New struts on 1998 ES300 6 cylinder engine

TSANLIS

MEMBER
1998 LEXUS

I bought a 98 ES300 from a friend with 100K in excellent shape with the exception that the right front wheel was making a clunking noise going over bumps.

I replaced the struts and shocks, the ride improved significantly but now I have the same noise from both the right and left struts. The noise is like a clanking ( metal to metal) like a nut that is loose noise that gets better as the car warms up until it actualy disappears.

It can sit in the sun for 2 to 3 hours and the noise is no longer there. My mechanic is stumpt and so am I.

Any ideas?

Ted

2 Replies

LOSTINMARS

MECHANIC
222 POSTS

Did you replace the upper strut mounts? Also take a look at the front stabilizer links and bushings. The links have to be removed to change the struts and they were probably made worse while taking them off and reinstalling them. Very common. Just did some front links on one yesterday to remove clunk.