Rav 4 Shock Absorbers

[barb1314]

Our Rav has recently started making a banging noise very randomly which is getting slightly worse and it's been in the garage where nothing could be found. This week the noise is happening more often (it's from the back somewhere..we've checked exhaust and nothing rolling in boot) and more importantly seemed to happen more when I had 4 labradors in the boot (i'm a dog walker) I've been back to the garage and he thinks it may be the shockers,so he is taking a look on Monday. Does anyone have any other ideas or do you think this sounds right. Also being non mechanical...will it need all 4 replacing? It's done about 46,000 miles and reading a bit on the net,some articles say shockers degrade at about 50,000.
Any help or advice will be very gratefully received. Thanks for reading.

[TWR]

IF, one has gone they replace the 2, it may be that the rubbers on the top of the rear strut has perished! If you have a Mr Barb & if possible, ask him or a friend to look at the barrel of the rear shocks to see if there is any oil on the body, if so & what side that will be the faulty one, but they replace 2.

[TWR]

To add, it may be the rear Suspension spring, there are that many pop holes about you might have bust a spring, my feeling it will be the spring.

[barb1314]

Thanks so much TWR,that is really useful. I do have a Mr Barb so will get him to check that. The garage I go to are lovely and not rip off merchants but I do like to understand what's going on too. I drive on some very badly pot holed roads up in the hills to take the dogs so that's probably what's happened. Cheers!

[TWR]

Barb, I have had issues & still have an Issue with Network Rail in our Town! ( Unevenness of the Crossing) but I will pursue it even though other other people will put up with it, In your position & I know others will say different on here, I would contact RAV MAKERS ( I can't remember who makes RAV) contact customer Support give them your FULL car's details, THE MILEAGE & If its the shockers ( Which I doubt) THAT THE SHOCKS should have lasted longer in service than they have, more than likely a few on here will disagree but thats the way I would Go, I have also gone that way & had a 3/4 refund, if you don't try you do not gain. GOOD LUCK.X

[barb1314]

More great advice thanks so much.It's Toyota. I may follow up on that after I find out what's going on next week. Thank you TWR x

[TWR]

Hi again Barb
this is the Dept to get in contact with, ask for Customer Services.

External Affairs
Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd
Burnaston
Derbyshire
East Midlands
DE1 9TA
01332 282121



Its worth a try but if you have to replace surgust to your OH to check on prices as these can vary from place to place, you do not have to use genuine parts & the job is not that bad to do.

[TWR]

Suggest

[barb1314]

That is so kind of you thank you. I spoke to a friend of mine who is a service manager at a Renault/Ford dealership. She agrees with you about the suspension spring from my description of the noise. Her OH is also a mechanic and thinks the same. If the garage on Monday can't solve it,my friend will look at it for me. I'll let you know! Cheers again TWR x

[TWR]

No probs, take care x

[barb1314]

For TWR just to let you know,I mentioned the rear suspension springs and the garage owner agreed with your diagnosis but when checked they were fine. He has discovered though that part of the anti-roll bar has snapped off.He's ordered one for me..£20 and it'll be about £30 to fit. Thank goodness. I hope this solves the knocking. In his words 'it's a bugger of a job'.Having it done Wednesday. Thanks for all your advice. x

[TWR]

I'm glad all worked out well & inexpensive for you Barb, take care x