My first question is, does a 2001 Solara have rear struts or shocks? I have a bad raddle / knocking as I go over bumps, etc on the right rear. Has anyone ever experienced this problem. Going down a smooth road, everything is fine! But, over any bumps at all, there's a lot of bumping going on. All the exaust system seems to be tight. I do believe it's something to do with the suspension, strut, etc. If so, would this be isolated to a strut or can a mount be involved. What kind of expense would this be to get the strut, mount replaced. Thanks!
solara has strut assembly in the rear just like the fronts. most of the rattle you hear will probably be the strut support rattling. but if you have over 100K on your vehicle, it would be a good idea to go ahead and change out the struts while you are there. supports has a rattle noise and strut itself will have almost the same rattle but a bit hollow. you will have to hear both to know how it sounds like.
as for replacing them, they are a pain in the @$$! the rear deck needs to come off to gain access to the (3) 12mm nuts that hold the strut assembly on. then there are (2) 19mm that holds the bottom strut. wouldn't be surprised if labor is in the 5+ hour range.
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05 Salsa Red Pearl DC
01 Honda Civic
95 Acura Integra
My '98 Camry had this. Turned out it was the antisway-bar bushings worn out. Fairly inexpensive part, and quite easy to replace. I went through two sets in six years, so if it's the same for you that may well be it. I'd certainly try that before replacing struts. :-)
I have a 99 Solara (160k miles) with the same knocking problem, same side. Struts are about $150 each, but the install is $400 (for both sides), not including $100 each side to replace the mount. Local reair guy tells me that he cannot assess the condition of the mounts until they get the struts off. Stealership is a couple of hundred more. I'm waiting until I really have to before sending that kind of money. The longer I ride on the springs, the more expensive it will be by a couple of hundred. For me it is worth the wait.....
its 90% of the time just the sway bar bushings,, get under the car and grab the sway bar near the bushing give it a good tug back and forth and you will see and feel the movement.. i guarantee thats the problem,, i have changed hundereds of them..
^^ Agreed. Check the bolts on your RSB first. You might be able to check without even jacking up the car... it will save you a ton of $$ if you can locate the issue and fix it yourself in a few minutes!
Rear strut knocking
Linear Mode
