Toyota RAV4 XTR 2007 - osr suspension RAV4

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Wed 11 Feb 2015 20:03
Toyota RAV4 XTR 2007 - osr suspension RAV4 - express&star

Slight potholes cause "clunking" noise from Toyota RAV4 XTR(2007) OS rear suspension. Toyota dealer replaced Shock Absorber to no avail but stated it could expensive to locate cause but car was safe to drive having checked out the suspension. Local garage replaced anti-roll bar links. Still not cured.
Mileage 52,000 in 8 yr old car which was perfect until now.
It is very unsettling despite assurances from dealer.
Anyone with similar or ideas of cause, or should I sell?

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Wed 11 Feb 2015 20:15
Toyota RAV4 XTR 2007 - osr suspension RAV4 - gordonbennet

Its only a clunk, it needs finding not selling.

Suggest spraying some waxoyl or similar into the top and bottom locations of the springs first of all, waxoyl and similar tends to quieten suspensions down when applied as well as effectively lubricating such things.

If no joy when the springs are lubed, spray the stuff on various other likely parts, eventually you'll find a change in noise or it might diappear altogether.

Winter salt tend to get into things and seize them up, and don't be too sure it's from the back end, these noises can travel, have you sat in the back of the car while someone else drives so you can pin point the sound better.

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Wed 11 Feb 2015 20:39
Toyota RAV4 XTR 2007 - osr suspension RAV4 - express&star

Thanks for prompt reply. Yes I have driven car with Toyota Dealer Service

Manager in boot but even he is baffled.

Although I say "clunk" it is not the usual thud of heavy tyre in pothole. There is a definite metallic clank to the movement. I don't know how else to describe. Incidentally there are no tools in boot.

Ive had the car since 2009 and only recently has this developed.

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Thu 12 Feb 2015 15:23
Toyota RAV4 XTR 2007 - osr suspension RAV4 - madf

Check the entire exhaust system for worn bushes/signs of contact with suspension/body.

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Fri 13 Feb 2015 20:12
Toyota RAV4 XTR 2007 - osr suspension RAV4 - express&star

Thanks for suggestions but as I mentioned before the Toyota dealer service manager was baffled (no pun intended) and had checked the exhaust system.

So far the car has been on ramp for about four hours in total with numerous mechanics examining and using crow bars etc.

So far a new shock absorber and anti=roll bar drop links replaced. The noise is getting worse or so it seems. It couldn't get any worse is I had left a bag of spanners in the boot ! Just in case, the boot space is completely empty!

Help

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Fri 13 Feb 2015 20:25
Toyota RAV4 XTR 2007 - osr suspension RAV4 - Perfection

Try lubricating (grease) the tailgate locking mechanism. I had similar noise on mine when drives over bumps. Basically the metal on the tailgate rubs against metal plate.

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Fri 13 Feb 2015 20:26
Toyota RAV4 XTR 2007 - osr suspension RAV4 - Galaxy

A friend of mine had a problem something like this with his RAV4, but his was a later model. I can't remember the exact details of what the fault was but I do remember it was found to be caused by a strap which was connected to removing the rear seats banging on something inside the car.

I would check any such straps and seatbelt buckles very carefully.

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