ZRE152R MY10 - Rear left "clunking"

[revamped]

Hey guys. I found this forum while looking for answers about an issue in a recently purchased used Corolla MY10 from the local Toyota dealership. It has approx 27,000km's on it, auto transmission, standard Ascent 5-door hatch. The sound comes and goes, and any issues managed to fly under the radar during test-drive and when our mechanic checked it out. So far we've been impressed with how it drives, and we have a lot of warranty remaining. There have been a couple of issues though.

Upon driving off when the car has sat idle for a couple of hours, we consistently hear a "clunk clunk" sound coming from the left rear wheel direction. It's usually heard after leaving the driveway. At first I put that down to ABS calibration, but then we noticed the same sound happening going over certain bumps. It doesn't happen so much straight up & down. Moreso over angled dips. But it only happens occasionally, and I've yet to find a way to recreate it with certainty for when we take it to the dealership. It always comes from the rear left, and seems to clunk through the chassis. Overall the left rear suspension is a bit noisier and sloppier than the right.

I did some problem solving, took out all the tools / spare and parcel shelf, and the sound continued. Full / empty tank, it continued.

Today, on checking out the strut & coil & bushings that I could identify, I noticed the left rear strut is slightly loose from the chassis. I could fit the car key between the strut and the upper strut mount at one side, making the strut lean slightly forward. Is this normal, or does it show a bit of wear? Could that be responsible for the sound? Otherwise all the bushings I could see appeared okay.

Does anyone have experience with this issue? I just want to make sure I can point it out properly to the dealer so we can get something done, rather than running around all the time.

Thanks.

Edited November 23, 2011 by revamped

[dutchie101]

My thinking is your on the right track. I would suspect loose strut, or fragged strut. Worn struts normally wouldnt clunk tho, unless really really worn. Also check all bushings in the area, though again, with only 27k on it, they shouldn't be worn either. Your local Pedders would be a good option to check it out, $14 saftey check, you cant go wrong!

[revamped]

Thanks for your input.

You're right. It's a strange that there'd be an issue like this at 27000kms. But there definitely is something going on. Maybe if previous owner enjoyed mounting the curb?

Today the airbag light came on, so we're definitely going to take it in. It'll probably be worth a check at Pedders beforehand in case Toyota struggle to see the issue. It's never a good feeling when issues come up in the first couple of weeks.

Cheers.

Edited November 24, 2011 by revamped

[lukecorolla]

Funny you should post this!

I have been experiencing a similar issue except my issue is when i'm turning corners i'm getting a metal clunk. I have removed all tools also and the clunking intermittently presents itself when cornering.

I wonder if its the same issue?

[eviltwin]

From what you have described it sounds as though the strut hat is loose and causing the noise , would also explain the car feeling sloppy on one side etc etc. Definatly take it in as thats quite dangerous but also very very easily fixed.

Hope this helps

[Vig]

I am not sure what the issue is, however I have a Zre 2010 sedan. I had this problem of noise rattling probably every second when i go on rather not a smooth surface, bumps and corners. Went to dealer three time to check it out, couldn't find the problem.

I did some research in other forums, had one guy stated herbs rear seats were not installed properly or bolts are missing. When I suggested to dealer, they had a look at the seats and it's been fixed now. So i would suggest get your rear seats checked as well.

Hope this solves the problem