i did a search lastnight and really couldn't find anything on ball joints.. Does anyone know a link or can point me in the right direction.. I just changed my GS ball joints so i'm ready for the ES.. I also want to do sway bar bushings and front struts( leave the struts to the mecahnic..) Thanks in advance..

Tony

 

ball joints on an es are bolt on

 

I know that but is there a step by step process after you take the wheel off.. i found the parts online for like 40 bucks for both..

 

Ive never seen any ES or Camry with bad ball joints, but if you think it will improve the ride go right ahead.

 

Well i'm getting a thump from the front drivers side over bumps.. More than likely its the strut mount from what i've read on previous posts or the sway bar bushing..

 

Yes!!!! Check the end links too they will make a blub-blub-blub kind of noise.

 

Hi Tony,

I agree with 92ES5sp. Definately check the sway bar bushings, end links, but most importantly the strut mounts.

Unfortunately I have the same problem with front strut noise on my 97 ES300.(my car had only done 100,000Kms) I have bought the bushings but haven't put them on yet. They make the most noise when it's cold, and then it almost disappears when it's warm. I am very confident that the nosie will be gone after I get my mechanic to replace the bushings, end links and most importantly the strut mounts.

I have searched the internet and I have no doubt that this is a common problem with the Es's as well as the entire Toyota Camry/Avalon equivalent range (approx 97 - 2001). If you do a 'google' search on front strut noise for these models you will find that we are not alone!! Literally 1000's of people have had the same issue!! From what I have read it would appear as though the original strut mounts in these vehicles were not good. ('faulty') (The rubber would compact too much leaving a space in the mounts for it to rattle and knock.) To my knowledge there was never an offical 'product recall' but apparently Toyota/Lexus have since made a better designed strut mount that solves the problem. (I read this on a Toyota web site)

Of course your knocking/noise may not be this at all- Even though we all have the same cars we may experience different problems/solutions however in light of the above - I would suggest to replace the strut mounts.

I personally have opted to replace the cheapest things first such as the bushings and end links caps and then test drive the car. If the noise still persists I will work up to the strut mounts JUST IN CASE it only turns out to be one of those cheaper parts. - you never know!.

NOTE: Another issue seems to be that when some people take their vehicles to be repaired for this type of thing occasionally some 'unscrupulous mechanics' may replace the entire struts as well as the mounts just to make more $$ - Yes, it may fix the problem but it costs a fortune $$$$ when it may not have been necessary in the first place! The struts themselves on the Toyotas and Lexus are quite hardy and long lasting.

Well that's my opinion on the issue, my car is being booked in for the work soon, so I'll keep eveyone updated on the progress!

Hope this helps.

 

Thanks for the reply.. I agree that starting with the small parts first.. I may do that sway bar bushing first seems like a easy install and go from there.. Regardless i think the car will go in next week because i've had enough with the noise..

my other thought also was the car only has 87k for a 97 ES so i can't see the strut itself going bad like you said.. My guess is the strut mount.. thanks for your help

TOny