vmssys

That used to be my car. Bought from Charlesworths around 2003/4 and sold a year later. Beautiful car but running costs and insurance were hefty. Did see it online parked inside an MR2 trader but those images have disappeared off google

The car has done only 41,300 miles so if it is the shocks then I've been unlucky. John, are you saying it would be cheaper to replace shockers with Koni's or should I go with originals or uk spec.

OK Guys, thanks for the great help. If my friendly Toyota dealer tells me its the n/s shocker, then what do I do. I assume I have three options. 1. Replace the shockers with original Jap Spec shockers. 2. Replace the shockers with UK Spec shockers (assuming same fit but stiffer) 3. Fit aftermarket shockers. assuming options 1&2 are expensive, which shockers should I go for? will I need to change the springs. Will the car hadle strange with aftermarket shockers on the back and Jap Spec on the front?

I think it is the n/s shocker. The car is in for service and mot on Wednesday. I had the suspension checked by another garage today and the mechanic thought it was the shocker too. But he said it shows no signs of leakage. I think I'll ask them so swap the shockers to test it and if it works I'll be asking what shockers would be best to replace with to firm up the suspension. I know I must replace both shockers, but can I change the shockers for stiffer ones without changing the springs?

Yep that sounds exactly right. £171+vat for the part plus fitting. We cannot guarantee it will fix it they said. I cannot guarantee I will pay you. Now we are at deadlock. The car is in for service this week so I will give them another chance to diagnose the problem. Free diagnosis they say. Keep trying until you are sure you find it! Where are these garages you mention. It may well be cheaper to go there in two trips to get it fixed.

Have allready done a search on this topic and would like to add my question. I have a 1999/T vvti TT Import. Totally standard spec. Over the last fortnight a knocking noise has developed from the rear near side suspension. I've taken it to my local Toyota dealer and after first saying they could find nothing wrong, I took mechanic for a test drive and within seconds he was hearing the noise. 30 minutes later and four mechanics under the car, they decided it was the top arm bushes where there was slight play. They could not guarantee that replacing them would cure the noise. I took the car to a local exhaust centre and they kindly had a good look over the suspension. Again they could find nothing wrong. No play in any of the bushes or anything. They sprayed WD40 on all the bushes to see if that would help - no luck. The noise is very noticable at low speeds. On a poor surface it can sound like the wheel is coming off. The noise is like a dull thud definately coming from under the car. It developed within a couple of days and its driving me mad. Any suggestions?