FAULTBASE
NEWSASKCars
© 2025 FAULTBASE
All rights reserved.
v2.0.0 • Production
ContactPrivacyImpressum
Home/Cars/Toyota/Highlander/XU70 (2020-Present)/why is my Toyota Highlander XU70 (2020-Present) making a clunking noise when going over bumps

why is my Toyota Highlander XU70 (2020-Present) making a clunking noise when going over bumps

Toyota Highlander XU70 (2020-Present)

Severity: mediumDifficulty: medium2-4 hours
3 min read
542 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to diagnose and fix clunking noise in the suspension of your Toyota Highlander XU70. Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repair instructions.

Component
Suspension
Repair Time
2-4 hours

Safety Warnings

  • ⚠Ensure the vehicle is securely supported on jack stands before working underneath it.
  • ⚠Allow the vehicle's engine to cool before performing any work on hot components.

Symptoms

  • •Clunking noise when going over bumps
  • •Increased body roll during turns
  • •Unusual vibrations felt through the steering wheel
  • •Poor ride quality or harshness over uneven surfaces
  • •Possible warning lights on the dashboard (e.g., suspension warning)

Diagnostic Steps

  1. 1Inspect the suspension components visually for any signs of damage or wear, including shocks, struts, and control arms.
  2. 2Check for loose or damaged hardware, including bolts and nuts on suspension components.
  3. 3Perform a bounce test on each corner of the vehicle to assess shock absorber functionality.
  4. 4Examine the sway bar links and bushings for any signs of wear or detachment.
  5. 5Inspect the tires for uneven wear or damage that could contribute to noise.

Solution

Solution

1. Preparation

  • Gather tools and parts required for the repair.
  • Park the vehicle on a flat surface and engage the parking brake.
  • Wear safety goggles and gloves for protection.

2. Raise the Vehicle

  • Use a jack to lift the vehicle and securely place it on jack stands.
  • Remove the wheels to gain access to the suspension components.

3. Inspect and Replace Components

  • Shocks/Struts Replacement

    • Remove the bolts securing the lower end of the shocks/struts to the suspension assembly.
    • Remove the upper mounting bolts located under the hood.
    • Replace with new shocks/struts and torque to manufacturer specifications (usually about 30-40 ft-lbs).
  • Sway Bar Link Replacement

    • Remove the bolts securing the sway bar links to the sway bar and lower control arm.
    • Install new sway bar links, ensuring they are tightened to manufacturer specifications.
  • Control Arm/Bushing Replacement (if necessary)

    • Remove the bolts securing the control arm to the vehicle frame and the knuckle.
    • Replace the control arm/bushings if damaged and torque bolts to specifications (typically around 50-60 ft-lbs).

4. Reassemble and Lower the Vehicle

  • Reinstall the wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts.
  • Lower the vehicle from the jack stands and torque lug nuts to specification (usually 80-100 ft-lbs).

5. Test the Repair

  • Perform a bounce test again to ensure the shocks/struts are functioning properly.
  • Test drive over bumps to confirm that the clunking noise has been resolved.

Verification

After completing the repair, verify that the issue has been resolved:

  • Test the affected component to ensure it functions correctly
  • Check for any error codes or warning lights
  • Monitor the vehicle for a few days to ensure the issue does not recur

Prevention Tips

To prevent this issue from occurring again:

  • •Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
  • •Address warning signs early before they develop into major issues
  • •Use quality parts and fluids recommended for your vehicle
  • •Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance

Tools & Equipment Required

  • Jack and jack stands
  • Socket set
  • Torque wrench
  • Wrench set
  • Screwdriver set

Parts Required

  • New shock absorbers/struts
  • Sway bar links
  • Control arm/bushings (if needed)

Additional Information

Component

Suspension

Repair Time

2-4 hours

Difficulty

medium

Severity

medium

Tools

5 items

Parts

3 items

Related Faults

Discover similar issues

  1. what causes high oil consumption in Toyota Highlander XU70 (2020-Present)

    Discover causes and solutions for high oil consumption in Toyota Highlander XU70 (2020-Present). Step-by-step guide for diagnosis and repair.

    Component:Engine
    Symptoms
    • •Increased frequency of oil top-ups
    • •Blue smoke from the exhaust during acceleration
    • +{count} more
  2. how to fix the steering wheel vibration in my Toyota Highlander XU70 (2020-Present)

    Learn how to diagnose and fix steering wheel vibration in Toyota Highlander XU70 (2020-Present). Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and rep...

    Component:Steering
    Symptoms
    • •Steering wheel vibrates at certain speeds
    • •Uneven tire wear
    • +{count} more
  3. my Toyota Highlander XU70 (2020-Present) feels like it's slipping in gear

    Learn how to diagnose and fix transmission slipping issues in the 2020 Toyota Highlander XU70. Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repai...

    Component:Transmission
    Symptoms
    • •Check engine light illuminated
    • •Unusual engine revving without corresponding acceleration
    • +{count} more
  4. how to fix engine misfire P0300 code on Toyota Highlander XU70 (2020-Present)

    P0300

    Learn how to diagnose and fix P0300 engine misfire in Toyota Highlander XU70. Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repair instructions.

    Component:Engine
    Symptoms
    • •Check engine light illuminated
    • •Rough idle or shaking during engine operation
    • +{count} more
  5. how to replace cabin air filter in Toyota Highlander XU70 (2020-Present)

    Step-by-step guide to replace the cabin air filter in Toyota Highlander XU70 (2020-Present). Improve air quality and HVAC performance with this easy f...

    Component:HVAC
    Symptoms
    • •Reduced airflow from the HVAC system
    • •Unpleasant odors inside the vehicle
    • +{count} more
  6. how to fix P0300 code in Toyota Highlander XU70 (2020-Present)

    P0300

    Learn how to diagnose and fix P0300 random/multiple cylinder misfire in Toyota Highlander XU70. Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repa...

    Component:Engine
    Symptoms
    • •Check engine light illuminated
    • •Rough idle or engine shaking
    • +{count} more

Share this solution

Comments

Sign in to share your thoughts

Sign In

No comments yet

Be the first to share your thoughts

Back to Generation