Diagnosing rear suspension noise 2008 Toyota Camry

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Diagnosing rear suspension noise and replace the sway bar links and bushings on a 2008 Toyota Camry.
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of jimthecarguy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information,. jimthecarguy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. jimthecarguy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, chemicals, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of jimthecarguy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not jimthecarguy.

[@rmp608]

All mechanics in training should watch how this honest man conducts his business!!

[@jimthecarguy]

Thanks for watching and your feedback

[@mrcokez1]

the depressing thing is i actually got fired from a small shop for telling the truth, instead of telling the customer he needed a procedure to be done that costed several hundred dollars i instead suggested something else that costed barely anything and was the root of the problem ($20 if that). i understand people need to make their bread and butter but i also believe people deserve a fair shake and honesty. something my mentor taught me when i went to automotive technician school and i still stand by that rule today. I'm a young tech BTW

[@mrcokez1]

Jim reminds me of my mentor and i can appreciate his honesty and integrity. Thanks Jim

[@victorzamora9998]

jimthecarguy hello Sr I have a 08 camry and when I drive with my windows open I hear a noise like a lot a big flappy noise on the back tires and the shocks are good tires new please can you give me your advice?

[@rondhole]

@@jimthecarguy Thanks for showing us this, I miss this kind of mechanics who really fix the real problems instead of trying different things without proper diagnosis.

[@bygonebob]

New subscriber here, Jim. Just want to let you know that I’m not skippin’ any ads on your videos. This is how we appreciate your honesty and straightforwardness in doing your job. May God bless you and your shop.

[@salemrahim1357]

i wish technicians like you existed in my town.I found your video very rewarding.I was frustrated with that noise.Keep it up with your info.Thanks once again.

[@sirsweetness8332]

Replaced my rear sway bar bushings today. 2011 Camry. Moog. Took me 1.5 total hours from walking out of the house to walking back in. Old bushings didn’t look bad, they were even still soft. I did see a small oval part but it was hard to see. Go slow on the 12 mm bolts and use plenty of penetrating fluid. Go out and back in to get female threads of nut lubricated. If you sense any difficulty turning bolt, stop and go back in and re-lubricate. End links are 2 months old along with new KYB struts. Use wire brush on bolts before reinstalling. $17 Moog bushings. Noise is gone. Put rear wheels on (2) 2 X 6 boards and kept slight pressure on floor jack on center cross member. Easy job after breaking 12 mm bolts loose. Plenty of prayer before hand. 😃

[@jimthecarguy]

Thanks for watching.

[@robroy4058]

Keep up the videos Jim. As a apprentice technician I really learn alot from these videos. You are good a explaining things, and your videos are detailed and not over edited with bull crap.

[@Justamedic77]

I know this video is older but it was a huge help. I replaced the rear struts on my 2007 camry and even though the struts were bad i discovered those bushing were too.

[@b.thompson9176]

Funny thing is, I remember watching your vid on replacing a strut for a 2008 Camry and in thinking the issue with my 2008 Camry was a worn out rear strut, I purchased two. Thankfully I never installed them and am able to get a refund, as I checked both bushings and links to find out they were very worn out. Saved me roughly $300 in needless repair and I was able to get a set of Moog bushings and links with zerks for around $120. Thanks for posting this vid, much appreciated!!

[@jimthecarguy]

Glad I could help!

[@davidwelday3276]

Mother in law's 2002 Camry 175,000 miles has the same issues front and back. Great video! Between you, AMD the Car Care Nut, and Scotty Kilmer I'll have this thing going like its brand new

[@Wes_5kyph1]

Hi Jim. Thank you for doing what you do. I've become quite distrusting toward many car mechanics in my locality which has forced me to learn a lot and do things myself in order to maintain a (very) high-mileage car. 450,000+ miles on this engine/transmission currently, but still running strong. '09 2.4 Camry here --- when i replaced the front links, there were no allen-hole slots to stop it from turning. I used a thin vice-grip on the rotating-bolt itself from the inner-side between the sway-link head and the bolt slot. Then I was able to torque it down to spec value from the outer side. I was weary that the vice grip might tear the new rubber head of the sway link, but it did not and worked out okay. I've never replaced the sway bar bushings and now I realize, after many other replacements, that the bushings are probably the cause of the noise I've been hearing so long.

[@jimthecarguy]

Wow 450K that is a lot of miles

[@hawaiianf1504]

Awesome! Thanks Jim !! -- I had some issues with wife's 2007 V6 3.5L Camry with 90K miles. I too needed to replace the end links and sway bar bushings. I used Moog parts and all was right in the world. Was super easy and quick. -- I always try to get the best parts that I can. Go in -- don't rush -- do the needed work right and with the best parts available -- and get out. The world becomes a happy place once more. -- Thanks Jim - You always host up some of the best videos! -- Mahalo's!!

[@semco72057]

One thing I noticed about the installation of the new parts was that you made sure the grease fittings was in the correct position so they could be greased, and that is important. I do the same thing when working on my vehicles, and tractors. That will extend the life of all parts on your vehicles.

[@blthetube1]

I am so grateful to all the working stiffs that take the time to enlighten all of us do it yourselfers and those who just don't want to get ripped off...Thanks.

[@BigBobBlazer]

Thank you so much. You eased my mind. Just a DIY mechanic and I installed new OEM strut assembly on my 07 Camry in the rear. Torque to spec. Replaced sway bar links. Have that rattle going on. Was worried I did something horribly wrong.

[@sirsweetness8332]

2011 Camry, had vibration and a knocking sound in rear passenger area. Importance of a visual inspection. Got under and found a locking nut loose on a rear lateral link. 4 threads showing. The other locking nut was barely wrench tight. Had 9 and 3 play on wheel which was unlocked threads knocking. Adjusted alignment and took for ride and feels and sounds 100% better. Stealership would have replaced entire rear suspension. Also importance of knowing how to work on own car. Having 20 years backyard knowledge. 👍

[@fvk32771]

Excellent video. I like the way he points out the bolt sizes and the tools used. Goes through things very clearly, slowly and methodically. Thank you.

[@jimthecarguy]

Thank you for watching

[@bluecast1430]

I literally have this exact problem & KNEW it was My bushings! My teacher taught Me well. S/O to Mr. Cabraro, 🙏🏽... I'm gonna fix this tomorrow MYSELF!

[@frankv2314]

This guy is the real deal. God Bless you Sir. 🤗

[@jimthecarguy]

Thank you for watching.

[@gordon5682]

Thank you for posting your video and sharing your knowledge. I live in Vancouver Canada and have a 2007 Camry with 175,000 km that has been making a clunking/rattling noise when driving over bumps in the road and couldn’t figure out the source of the problem. Your video has been very helpful.

[@jimthecarguy]

I'm happy to help. Thanks for watching. Don't forget to hit the bell for notifications when a new video is posted.

[@wallyg.2409]

You're a good guy Jim. To bad he didn't bring it to you in the first place.

[@comingundone27]

Glad I am not the only one who talks with my hands while on the phone with a customer haha.

[@Pucho57]

This is a very good video. Clear explanation and very explicit details on how to perform the whole job. Thanks so much for posting and for your recommendations. This is exactly the problem I experienced with my 2005 Camry, and you hit the nail!

[@jtganno2693]

If you don’t have the links with the nut, and your Allen strips you can avoid cutting them off with a saws-all by carefully and firmly grabbing the back with a thin vice grips. Great video, Important to do everything in order like he describes.

[@unebonnevie]

$175 for links AND bushings with quality parts and labor!!! I'll take the deal from Jim! The bushings are easy to do, just making sure to take out the very tight 12mm bolts. The links are a bit harder to do! The stablizer links do not come with grease inside already? One would need pump in the grease? If so, what kind of grease?

[@vishwa7071]

Thank you Jim for the video. i have 97 Camry V6 with 390k kms. I had the same clunking noise coming from rear of the car. i took the wheels out and looked everywhere. found that the swaybar had little play around the bushings exactly how you showed and also it was sliding a little bit too. i have to order new bushings and will take time to arrive. i taped a little cloth tape around the bar before putting same bushings on just to check out if the noise is related to the bushing. went for a drive and the clunking noise was gone. i will wait for my new bushings 17mm to arrive so that i can install it. it was easy fix. thanks. Vish

[@jimthecarguy]

Great it is hard to believe that the little play in that bushing can make so much noise but it does. I'm happy to help. Watch for the next free tool giveaway coming soon.

[@Mr2pint]

Trailing arm bushes are prone to noise on these as well, good video...

[@jimthecarguy]

Thanks for watching

[@Alex35c]

A little tip for the links, you can cut the rubber boot off and use a good pair of vice grips to grip the stud on the inside then remove the nut if the allen hole is rusty or stripped.

[@jimthecarguy]

I'm happy to help. Thank you for watching.

[@mikeashford9240]

Jim I really enjoyed the explanation and demonstration of this project the demo of the tools that were needed fantastic A-1 video ...

[@muzguz7276]

Thanks Jim for taking the effort to do this. I'm ordering parts now. Cheers.

[@jimthecarguy]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@wyattoneable]

Oh yeah, I can see the play your talking about. Pretty amazing that's all it takes to make a racket. Nice fix and commentary.

[@TheDisgruntledMechanic]

Good job Jim. I would have replaced the links also while I was in there.

[@shawshaw8178]

very clear instructions, and more importantly, an honest and great man! thanks and subscribed.

[@mannypeligroso]

I have the same car, another common source of clunk is the very top of the rear strut hitting up against the metal frame on car where it's positioned and secured in the three holes, basically the top strut mount hitting the metal part on car and no cushioning in between. I removed both rear struts and added a thick of layer felt on top of the strut mount and that fixed it. There is already toyota oem felt there, but it wears down after time to the point where it's just metal hitting metal and clunks each time you go over bumps.

[@SuperDuper0805]

mannypeligroso i think i have the same issue as your car. It sounds like a clunk noise coming out of my trunk. How did you fix that? What kind of felt did you use?

[@mohke42]

Hi Jim, just wanted to comment to your video as a return to your efforts sharing your knowledge. your approach is as fully informative as simple easy to understand. liked the way you disputed other mechanic who replaced struts ending up same noise still exist, un rationalized waste of money, aside of alignment cost as well. Thumbs up 👍and of course a subscribe..

[@TheEagle713]

You can also get vice grips on the old links to hold them if the Allen key strips out.

[@anggaros1]

I have clunking noise from the rear. It happens after I replace the struts, mount and insulator. Logically it must be one of the new parts that's causing it. I made sure top nut is torqued as well as the mount nuts. I even disassembled and add rubber insulators between strut and the mount but the noise is still there. Only happens at slow speed around 0-20 mph. I checked the end links and sway bar and they are not lose. Running out of ideas now.

[@Beloved20223]

Hello! Thank you! Thank you 🙏 my 2004 Camry is making same noise in the left side. I’ll start by paying to change the sway bar bushings. Is it for front and back? Also why should they change the links also?

[@seeingbothperspectives6020]

Great video . . Wish i had or could find such a through and honest mechanic as "Sir Jim" ! Where u located ?

[@wideangle07]

Have the same issue in my 03 Toyota Avensis,my mechanic could not find the issue,been knocking for two and a half year's.Going to get a friend to help me fix it soon.

[@jimthecarguy]

Make sure to check the links as well as the bushings.Thank for watching.

[@wideangle07]

@@jimthecarguy We did the bushings,noise is from rear left shock top,getting it replaced tomorrow.Fingers crossed noise will be gone have N.C.T. (Irish road safety test) on Saturday.

[@TheGivebackmyworld]

Thanks for great video! Just question, is it necessary to remove the stabilizer link for changing the sway bushing? What could happen if changing the bushing without removing the link?

[@chevalsauer]

Hello, you've described exactly how I would describe the rear clunking sound, exactly same scenario....01 camry wagon, 380 thou ks, rear shocks replaced today with munroes and the worst clunking sound hitting small bumps from rear, way worse than before with old ones, took back they hoisted up wheels off to show me small play in bushes causing clunking over bumps, they telling me that the shocks working better now so the bushes and rear sway bar working more and bushes need replace esp at 380 thou ks, 19 yr old probably right but... it still just don't add up to me , the slack so minor and such big noise, especially when bushes rubber, honestly, it sounds like metal on metal. Just wish you had his noise recorded on drive test too..... the height also don't look any or much higher than before. Scared to take on open road it sounds so so bad. I tried spraying them all with silicon, it didnt work. How come clunking so loud and sounds like metal on metal?

[@c172215s]

You would be surprised how you can have barely any play and it will make quite a racket. Any play at all....replace them. They're cheap and easy to replace most of the time. Still amazes me sometimes and I've been doing this for 40yrs

[@geecrawdad]

Banging from the back of the car? In New Jersey, the first place we check is the trunk!

[@brianshanahan3878]

Great video. Great camera positioning and lighting. I also like the way you explain things! I will subscribe!

[@jimthecarguy]

I'm happy to help. Live stream Sunday night at 7:00 PM on jimthecarguy.I hope you can stop by.

[@martingreenwell2972]

Do I need both back tires off the ground or one at a time?

[@khoalam9321]

Hi Jim, what is torque value for the brushing bracket bolts? Thank You Sir.

[@stevenchow5874]

Thanks for video explain, may I know what is that rubber part call of

[@-MrRichBiker1967]

Damn JIm ....for 175$, you could do my car anytime!!!!! No honest mechanic, would ever think of shooting so low.....where is your shop? I'm bringing it you. great video, great detailed info. ty so much.

[@jimthecarguy]

Thank you. This is a very easy job and very a common problem

[@Pastaben]

jimthecarguy, thanks for your videos. I'm looking for how to replace the evap canister on my 2011 Camry. It is located above the rear suspension crossmember. I have not found any videos on how to replace the canister. This came close, but the rear suspension crossmember looks different from my 2011. Do you have any tips, or a video I can't find? Whatever little information I can find almost seems to say I have to remove the fuel tank and a bunch of other stuff. If you have tips, I'd appreciate it much.

[@stevenw2866]

Thanks for being clear and precise. Would this repair be very similar in a Lexus ES 330?

[@jimthecarguy]

I believe so

[@jdspunkd]

Jim, I have replaced my rear bushings, end links and strut assemblies in my 2004 Camry only to find the clunk is still there and it seems to be on the left side. I completely emptied the trunk of the spare tire and all tools to eliminate that possibility but still, the noise persists. What else could it be?

[@titusfive]

Great video man. Thanks. I recently bought bushings for my girlfriend's 2005 Solara and I noticed they are much harder than the originals. They feel almost like polyurethane instead of rubber, though I didn't specifically buy performance type bushings. Should I return these and look for softer rubber ones? They are USA made "Import Direct" brand (O'Reilly's house brand I guess.) Thanks

[@jennybonilla321]

I have a 2005 lexus rx330, replace the rear struts, links and bushing like on this video and I still have the noise. Can you tell me what else can make the clunk noise, can it be deffective struts.

[@lexusfan100]

do u have to jack the car or even remove tires. if one can get access to those bushing then is that ok?

[@jimmyjohn2293]

U have been a great help, thanks for ur content sir

[@alisastukes1199]

I'm having front end knocking and clicking noise any suggestions. They telling me it's my transmission but I'm not having any stalling of my gears or no symptoms of a bad transmission. Help please!!

[@samrugtiv5563]

Good job him, and good parts w grease fiting.very well done and you explained it well .thanks for the video. sam

[@rkgsd]

Sankei 555 is a direct supplier to Toyota, Honda, and others. Plus, they're sealed like the OEM.

[@jimthecarguy]

Thanks for watching.

[@Wes_5kyph1]

are the torque specs for the 10mm bolts [holding sway bushings to frame] the same for the front and rear? I'm guessing ~30-40 ft/lbs?

[@economist_roderick6377]

may I have the link to the sway bar links and bushings please? thanks.

[@jorgetrejos9912]

Hi Mr Jim I have a question for you I need to check my suspension So I really like your job So I want to know if you're living or working in Toronto Or where can I go to see you my friend. Thanks

[@phuocloctho7771]

The bushings are $30 pair. Sway bar link like $50 max per pair. 30 minutes to change out. I want to be a mechanic.

[@watiu9lei]

What could be a possibility for squeaking sound even on a flat road? I hear it intermittently when the car is moving. Is it suspension issue? Because it happened even on a flat road, I've doubt that it's my rear absorber

[@Jay_Dahl]

How long do those original shocks typically last on a Camry?

[@gjergjidano5478]

Thanks that was a great video I have the same issue with my 2011 camry

[@jimthecarguy]

Thanks for watching!

[@jindo333333]

what a man! Great video.

[@steveg5576]

Those Northern cars are rough man...

[@roncyr2496]

Great channel. Very helpful tips and instructions.

[@bowler0328]

Jim, Is it possible to replace the bushing without disconnecting the sway links?

[@Ghill401]

Bowler0328 yea they make a split bushings you just pop around the bar.

[@jtganno2693]

But it’s harder because you have to pry back into place with a long bar of some sort.

[@LivingWithTheGuzmans]

Thank you for the info

[@ReclusiveMountainMan]

Jim, you need to try the Astro 40SLMax light. I own the same OTC light, and the Astro will illuminate the whole engine compartment. It also has adjustable light output and fits in places the OTC won't. That said, I own and use both units.

[@rkgsd]

I've always wondered about the end links. They never looked that important to me. Good to know. What's your opinion on sealed vs grease fitted?

[@jimthecarguy]

Thanks for watching.

[@shakeemdashiquergomes6961]

I have a loud noise coming from left rear, it’s a clanging while driving slow or at a steady pace. It’s loud. When I speed up it disappears.

[@peaman2424]

Jim the Honest car guy!!

[@jimthecarguy]

I'm happy to help. Thanks for watching

[@hollymusselman4149]

I have a 2006 Camry - have a terrible sway in the rear end when there is any weight in the trunk. It feels very loose / sloppy on the highway & especially when lane changing at 70 mph or above. . The rear shocks/struts have been replaced. Have had 4 wheel alignment. There is no noise from the back. it is very scary feeling ...the feeling like not good control when on the highway and changing lanes. Any thoughts on what this could be?

[@ThorsDecree]

could be wheel bearings. is there any wiggle / play in the wheels when it's jacked up? like side to side play, perpendicular to the axis of wheel rotation. A worn out bearing can create that sway / instability if it's bad enough, but if it's not making a sound then that might not be your issue.

[@Vanessa_Martinez]

I have the same problem with my car can I drive 12 hours out of town with this problem only thing my car isn't making no really it's just swaying. When I which lanes and going 70 miles a hour switching to different texture on the road.

[@Charkatak]

Good video. One question: do sway bar links need to be torqued under load?

[@jimthecarguy]

No they don't.Thanks for your input and for watching.

[@sammyblack1962]

How are 2 the same thing happened 9.

[@0729billy1]

Nice job!! Do we need to put some grease inside the bushing before installing?

[@jimthecarguy]

任峰 Billy CHENG 鄭 no grease is needed

[@jfumo4]

hi Jim, I had this same problem took it to Toyota and they said it was the sway bar bushing, so they replaced them it was better for a little while thin shortly after it got bad again the noise is still there and worst ,I'm thinking of replacing the sway bar links what do you think

[@jimthecarguy]

Before you replace anything I would recommend that you look at the work they did something could be loose. Thanks for watching.

[@jfumo4]

ok , if the bushings look good and it has no play, would you then replace the sway bar links Toyota did not replace the sway bar links original links have 200000 miles thanks for your reply

[@BILNOK1]

Thank you for the video and for the advice!

[@jimthecarguy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@joebriggs9599]

Nice Jim how many miles on this vehicle?

[@jindo333333]

wonderful job jim! 👍

[@cassynguyen5558]

Yeah I have a Toyota Camry 2003 and it sound like my problem like that situation that guy was having when driving, in my Car I could hear a noise every time I would go on a bump or even driving on a flat road what would you recommend?

[@jimthecarguy]

It is very common on this car I would check and replace as needed. Thanks for watching.

[@cbsctomh]

My '98 camry had the back noise but it was rear control arm bushings...

[@Wes_5kyph1]

It would behoove anyone replacing sway bar bushings to first spray the new bushings with AT-205 Re-Seal before install, if you want them to last.

[@jimthecarguy]

Thanks for watching and your input.

[@rubbensoria7785]

De favor un vídeo de cómo cambiar un buje , trasero para Toyota Sienna XLE modeló 2000

[@fieldsofomagh]

What does loaded struts mean and why realignment ?

[@sagradagaming4884]

sir i am from the phillipines i have problem with my honda crv 2003 rear sagging issues when hitting over bumps.. although my crv was no rear stabalizer link. hope that you can answer my problems.. thank you god bless.

[@anggaros1]

Struts

[@nopleaseno2515]

This IS a how to video. 👏👏👏

[@noelinesimon5370]

Thank you excellent explanation.

[@TheColeyzzz]

You are amazing!!! Thank you nso much for this video....saved me a ton of $$$

[@jimthecarguy]

Glad it helped!

[@steveragusa3289]

good job Jim

[@rockhavengamefarm3190]

Does it making a clunking noise over bumps too? Coz mine does, after I replaced the rear struts assembly still does making clunk noise!

[@jimthecarguy]

Did you check the sway bar bushings that is a very common problem

[@petemiller5813]

How many miles are on the '08 Camry?

[@fw1421]

Yea,the previous mechanic screwed him. Replaced the most expensive parts. Didn’t fix the problem. I’d do the bushings and the links. The labor isn’t too expensive but the flat rate manual is a license to steal,and everybody uses it.

[@tnamen1307]

Sir my car i20 has got irritating noise at the rear. The noise is audible with only one driver riding the car. However, it diminishes almost completely (90% noise gone) when full occupants (5 persons) are inside the car. I even tried myself looking to identify the issues by riding alone - 1. even taking off all the stuffs like spare tyres, tools, etc. from the dickey leaving it empty. Still the sound exists. 2. tightening all seat belts and alike. Having perform the above tests alone and the same i go ride with full passengers, then it seems only when the car is full, the noise seems to go away. There is no leaks, damages or etc in rear shocker, bushings, springs etc. tires are good. Please kindly help me out this frustrating noise coming from the rear which surprisingly fade away when the car is full. Hopefully waiting for your perfect solutions. Thanks.

[@NapoleonDynamite69]

Really sounds like a bushing there is the slightest play that only becomes a loud noise when your thousands of pounds of metal pushes into that open space it clunks. But when there is a massive amount of weight hence occupants the vehicle won't have any play just constant force onto the metal so no clunk. I'm not a mechanic but logically deducting it that way, it sounds like a bushing problem

[@sharoondanny718]

It's really helpfull Thank a lot

[@dc5723]

Thanks very much Jim.

[@edwardmartinez580]

Good job jimmy.

[@bluesdirt5889]

When I go over a bump the rear end seems to twist ?

[@Zezims]

I like your style Jim

[@georgesierra9038]

Nice job, buddy.