I own a 1997 Camry LE 2.2 for 8 months. Lately the front wheels have a clonking noise, mostly the right one, but the left is not far behind. My mechanic can't find anything moving or loose. I've changed the front struts and the left stabilizer link assy, but to my dissapointment and after $400 its still there. Does anyone have any idea what else it could be? I had the same problem with a Nissan 200SX but sold it before it got any worse.

I am running out of money and patience with this car. Just last week my check engine came on, and after Autozone checked it the EGR valve is the problem allthough the car runs fine with no chocking at idle or anyother time. It turned off for a week but it came back on. To change it, it would run me at least $300. Is there a way to fix it cheaper?

Someone please help me. Thank you in advance!!!

Chris

Chris,

The clunking is probably due to defective upper strut mounts in the front. It is a known problem with generation 4 Camrys. Toyota has redesigned the mount a couple of times since you car was manufactured. Toyota will not warranty this problem past the 3 year/36,000 mile warranty. It is up to the owner to bite the bullet and do it on their own. The problem for you is most of the labor of removing and reinstalling the struts must be duplicated to install the "new" upper strut mounts. Do a search on this forum for "front end noise" or "front strut mounts" and do some reading. Toyota has a technical service bulletin out on this. If your mechanic has Alldata, he can look it up.

Your egr valve can usually be cleaned. It gets clogged with carbon over time. Do another search here for "egr cleaning" and read again. If it's something you don't feel comfortable doing yourself, print the information you find and show it to your mechanic.

Good luck with both problems.

Mike

Thanks Mike, I thought that might be the problem. I wish I had changed the upper strut mounts when I changed the struts, but...

I will do some research on the links you gave me. Thank you again for responding so prompt.

the cheapest way to fix your car problem is to learn how to fix your own car. take automotive classes. at school they will fix your car for free. i did it. i went to school and learned about cars because i got tired of being rip off by the mechanics. remember now ..knowledge is power...
Check the sway /stabilizing bar bushings. They are cheap and easy to change. Search this site for posting related..

pufulete,

You're welcome.

Mike

I will be surprised if it is not the CV half-shaft making that noise.

I apreciate all the info, but believe me that I am afraid to change anything anymore, thinking that it might not be the problem. I dont want to put anymore money into this car that I dont have to. I am looking to get rid of it asap. Although I am afraid I will have to fix it anyway until then...

Thanx again...

It is the upper strut mounts this is a common problem on these camrys, usually the right side fails first.

When I find the time that is the first thing I will check. I am not sure how dangerous it is to drive it like this. When I start to drive and if it is cold, it is realy bad, it clonks at every small bump. It gets better after a while. I have never had problems like this with any of my cars, and I had quite a few, with a lot more then 75K miles. Anyway thank you for the advice it is much appreciate it.