Hi, I have a 2015 Toyota Avalon with 102,000 Km. with some clunking noise on the passenger side. I've replaced the strut with OEM from Toyota dealership. the strut was no good before. I also replaced sway bar links, but I still hear some clunking noise. It feels like the whole suspension and the wheel has some play or looseness especially when I drive downward on bumpy areas. Overall it rides well and most of the noises are gone but I hear some clunking noise on that side. what do you think the issue is? thank you for your reply
Any looseness anywhere in the suspension can cause this. Check all bushings and joints for wear.
Did you replace the strut mount when you replaced the strut? Also I would suspect the lower control arm bushing where it connects to the frame, but as @chucktobias advised it could be any loose (worn) part in the suspension. This video may be helpful:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LS3CcuFGGKk
Thank you for your reply.
Actually, I did not replace the mount with it since my mechanic said the mount is fine. I will look into it to see if there are any worn bushings. the thing is it does not have any noise when I hit bumps at a speed above 40km/h. i replaced the links a week after replacing the strut. It has less clunking noise compared to the new links. do you think the links are causing this noise.
Did your mechanic check the other items mentioned in the video?
he checked the bushings and said that they are not worn, but I've jacked up the car later and checked it again myself. I noticed that the outer tie rod had some grease on it and the boot was not in a good shape in my opinion. I could easily rotate the tie rod on the passenger side.
Well, you may have identified the problem as being the outer tie rod. Have you considered returning to your mechanic with your findings? It would be difficult for anyone here to accurately diagnose the source of the clunking sound not being able to physically examine your vehicle. The information presented in the video that I provided is pretty much the extent of what anyone here could advise you on.
If your mechanic is unable to pinpoint the problem I would advise taking your car to a front end/suspension/alignment shop that specializes in the diagnosis and repair of your problem. Plus you will most likely need to have an alignment performed following the repair which most mechanic shops are not able to do, so why not have it all done at the same place.
I will do it. Thank you for your help
Try an automotive noise finder. You can get them on Amazon for cheap.
the wheel has some play or looseness
the steering wheel, or the tire and wheel?
the wheel and tire actually the suspension cause the movement since I can feel the movement of the suspension
