Toyota Corolla Struts

[gabbar]

So, I got new front struts installed on my Corolla to replace original struts. The car, now with new struts has more noise than the original struts which had 80k miles on them. Did the mechanic install cheapo struts or install them incorrectly?

 

[FeuerFrei]

Need more info on type of noise, area of origin, duration of noise, and actions that generate said noise.

 

[bruceb]

Time to go back to that mechanic and have him recheck what he did. Maybe something is not properly tightened or the upper strut mounts are defective. It could also be bad ball joints or tie rod ends.

 

[COPOHawk]

Have mechanic check it out...I just did struts on my 2003 Park Avenue a few months back with good parts...had a bad rear air shock out of the box...couldn't tell until it was mounted on the car. It made bad clunking under normal driving conditions.

 

[Raizinman]

Not knowing specifically what year you are working with, most common on Corollas are:

If the vehicle develops a clunking sound when driving over bumps it is usually the strut bearing plates. These may need replacing at 100,000-125,000 miles or sooner. If the noise is a more of a squeak or groan, it can be usually be eliminated by spraying a light lubricant on the suspension bushings 1-2 times per year or a replacement of the suspension bushing.

 

[bruceb]

I did mention the upper strut mounts (aka bearing plate, as you called it) in my post above. As a general rule, when I replace struts, I also change the upper mount. They do not cost much and they have to come off to swap in the new strut, unless you are buying fully assembled, ready to install struts, which would come with a new spring, rubber dust boot and the upper mount already assembled.