the input. I was referring to it as a bearing plate, but upper strut mount is probably the correct language.

Audacity

Is it the strut mount or the strut? I just received four new Monroe Sensatrac struts today and I'm getting ready to install them. I wasn't planning on changing the mounts because they look fine..... I can't stand the noise and rattling I'm hearing/feeling when going over bumps! Do I have to spring for new mounts all around as well?
Martin

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

Hard to call, but majority of the time it is the mount. Something about the grease inside drying up with time due to a poor design, hence the 'noise' that is contact.

I did the above suggestion and tried to get access into it as best as possible but it is not worth the effort since the way it is installed is constricting in terms of getting in there with a grease gun.

Such was the case with my car, when i had it looked at last year, and my mechanic confirmed this...

Ariyanna

Did you change the mounts?

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

Nope. Doesn't bug me enough to spend a lot of money on stupid mounts alone.

I figure, if i were to be changing those, i may as well do it all. So i am waiting until then, the car rides mint, and the noise isn't as bad, or maybe i just got used to it?