21st Jan 2013, 13:33

My 1999 ES 300 had a "clunk" in the front on the driver's side, around the wheel, when I hit a road bump sharply only - not a gentle one. It got worse when the weather was cold.

Mechanics couldn't tell for sure, but suggested replacing the struts for $2000.

I deluged the top of both struts with silicone spray/lubricant. The clunking stopped. Apparently the rubber grommets at the top inside the hole where the strut attaches to the frame had dried out. That was year ago, and it's still quiet up there.

Now I'm getting a a "creak" sound out of the rear, which gets worse in cold temperatures, and I'm going to do the same thing to the rear struts once I get the time to take out the back seat and expose the tops.

Hope this is your issue as well - it's a quick and easy fix in the front.

28th Mar 2013, 19:34

I have the same problem, and it drives me nuts. I replaced the struts, and the front right is still making noises. I even replaced the strut support bar on the side too!

19th Sep 2014, 09:57

On mine, there were loose rusty shield covers over the gas tank and catalytic convertor area. Got those removed and the rattling sound disappeared. The car has 329K (KM) and drives like new on all original parts. Have not changed any bushings or shock absorbers too...