shbaki

I have a 1998 ES300 and a few months ago the front suspension started to make knocking noise even on small bumps. The noise gets much worse in the cold weather. Here is the video that I recorded on a cold day: Did anyone have this issue? I replaced all four stabilizer bars but didn't fix the problem. I checked all the ball joints and tie rod and they are not making any noise.

LeX2K

Check the sway bar bushings front and back same for sway bar links and report back.

shbaki

I replaced the back sway bar bushings (left and right) and also all four sway bar links. I checked the front sway bar bushing and it looks good (no crack)

harrisbaig

strut mounts?

LeX2K

Front upper strut mounts? There was an updated part released back in the day as part of a TSB. Lower control arms can also sound like that as well as engine mounts especially the rear center.

ilkinandr

I had similar issue in rear, First it was the bushings, they might look fine but they are not. Then i had links make noise, replaced went away and came back. Links were bad again, buy good quality ones or gonna have same issue as me. Last was strut mounts, got some repair shop brand and it got even worse, went with KYB for rear and OEM front with OEM bearing. As everyone else said check out the stuff the mention but also check your hood for movement.

80es300

Before changing the upper strut mounts, you can try spraying silicone lubricant. Open the hood and spray into the mount rubber area and if that is the culprit, it should get better. I had somewhat similar sounds on my 97 camry and silicone spray working fine for 5+ years
Like ikinandr said, check for hood movement. There are rubber adjustable corks under the hood (next to the radiator) if the hood has any play.

shbaki

Thanks for your suggestions.
I didn't have the tools to replace only the strut mounts so I changed the whole strut assembly with quick struts and the noise disappeared. Not sure, but probably it was because of bad strut mounts.

ilkinandr

Hope those were not Monroe or Gabriel. Might start having issues not long after.