Cracking noise when riding over bump or pothole - front suspension problem??????

[Lytcarmelsyn]

Hello All,

I am new to this message board. I really need your HELP. I have a cracking noise from my front driver's side suspension when I go over a bump or pot hole. It sounds like metal is hitting metal. It is quite frightening. I had my front struts replaced last week, but I still hear the noise. The shop that replaced the struts specialize in frame and wheel problems. They checked the strut mounts and to make sure everything was at the correct torque ( I think that the word). Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[KimMG]

Did the shop take it for a test drive?

[Lytcarmelsyn]

Yes, they took the car for a test drive before the struts were replaced. Afterwards, I didin't hear the noise for about 2 hours, then the next morning as I was driving to work, the noise came back. I took it back to the shop and they put it on the Hoist thing (and took the three bolts off under the hood, I think the suspension support to check to see if it was rattling, but nothing. He also checked the strut mount that connects to the shock absorber thingy. Sorry, I don't know the technical names of the parts.

[FA22ChevelleSS]

The noise youre hearing is your front sway bar. Your sway bar bushing has worn down and needs to be replaced. The part is about $10-$20 and will take a good mechanic a short period of time to replace. I had my sway bar bushings replaced for about $175, cause he had to redrill my sway bar. Really cheap fix, you'll be good to go after its over.

[Brian R.]

Make : LEXUS
Model : ES300
Year : 1997
Manufacturer : TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Service Bulletin Num : SU00299
Date of Bulletin: DEC 10, 1999
NHTSA Item Number: 610100
Component: SUSPENSION:FRONT
Summary: SERVICE INFORMATION TO ELIMINATE FRONT SUSPENSION SUPPORT NOISE.
This was also a problem in the Camry.