Clunk in Front End Driver Side- 97 Toy Avalon

[parimento1]

I had been hearing a clunk every now and then on the drivers side when going over bumps that dip, such as potholes, where the suspension unloads then loads again. I went up on the sidewalk a few days ago and came down, not hard or anything it wasnt an accident, and after I noticed the sound got much worse. Today I replaced the front sway bar bushings and end links (they were shot anyway) but it didnt fix the problem. The strut mounts were replaced about 7 years ago. Ball joints are a few weeks old, so I doubt those are the problem. The tie rods are original, as are the struts and subframe bushings. Any ideas?

 

[ThirdeYe]

I would've said Bushings but maybe a CV axle?

 

[VK56VD]

Maybe struts, strut mounts. I know the bushings and end links wear out in those cars but you've already replaced them.

 

[parimento1]

I was wondering...how is it possible for a strut to make noise, since it does not really contact anything?

 

[parimento1]

Im pretty sure I have narrowed it down to the strut mount, as the clunking i hear is coming from the upper part of the car. Oh well too involved for me, I'll just leave it for the time being

 

[Aldaris]

Strut mounts without any doubt whatsoever. Not a hard job actually, a couple of hours if you take a time. Rent a spring compressor from AutoZone and get on it

 

[parimento1]

it wouldnt be that bad, but I gotta make sure the spring doesn't fly through the roof when im compressing it : )

 

[BearZDefect]

Let's assume the strut bearing is good. How does a strut mount go bad? What wears out? Seems like it isn't a moving part per se, the strut bearing handles rotation for steering. Does the plastic of the strut mount deform from stress? Any rubber bushings in there?

Just curious.