Rear suspension noise

psyclone65 · #1 (**permalink**) 04-17-2006, 10:00 AM

Hello All:

I have a 2000 Avalon with 65 k miles. Getting the knocking at both rear wheels on bumby roads but when I bounce the car at the corners there is no rebound...very solid. As part of this problem, how do I access the top nut(s) for the shocks(struts) to inspect. As a note, everything is dry. Thanks...Jim

mustang67408 · #2 (**permalink**) 04-17-2006, 04:11 PM

Your supposed to remove the rear seat (see attachment) to gain access to the rear struts.
I would lubing them and if that doesnt work replace the upper strut supports if the struts show NO signs of leakage.

ctedja · #3 (**permalink**) 04-17-2006, 08:52 PM

You may have the same problem as my 95 Avalon. I have checked everything, and not sure where the noise is from. Suspension seems solid. I google around, and see that someone has the same problem and replaced the bushing in rear sway bar, and it fixed his problem.

I just ordered the $9 bushing today at Autozone. Made by Energy Suspension. I should have it by Wednesday.

ctedja · #4 (**permalink**) 04-24-2006, 05:17 PM

Fixed the problem. The original bushing is worn out. Now the car drive solid.

nnamdi · #5 (**permalink**) 05-24-2006, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psyclone65

Hello All:

I have a 2000 Avalon with 65 k miles. Getting the knocking at both rear wheels on bumby roads but when I bounce the car at the corners there is no rebound...very solid. As part of this problem, how do I access the top nut(s) for the shocks(struts) to inspect. As a note, everything is dry. Thanks...Jim

Same experience on my 93camry,just that I've changed 1shock absorber, and a set of "Thin" arms but nothing.What's the "rear sway bar"?? pictures any1??

mustang67408 · #6 (**permalink**) 05-24-2006, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nnamdi

Same experience on my 93camry,just that I've changed 1shock absorber, and a set of "Thin" arms but nothing.What's the "rear sway bar"?? pictures any1??

Heres a pic for you

CJORDAN22 · #7 (**permalink**) 06-05-2006, 06:37 PM

I have the same noise as well. I'm going to try replacing the two sway bar bushings. Can anyone tell me if this is more complex than simply removing the 2 screws on the bushing retainer and swapping out the bushing? Do I need to take the entire sway bar off and thread the bushings on? Is there any pressure on the sway bar that will cause me harm if I loosen/remove the screws?
Sorry for the ignorance, just trying to be a DIY'er.

mustang67408 · #8 (**permalink**) 06-05-2006, 07:10 PM

The bolts are 12mm.
There is NO tension on the sway bar, just be careful when removing the bolts,so that the sway bar doesnt fall and hit you in the head

The bushings are cut and slide right over the bar and are NOT threaded on.
I would recommend a silicon grease lube applied to them before installation.

nameunknown2u · #9 (**permalink**) 01-05-2007, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mustang67408

The bolts are 12mm.
There is NO tension on the sway bar, just be careful when removing the bolts,so that the sway bar doesnt fall and hit you in the head

The bushings are cut and slide right over the bar and are NOT threaded on.
I would recommend a silicon grease lube applied to them before installation.

Where would you apply the silicon? The inside or outside of the bushing?

Thanks

mustang67408 · #10 (**permalink**) 01-05-2007, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nameunknown2u

Where would you apply the silicon? The inside or outside of the bushing?

Thanks

Yes
The inside and outside of the bushing. Don't GLOB it on. Just a nice thin coating.

ctedja · #11 (**permalink**) 01-14-2007, 12:14 AM

The Energy Suspension bushing I used came with a small tube of grease.

mgus · #12 (**permalink**) 05-10-2007, 06:09 PM

your rear sway bar bushings need to be replaced

bugmeenot666 · #13 (**permalink**) 10-14-2007, 02:07 PM

1996 Toyota Avalon - 180K miles; Just replaced the rear sway bar bushings (from NAPA, $15, part sourced from India; looked almost OEM black rubber; 16 mm bushings size); Had mechanic apply some Silicone grease on point-of-contact on sway-bar. After fitting these new bushings, had mechanic give a small thump with hammer on the sway-bar ends., just to make sure no jiggles/looseness to be found ..

AMAZING difference! The creek/thud noise stopped., More so, the suspension seemed its gotten sligtly tighter/better (looseness/travel seemed to have reduced).

I inspected the old (removed) bushings., unfortunately, couldn't find any visual fault with them. But rubber being rubber, I suppose these parts wore after these many years/miles.

Even on roads with good amount of pot-holes/imperfections, now I feel the car is going tight (good)! I almost feel that - it infused some newness into the car !

Excellent suggestion to Chris, and everybody who discussed/explained about the source of the noise, and how to fix'it.

Other references:
-----------------

sway bar. If the noise that you here sounds like when you go over a bump,
the rear sway bar bushings need to be repalced. This job is very easy,
consists of four bolts, and two brackets. About 1 hour total job.
Ref: 1996 Toyota Avalon LX Review - Carsurvey.org

====
I would try lubricating your sway bar bushings using a good silicon
paste. Unbolt both sway bar mounts from the crossmember and slide the
bushing off. Put a good coat of the silicon inside and re-install the
bushings. I have seen these bushing make all kind of noise and drive
people crazy looking for it.
Hope that helps.
Ref: Toyota Repair: Toyota Camry