ganski

New member with question pertaining to my new (to me) '97 ES300. Car has 103k miles, excellent condition, one previous owner, oil changes every 3k, all main. up-to-date. Starts, runs flawlessly except for one, minor complaint: When going slowly over rough surface, there seems to be a clunking sound coming from the front of the car. My first thought was maybe a shock or strut or spring; however, when I had new tires put on, the tech said everything looked great under there and could find no problems. Is there something else I could check or am I just expecting this car to be more quiet than it is? It sounds like something bouncing or rattling - but low pitched - hence - clunking. Any ideas?

aalano

had the same problem. found my front spring seats worn out badly causing a minor but noticeable thunking sound when traveling on roughly paved roads. you can either replace them or reposition the darn things if you can squeeze a bit more life out of them.

VVT-i

One more thing, the top(upper) strut mounts which is comon on the 97-99 ES and RX.

ganski

Thanks for the suggestions! I'll check on those possibilities as soon as I get a chance

chadmg7

I have the exact same problem! It is really irritating me lately... gets worse as it gets colder. Can anyone tell me about how much it will cost to fix it? It does not seem to happen in the rear, only the front. When I turn the steering wheel, I also hear a creak coming from what sounds like the axle or something. Is this a related problem? Overall, how much will it cost me to fix the noises including the parts and labor (approx.)? Thanks!

Brad681

chadmg7, As to the creak you're hearing, I've had similar problems with my 2002 ES 300. Colder weather definately makes the sound worse. After several unsuccessful attempts at a fix by the dealer, new strut, etc, I found a TSB for certain 2002 models that covers exactly front suspension coil spring creaking sound. Appears it has something to do with rubbing between the upper insulator and urethane tube covering the top of the coil spring. The new fix eliminates the tube.

I don't know if this might apply to your year of car but thought you might like to know there is supposedly a fix out there. I'm waiting on the parts for my coil spring fix and hope to have it completed within the next couple of weeks. Will post if it really works.

Brad