Upper strut mounts.

[D. Clay]

What are the signs that the upper strut mounts need to be replaced. I referring to the rubber mount with three studs that bolts to fender apron and is on top of the strut/spring assembly. Do they bang when hitting a pothole or a bump in the road?

[Febi Guibo]

I'm not really sure... I replaced mine when I did my shocks/springs for the hell of it, but my old ones looked fine to me, very little difference.

It's basically a giant rubberized 'mount' with a bearing race and those three threaded pins.... I guess if there was a weak point it would be those pins?

I suppose if there was somehow some play between the mount and the nut on the shock piston, you'd hear it at some point?

are you hearing a banging or something?

[D. Clay]

It may be a tie rod ends. I think they are about due. But there's also a banging when hitting a bump. It sounds similar to the bang from worn rear shock upper mounts or rear suspension bushings but it's in the front.

[Eurospec]

You'll hear a loud bang/clunk when you go over large bumps or potholes like you said.

[M42Iberia]

control arm ball joint maybe...

[M42boy]

What are the signs that the upper strut mounts need to be replaced. I referring to the rubber mount with three studs that bolts to fender apron and is on top of the strut/spring assembly. Do they bang when hitting a pothole or a bump in the road?
You can replace that whole unit with an adjustable camber plate that also has a much better spherical bearing design.

[D. Clay]

The control arms are new w/less than 3K on them. I've checked everything for slop and play and it all seems Ok. I know they are a weak spot with Camry's. The srvice dept. at the Toyoto dealer told me they usually put in 6-8 sets on the first cold day after a warm spell. The shocks are stiffer with cold fluid. It gets better as you drive it. I also know some cars rarely have this problem. I didn't know about E30's. The rear shock mounts on an E30 are notorious from what I hear.