I've been having some kind of squeak or clunk noise at the front side of my 2014 Corolla for several years. It happens randomly but seems to be getting worse. It started at maybe 20k miles. Now I have 60k. It seems to be worse when it's colder and drier and happens when I'm at slow speed turning and braking makes it more obvious with bumpy road or up/down driveway while turning. I've taken to the dealer years ago complaining this problem and they just said can't replicate or it's normal for cold weather only to delay fixing so it's out of warranty. Now I've taken to at least 2 mechanics to take a look. I was first told I had very rusty brake rotors so I replaced both front rotors and pads. While braking is much better but the noise didn't change a bit. Other than that mechanics can't find anything obviously wrong in the suspension. I then later did some research found many people talking about sway bar bushings and I did find a Toyota TSB for 2014~2018 Avalon and Camry squeak over bumpy road to just change the sway bar bushings. So lately I asked a mechanic to change the sway bar bushings but guess what. Nothing changed. I'm very frustrated with this problem. Does anyone have the same issue with 11th gen Toyota like this and figured out how to fix it? Thanks all.
Corolla front squeak/clunk
- Thread starter szxz2003
- Start date
I can relate. My 2015 S plus developed a creaking and groaning on the passenger side front end at around 55k.
Initially I noticed it on hard launches making a right turn from a stop. Didn't hear it on hard left turns. Now I'm at 63k and I notice the noise coming from both sides when turning or going over bumpy pavement. It's not the clacking sound of a cv joint going bad. And I don't think it's sway bar links because I changed those in 2004 Corolla with high mileage and its symptom was a clunking sound over washboard asphalt. They were visually worn upon removal and inspection.
So I was leaning towards a dry bushing or body flex. Now that you've stated new bushings didn't help your noise, I have to go hmmm. Not sure what to do next. Sorry I don't have a solution for you. The creaking is worse in colder weather and appears when the body is torqued down the centerline such as when turning into a driveway with a slight incline.
Initially I noticed it on hard launches making a right turn from a stop. Didn't hear it on hard left turns. Now I'm at 63k and I notice the noise coming from both sides when turning or going over bumpy pavement. It's not the clacking sound of a cv joint going bad. And I don't think it's sway bar links because I changed those in 2004 Corolla with high mileage and its symptom was a clunking sound over washboard asphalt. They were visually worn upon removal and inspection.
So I was leaning towards a dry bushing or body flex. Now that you've stated new bushings didn't help your noise, I have to go hmmm. Not sure what to do next. Sorry I don't have a solution for you. The creaking is worse in colder weather and appears when the body is torqued down the centerline such as when turning into a driveway with a slight incline.
So I took to a firestone lately. The weather got slightly warmer that day and the creak got better. The technician wasn't quite sure what is wrong but he said could be the control arm bushings as he pried both control arms and they make squeaking noise. But I'm not exactly sure if that's what I hear as in the cabin it wasn't as high pitched. But the tech said it usually not supposed to make such squeaking noise when prying. And then I was told those bushings can't be replaced separately. They have to replace the control arms altogether. It would cost over 1000 easily. But I asked other shops it's like less. But then another mechanic droved around and it was a warmer day it didn't do any noise when he drove. But now I noticed I need to apply brakes lightly while turning thru bumpy roads. But I do notice overall now that it's warmer it makes less noise. And if its wet out it's even quieter. So the mechianic said like it's not safety related so just wait till it gets worse or go back if I notice it's acting again. But I'm not happy with this corolla at all. I might go back to mechanics or get more quotes. But these bushings are more expensive than I thought as they seem attached to control arms together.
Hi Guys, i had this problem with my 2016 S Plus. It kind built up from a slight creak to a groan. Happens at the same time as you guys. Speed bumbs, slow turns, etc. Anyways I researched it and I found this youtube link. I am going to try greasing the lower control arm bushings. I’ll let you guys know how it goes afterwards. Watch this video:
Hello all, i tested the method from the above video and it worked for me. You only need to jack the front of the car up. Please use jack towers for safety.
Its really awkward getting the grease into the cavern where the bushing is but you can definitely feel where it is at. It is awkward because it lies between too plates housing it. I used the exact grease mentioned in the video, CRC Industries synthetic brake & Caliber Grease. I found it at Oreillys.
Use gloves and use two fingers to grab a sizable amount of the grease and do your best to shove it in there to and spread it across the bushing surface. Do this with around 3-4 times per bushing. There were some speed bumps that made my car groan/creek and now its either gone or inaudible at best.
Its really awkward getting the grease into the cavern where the bushing is but you can definitely feel where it is at. It is awkward because it lies between too plates housing it. I used the exact grease mentioned in the video, CRC Industries synthetic brake & Caliber Grease. I found it at Oreillys.
Use gloves and use two fingers to grab a sizable amount of the grease and do your best to shove it in there to and spread it across the bushing surface. Do this with around 3-4 times per bushing. There were some speed bumps that made my car groan/creek and now its either gone or inaudible at best.
