Toyota Repair: Front End Rattle When Cold, sway bar links, lexus models

Question
Ted:

I have a 97 Lexus with 49,000 miles on it. When I drive the car, after its been able to cool down, it has a rattle from the front end. Every time I go over a bump or through a dip it rattles. The rattle sounds like something is loose but nothing seems loose when I check. It sounded like the sway bar links were worn. I replaced them. No improvement.

After I drive around for awhile the rattle goes away. The rattle is most noticeable when the car is left overnight in a cooler climate. The car only has 49,000miles and I have all the service records from the previous owner and they show no indication of any front end work.

The car was well maintained by a Lexus dealer, even the interior looks brand new.

What are your thoughts on how to properly diagnose the location and what possibilities come to your mind.

Thank you,  

Answer
Most likely the front strut upper mounts are worn, the struts should be removed and the upper mounts replaced, this is very common on Camry and Lexus models.You can see the upper mounts under the hood on each side on top of the inner fender, there are three nuts on each with a large center nut.