gcrim21

Our 2003 ES300 with 22,000 miles on it has a clunking noise that can be felt in the steering wheel when turning at low speeds. Also 'clunks' when entering and exiting the driveway when the car is going through slight depressions in the pavement. Also the steering wheel is being turned and the car is moving. Do any others who are owners of this model experience this problem? I have owned thirty different vehicles during my life but none of them had this problem. I have not taken it to the dealership where I purchased it because it is a two hour 125 mile drive from here. I am going to schedule an appointment to do so and at the same time get the ECM reprogrammed for the jerky shifting transmission.

GCrim21

whiteguyz

I have the same exact "problem" on my 1994. Problem is in quotations because I havent really had anything bad happen. It makes that noise, it's made it for like a year, and nothing wrong has happened. My vehicle does steer right a bit, but I'm not even concerned with it.

GATO

iTrader: (1)

gcrim21, I have the same clunk, exactly when going through slight depression in the pavment and on certain turns. I've tried tightening the strut bolts ,I've checked the control arms but nothing I can't find anything

juan01

add another person to that list of clunking (sometimes only though)

gcrim21

The clunking noise has been present since it was new. Hasn't got any worse nor has it improved either. It is a mystery.

GCrim21

Woogie

could be bad cap on the strut mounts.

GATO

iTrader: (1)

my toyota tech couldn't find anything wrong in the stut area...he says it's my cheap springs

MoreMGD32

iTrader: (1)

i have that da** problem too

TCwindom

i have same problem... but only in front right.

I've been told it's a bad ball joint.

thelangs

I haven't had that problem with my Lexus, but my Nissan 280Z had the same sounds and it was the ball joints.

GATO

iTrader: (1)

I had someone look that noise over again today, and both mechanics agree that this noise ( clunking and popping ) is coming fron the the rack part of the rack and pinion . I also consulted with a Toyota parts Manager and he says that when a rack goes out it makes the clunking,popping noise.

Ladie_Lexx

My 92 has also had that same problem and I purchased some new struts and control arms. You may want to just look underneath there one day and check to see if any of the rubber surrounds are not rubbing. Also when is the last time you had your camber and alignment checked? That could be doing it too. Just some suggestions

GATO

iTrader: (1)

false alarm on the rack.
turns out the clunking noise was coming from the upper strut mounts. I read these were defective on the 97 98 models. I purchased my upper strut mounts from Toyota for 52 dollars a piece. original price is 83 a piece...I got the hook up let me know if you need some.

oh yeah, I'm noise free now

GATO

iTrader: (1)

heres the dealy....had to replace the upper seat cause it got damaged by the upper strut. and also replaced upper strut and bearing. take a look

lexusk8

Thought I'd bring this semi-old thread back because I'm experiencing the same symptoms with the suspension in my '01 ES. Clunking noise from the front struts on all depressions of the roads. Blame it on the bad roads and stupid speed bumps around my area

At any rate, that's a useful pic of the old and new strut mount parts you took, el gato. I will use what you experienced from your dealership repairs as reference when I go to my Toyota dealership next time. If their strut mount parts are more expensive than what you paid for, I'll come back to you