Hi folks,
I'm trying to find the cause of a knocking or clunking noise coming from my wifes 97 RAV 4 when driving slow (5-20 mph)over small bumps. It's sounds like its coming from the drivers side but can't determine whether its up front or in the back.
If I open the drivers door and rock the car up and down I can hear the knocking slightly but it's tuff when your working alone to pin point the noise.
Inspection of the front struts and rear shocks show no oil seepage so I'll assume they still have decent dampening.
Exhaust system is tight and couldn't find anything lose under the car.
Any help appreciated,,,thanks

bushing shot on suspension? on my 88 4runner the upper control arm bushings are failing and it makes a knocking noise when going over bumps at slower speeds. I know it's about ten years older than yours but.... you could check that.
AUSSiE

Is there a way to check the control arm bushings with out having to unload them?
Now I'm also wondering if the struts have bushings that could be failing...also hard to detect with out unloading.
Thanks for the input.

Got both front wheels off the ground and found driver side wheel bearing a bit loose compared to the passenger side.
That has to be my noise.
Don't have a press to install new bearing, but I might be able to get the knuckle off myself then take the assembly into the shop for them to do.
Any one care to offer advice? as per removing strut from knuckle?... not sure how much loaded pressure is on that thing.

I don't have experience with the rav for wheel bearings but i do with a newer ford windstar and it was just a matter of following a shop manual. removed the whole knuckle assembly and had a shop r and r the wheel bearing - easy as cake. In your case i'm not so sure if there will be some major pressure on that knuckle or not... get a manual like a chiltons or haynes and follow the writup - oh, and good luck
AUSSiE