1998 Toyota Camry Problems

There is a service bulleting about the front strut MOUNTS (top) where the strut rod is secured to the inner fender well. The rattle is a worn out mount bearing.

Properly, there would be an ID sticker included with the new belt and affixed to a visible surface on the engine compartment. Otherwise, pull off a belt cover and turn the engine over until you see a section of the belt with inked indentification. If no such ink is left or is badly worn off, the belt is OLD. Looking at the belt teeth reveals nothing about condition.

Transmission fluid every 15-20k. Brake fluid and power steering fluid every 2 years. Four wheel alignment.

Normal.

Don't make contact with other vehicles or immoveable stationary objects.

Philip,

Thanks for your help. What is a service bullentine? Another thing to note is thta the stearing wheel rattles sometimes (kinda like its loose)>

What about new wires? spark plug? I believe that's called a tune up.

I'm a computer guy and car stupid! but I am trying to learn.

Thanks, Josh

Technical Service Bulletins are repair advisories dealing with the correction or modifications of specific vehicle deficiencies or upgrades.

Drop by your Toyota dealer to inquire about TSB :

SU-001-00 Camry/Avalon front suspension noise

That's a very good place to start.

Philip,

On the suspension noise -- this local place is telling me it is the strut mount more than likely?? Do you think thats it or bushings? baring?

Thanks Josh

Pardon me for jumping in, but I have a '99 and it had the same problem. I replaced both upper front strut mounts and the noise went away. It sounded HORRIBLE like the front wheel was going to fall off!

Please see attached .PDF for the TSB. Make sure you have Adobe Acrobat reader installed to view it.

Excuse me for attaching a file to this message but it was on the small side

The strut mount is the part Toyota updated in the Technical Service Bulletin. When this mount has linear play, the top end of the stut is free to move and rattle/knock with suspension movement.

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- Philip @ Maximum Torque RPM

Philip -- Where do you think is the best place to get the parts?

Thanks, Josh

Since this is a TSB issue, I certainly prefer genuine Toyota parts. There are some online Toyota discount parts sources but I can't help you there.

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- Philip @ Maximum Torque RPM