es300 struts/suspension/ NOISE! please help
12-04-08, 12:38 PM
#17
Lexus Test Driver
You hafta hit that nut with an impact to keep it from turning or it won't tighten. Some struts have a hex key on top by the nut so you can hold it with a large allen wrench while tightening the nut, but I havent looked at our 99 ES to confirm that yet...
I'll be doing struts pretty soon too, but I'm not sure if I should just do the mounts or struts and mounts, I mean the struts are soft, but I cant tell if they're really bad since a lex is supposed to ride kinda soft and smooth. It does have a little body roll though.
I'll be doing struts pretty soon too, but I'm not sure if I should just do the mounts or struts and mounts, I mean the struts are soft, but I cant tell if they're really bad since a lex is supposed to ride kinda soft and smooth. It does have a little body roll though.
01-02-09, 09:43 PM
#18
Lexus Test Driver
It's been proven that staying with the Toyota mounts is the way to go. Lots of folks went aftermarket and have rattling and other noises post-install. If your upper mounts are non-Toyota there's still a chance that they're making noise. Get 'em all while you're at it; they're not THAT expensive and the quiet results are worth it.
Hit up Carson Toyota (see Luis) as they offer amazing prices and discounts for CL members; they're a supporting vendor. Support our supporting vendors whenever possible.
01-08-09, 05:30 PM
#20
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Go to O'Riley Auto Parts. You can get everything you need except the upper spring insulator. Your problem is most likely the mounts. You should always replace the mounts anytime you replace the strut. Usually the lower spring insulator will also need to be replaced. If you need the upper spring insulator you will probably have to get that from a Lexus dealer. I have not had any luck finding one anywhere else.
01-08-09, 06:32 PM
#21
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07-19-09, 06:10 PM
#23
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I had same issue, resolved it for 155 parts and labor
I also have a 99 es300 with 146000 mi on it. I had the same issue. I bought struts (KYB) for it and had them put in. I neglected to buy the strut mounting plates or brackets under the hood. They were only 57 for the pair on EBAY. Replacing the struts did niot fix the noise, I then took a techs advice and replaced the mounts. Good as new....
01-19-10, 10:16 AM
#24
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DIY repair?
hi,
do you need special compression tools for replacing the strut mounts/bushings? I have chattering in the front end (both sides) when it is cold and under 35 mph (I think i just notice it more because its quiter at this speed). The struts are new. my es has 140k- I just bought it and this is the only problem...
I have experience with toyota truck suspension work. way different ball game?
do you need special compression tools for replacing the strut mounts/bushings? I have chattering in the front end (both sides) when it is cold and under 35 mph (I think i just notice it more because its quiter at this speed). The struts are new. my es has 140k- I just bought it and this is the only problem...
I have experience with toyota truck suspension work. way different ball game?
02-09-10, 07:46 PM
#25
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hi,
do you need special compression tools for replacing the strut mounts/bushings? I have chattering in the front end (both sides) when it is cold and under 35 mph (I think i just notice it more because its quiter at this speed). The struts are new. my es has 140k- I just bought it and this is the only problem...
I have experience with toyota truck suspension work. way different ball game?
do you need special compression tools for replacing the strut mounts/bushings? I have chattering in the front end (both sides) when it is cold and under 35 mph (I think i just notice it more because its quiter at this speed). The struts are new. my es has 140k- I just bought it and this is the only problem...
I have experience with toyota truck suspension work. way different ball game?
02-09-10, 08:56 PM
#26
There is a TSB (December 1999) addressing this noise. Toyota designed a new strut mount rubber to fix the problem. As a result, the old parts # 48603-33020 (RH) and 48609-33120 (LH) have changed to 48603-33021 (RH) and 48609-33121 (LH). So beware.
02-12-10, 12:22 PM
#28
05-16-10, 05:04 AM
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I've got the same "clunking" sound on my 2000 ES300 - passengers side only. Have had several mechanics ck it out when replacing tires, rotors, etc and nobody has identified the problem - "nothing wrong with the suspension" is the answer I always get. I have 123K on my car and the noise doesn't happen over every kind of bump... really strange. I am having all struts and mounts replaced in next two weeks (about $1200) because I think that it is time for that maintenance... car came from Boston area - not known for smooth roadways or streets.