I just replaced the rear [struts](/topics-strut/) on my 9...


I just replaced the rear [struts](/topics-strut/) on my 98 [camry](/topics-camry/), they were monroe quick struts and I replaced them with the same, the old ones were around 8 years old and the suspension needed replacing, i just ...

I just replaced the rear [struts](/topics-strut/) on my 98 [camry](/topics-camry/), they were monroe quick struts and I replaced them with the same, the old ones were around 8 years old and the suspension needed replacing, i just finished installing everything, i torqued everything to proper spec except the upper mount inside the car, can't get a torque wrench in there because its so tight and can't use a socket to tighten, had to use a combination wrench but I did get them tight, originally after installing before driving I heard squeaks when depressing the suspension but I wasn't so worried about that because they're brand new and haven't been depressed before, now after driving around the neighborhood with windows open listening for sounds I strained to hear anything but there wasn't anything over the sound of the car. After parking I hear a clunking sound after depressing one side of the car. I also replaced the stabilizer end links and the stabilizer bushings, the end links were really difficult to tighten, especially with a torque wrench but theyre at least at 25 ft/lbs which is the spec I found online, kind of concerned about that as well because I found a one off quote for the spec at 60 ft/lbs which I don't think is likely to be correct because in order to tighten you've got to grab this tiny round bolt housing on the ball joint in order to tighten and the tighter you want to get the tighter you need to squeeze on the round housing. Finally I'm a little concerned the stabilizer bar isn't centered, i mean it seems that way and it was difficult to get the clips around the new bushing back on, as in they really only fit one way and it was tough getting them threaded in the first place without a bunch of adjustment. I'm wondering what that clunking sound is, how to diagnose it, how to fix it, and anything else that could be an issue after the replacement. Mechanic's Assistant: Where exactly do you think the noise is coming from? And how long has this been going on? The rear left suspension after replacement of the struts on both sides Mechanic's Assistant: What year is your Camry? 1998 Mechanic's Assistant: Are you fixing your Camry yourself? What have you tried so far? Yes and I've taken my time to put everything back together properly and tightened everything properly and im unsure how how to diagnose the problem

Automotive Expert
Hi my name is \*\*\*\*\* \*\*\*\*\* I'll be more than happy to assist you. Please allow me a few minutes to review your information. Thank you
Automotive Expert
here's the procedure with the toque specs, but why are you worrying about the top nut if it was the quick strut? (see attached)

I mean the 3 bolts that go into the cabin and are tightened with nuts
Automotive Expert
29 foot pounds take a look at the files that I sent to you. and double check all your torques

I just want to know what part of the suspension makes a clunking sound when i push down on the back of the car, the sound happens on the upstroke after pushing, if i had another person i might be able to watch underneath but i don't at the moment, if i could just hone in on the area or the part that makes the noise i think i could resolve it. Those files you sent are excellent, ive got a haynes book i just left it at my aunts garage last time I was there, its a lot of help usually.
Automotive Expert
it could be the strut rod, the sway bar link, the strut mount, it could be the #1 or #2 control arm, **the only way you are going to find out is to get underneath while someone pushes down on it just like you said. I gave you all of the possibilities**

Ok thanks a lot, I bet its the sway bar link, thats the part I replaced, going to take a look at it and double check it and the sway bar position, thanksI'll get some help in the morning when I can get another person to help outthanks
Automotive Expert
Ill be on all day tomorrow. you can come back right here

Ok great
Automotive Expert
yes sir

What others are asking

What should I know about loading cargo and luggage on the roof luggage carrier?
If your car is equipped with a roof luggage carrier, you’ll find that it offers a significant amount of additional cargo space than what’s available in the cargo compartment alone. Of course, there are several things that you need to...
Noise from front driver's side.
Without hearing the noise it will be hard to make an accurate diagnosis of the cause but there are several things that can be done to eliminate or highlight possible causes. First is determining the type of noise and conditions...
Problems with my catalytic converter
Lets talk about the catalyst converter and what kind of problems it can cause a car to have when it fails. One of the most common types of failures is when it just quits doing its job. The computer has...
Does 4k seem reasonable to replace the wiring harness on a 2011 Jaguar XJ?
I think you should get a second opinion on this. The wiring harness should be trouble free unless something has happened to damage it. Accidents, fires, water damage, salt corrosion, or electrical overloads can damage a wiring harness, but you...
Is ford specialty orange engine coolant the same as Dexcool
No, the two coolants are different. The new Ford coolant is OAT and is not compatible with DEXCOOL. You cannot go by the color of coolant anymore an have to use only the one that meets the specifications of your...
Car starting making a really loud noise, shaking, not accelerating, and the steeering wheel began to get stiff 2013 Chevrolet Cruze
Hello - it sounds like your engine shut off due to an unexpected load (steering pump failure, serpentine belt failure, etc.). First task is to check for problem codes. If the car is still running, most auto parts stores will...
When I stop suddenly or slow down the car cuts off
What you are describing sounds like a dirty or failing idle air control valve. The idle air control valve (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/idle-control-valve-replacement) monitors the air intake as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected into the engine at low speeds...
My car has rough idle. When I give it gas the car won't accelerate.
At your car's age and mileage, it really could be just about anything. And since the self diagnostics on the car are not very sophisticated, it's going too take some old-school diagnostic work. If you are behind on any of...
If I am hooking up an aftermarket oil pressure gauge, do I need to keep the electronic oil pressure sending unit hooked up?
The aftermarket gauge that you are using would likely work either way. I would recommend trying to keep the factory sending unit in place if possible to prevent any potential issues that may occur. If the new gauge does not...