Strut Noise

I own a 2000 Camry V6 LE and I'm hearing a noise from the front passenger strut when I hit a bump in the road. I popped the hood and moved the front end up/down and discovered that the noise was coming from the strut plate. Is this a sign that the plate is worn or damaged?

From the FAQ thread:

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=3202784&postcount=19

Thx Brian, your link was very helpful.

Had a loud rattling on my 99 Camry when going over bumps, bought a 6 point 19 mm deep socket and tightened the center nut on the top of the strut to 60 ft lbs and it went away.

Your mileage may vary but it's worth $6 for the socket to try it.

Thanks for all the info. Discovered the bearing in the strut plate was bad so i just replaced the bearing and strut plate. Runs like a charm now.

Any good info on how to do this ?

I basically detached the entire strut starting with the 4 screws under the hood (not the center nut) and i also detached the strut from wheel so that it all comes out in one piece. Next u have to compress the spring tight enough so that when you take the center nut lose, the bearing plate just comes off with ease. You will know if you do not compress the spring enough because the plate won't fit on. Thus you will have to compress the spring more until u can fit it on. I.E...compressing the spring was a bitch but it can be done.

So did you use a spring compressor??

And what kinda' wear did you see on the bearing??

Bearing opening ovaled out??

Bearing squished flat??

(I really need to take one of my old struts apart so I can see EXACTLY how the surfaces of the strut/upper seat/bearing & mount all sandwich together)

Yes i used a spring compresser and I discovered my bearing was bad so i just replaced the whole plate just to play it safe.