1997 Camry Rear Stabilizer Link bent

[GTS767]

My 1997 camry has a knocking noise coming from the aft suspension/struts any time I go in and out of my slightly elevated driveway. I had the right rear strut mount replaced, but no change. I finally noticed that the right rear stabilizer link that attaches to the strut flange is bent and looks like the bearing inside may be damaged. I plan to replace it, but my question what could have caused it to bend. My thinking it could be the strut flange hole location that could be under stress causing the link end to bend.

Should I replace the strut in addition to the link?? Any advice would appreciate.

[jdmccright]

Look at the wear pattern on the rear tires. If they are scalloped you probably have a bad strut. If feathered, you have alignment issues...such that a bad end link or end link bushing will cause. Also look at the sway bar bushings for wear or failure.

The bent end link is probably just due to a bad pothole combined with an old strut unable to absorb the shock. Everything has to be working to be effective.

[Airjer_]

Stabilizer bar bushings are real common on these. They'll make a clunk over every little bump when they get bad enough. With the rear wheels on the ground there is enough room to reach under the car and hit the bar with the palm of your hand. If its loose or makes noise the bushing is worn out.

They other thing we see quite a bit is the rear control arm bushings where out and cause the knuckle to twist where it mounts to the control arm. This will make a similar noise to a worn out Stab bar bushing.