Toyota Repair: 2000 Camry front suspension noise, light gauge metal, wheel bearings


Question
I have a 2000 Camry LE 4 cyl auto with 70k miles. I get a
knocking sound in the right front over small sharp bumps such
as potholes. I have pulled, pushed and pried on everthing I can
touch in the front of this car including ball joints, tie rod ends,
steering rack, sway bar and mounts, wheel bearings and brake
calipers and checked all the rubber bushings. I have found
nothing suspicious but I have been told that Camrys of this
vintage have a problem with suspension supports being made of
a light-gauge metal that does not hold up. I have located a
bulletin title; SU001-00 "front suspension support change
reduces noise" dated Jan 21, 2000.  Can you supply me with the
text of this bulletin? Do you think this could be my problem?
Assuming this is my problem, my worry is what brand of parts to
use and what to change at this time. Should I use a Toyota
"revised" ( for the second or third time) support or a aftermarket
part such as KYB or Bilstein? What I am debating is whether to
change both mounts at the same time or just the noisy one and
if I should replace the struts at this time. I feel the handling is
fine at this time and the old "bounce test" shows no
problems.On the other hand I will probably drive this car until it
dies or I do and I would prefer to just do this job once. If you
feel I should change the struts now would you care to
recommend a brand? I'm an old guy and have no desire to lower
the car or "firm up" the suspension a great deal.  The bright side
to all this is that labor is not an issue since I will do the work
myself. (My friend owns a good quality SAFE spring compressor)  

Answer
The strut upper mounting brackets are prone to wear at this mileage causing the noise, this is not uncommon, I can send you a copy of the bulletin if I can have an email address although this shouldn't be necessary as the toyota parts department will sell you the latest updated version anyway, so I suggest you stick with the OEM Toyota strut mounts, the struts will last at least another 70K miles and it is not uncommon for them to go past 200,000 miles without wearing out.Definetely change both of the strut mounts at the same time.