2004 Solara front suspension noise..need answers.

Atlanta04solara · #1 (**permalink**) 05-17-2007, 10:36 AM

Help! I own a 2004 Solara SE, 4 cyl. I love the car but I am getting worried about a noise that I keep hearing coming out of the front end..it is a slight popping or thump that comes from the left wheel area...I only hear this when making turns at a very low speed like parking or slowly turning the wheel. My first thought was maybe the CV joints but the boots look fine to me..I've read that the "top of the strut tower" may need to be adjusted or something like that. Does anyone have any info on this issue? Any help would be appreciated.

Stefan

KCLoanGuy · #2 (**permalink**) 05-17-2007, 03:32 PM

Sounds like the same problem I had with mine last year. It ended up being something in the steering column, if its still under warrenty take in, they should know about the problem because it seems to be pretty widespread.

PXLpainter · #3 (**permalink**) 05-19-2007, 05:50 PM

I think there might be a TSB on that noise as well - which will still be covered after the warranty I believe. You can check the database from the forums home page under your car listing at the top (if you've registered your car year/model)

Atlanta04solara · #4 (**permalink**) 06-03-2007, 10:33 PM

Well here is the latest scoop on this...I took my Solara to get an oil change and to get this noise checked out...there is a TSB on it and it turns out that it has something to do with the Steering wheel shaft assembly..the ****ty part about it is that they want me to pay for this to the tune of $411.00 plus taxes!! The dealer says that this particular TSB is not covered under warranty..WTF?? I thought all TSB's were covered by the dealer?? Is this the end of the line or should I keep escalating this?

PXLpainter · #5 (**permalink**) 06-04-2007, 01:30 AM

I would definitely push for it!

Do a search here (look in some of my other "Sticky" posts about "Shift Lag") for the Customer Satisfaction Hotline # and open up a case against the dealership and explain your situation. They should be able to help you. The dealerships NEVER want to cover anything and sometimes you just have to force their hand!

Good luck!

mekaleka · #6 (**permalink**) 06-05-2007, 10:36 AM

If it is still within the manufacturers' warranty, then find another dealer...you shouldn't even have to ask twice for a repair like that. Outside the manufacturers' warranty is another story...it will likely be your dime.

eevers · #7 (**permalink**) 06-06-2007, 07:14 AM

hi

steering knock/click problems lead me to toyota service bulletin
#ST001-06

It mentions warranty coverage under 36k

red '04 SOL SE SPT · #8 (**permalink**) 08-03-2008, 01:07 AM

I had a "clunking" in the front end when I went over bumps. I brought it into the toyota dealer and they found that one of my front macpherson strut nuts was loose. The fixed it, no charge.

PXLpainter · #9 (**permalink**) 08-03-2008, 03:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by red '04 SOL SE SPT

I had a "clunking" in the front end when I went over bumps. I brought it into the toyota dealer and they found that one of my front macpherson strut nuts was loose. The fixed it, no charge.

Great news! That happened to me once before (rear strut) and the technician tried to blame it on my TRD Muffler! LOL!

I made the service tech stand outside with me and had the technician drive my car over two speed bumps at the dealership to prove that they were totally full of crap!!

Anyway - glad you got it resolved!