Toyota Solara

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Comments

  • westsolarawestsolara Member Posts: 18
    For scsolara msg#489. I have a 2000 solara SE and I get that
    clunk noise. For a while I thought it was something moving in the
    trunk but now I know the truth and I am set Free!!!
  • caseyd00caseyd00 Member Posts: 2
    Thanks for the update. I have a '99 SE V6 5 Spd and will need to replace the Bridgestones very soon. With your real life experience it sounds like the Michelin Pilot XGT H4's are the way to go. I was worried about the size, but this appears to be a non-issue.
  • automophileautomophile Member Posts: 780
    Thanks for the feedback!

    Adding the rear sway bar will cause the car to lean less in turns, but will NOT help the rubbing. Sway bars swing freely, and have no effect unless the pressure on the 2 wheels is uneven, such as when the car leans during a turn.
  • nrl76nrl76 Member Posts: 30
    I just talked to my dealer Sheridan Toyota of Santa Monica, they have the knowledge of the TSB for the strut tower (clunking) problem. They are going to take care of it next time I am there. I will let you all know what the outcome is. I hope that it does not affect alignment.

    Neil
    '99 SLE
    Red\Gray
  • phelpsmphelpsm Member Posts: 21
    I know this has been asked before (but I can't seem to find an answer anyplace). Does anyone know the TSB number for the strut clunk problem so that I can reference it when I take my car in next?

    Thanks, Mike
  • automophileautomophile Member Posts: 780
    Nrl - They must do a full alignment after installing the towers - the struts are part of the suspension. My alignment was better afterwards, but still not perfect. I am going to search out a real, professional alignment shop with the latest gadgets to get it taken care of once and for all. I don't care about the cost, I would just like to drive without pulling on the wheel the whole time.

    All-in-all, this is really a minor problem. The car has been otherwise perfect, comfortable and a joy to drive, and I get constant compliments on it. Still a great value.
  • automophileautomophile Member Posts: 780
    I don't think that the Sienna's steering rack problems are related at all to the Solara drift. The Sienna problems are the rack LOCKING when turned full left and not returning, not a little pull. Being a van, the Sienna mechanicals may be very different from the Solara and Camry.

    Cliffy - is this correct?
  • radracerradracer Member Posts: 96
    on a strut suspension, they also play a role in stiffening up the ride of a car. i have the TRD bar so i know what i'm talking about. on a double wishbone setup, they don't. so if you install the anti sway bar, your rear will not bottom out as much.
  • vz18wpvz18wp Member Posts: 20
    Hey phelpsm!
    I have been out to the NHSTA Service Bulletin Database and as of today (Jan. 25), there is NO SERVICE BULLETIN posted there for "strut tower" problems!

    So if there is one somewhere, I too would like to know what the number is!!!!!

    Cliffy1 should know something.

    '99 SE V6- Diamond Pearl White
    23,000 miles
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    I don't have anything on a TSB about this. If I have a chance, I'll talk to my service advisors but that is a hit or miss proposition. Normally, when a car comes in with a complaint, we enter the VIN into our system to check for applicable TSBs. If your VIN matches the series for a known problem, it will come up. Your local service department should be able to do this.
  • cheme74cheme74 Member Posts: 5
    My new SE-v6 is due to arrive at the dealership any day now. In preparation, I wanted to ask a few questions.

    1.) What is the exact protocol for successfully breaking in a new Solara?

    2.)I have read a lot about the Zaino products. I have also seen some of the pictures that were posted. From my understanding Z1 and Z2 (and maybe z6- gloss enhancer) are the main items. What is the typical application frequency?

    3.) Being that this is my first new car, what other things should I look out for when I go pick up the car and also during the break-in period?

    Thanks for all the postings. They have been very informative the last few months.

    Regards,
    Cheme74
  • hughp1hughp1 Member Posts: 9
    Yes they are expensive, make sure you are not in a rush. Take the time to do it right the first time and you won't be disappointed. Managed to get my 92 Celica Con. done before winter arrived in St. Louts and I am so glad I did. It washes up so nice even when I have washed it in my garage just using a bucket and a very wet rag. Cleans up real nice and easy. Can't wait until I am able to get a second coat of Zaino.

    Do It.
  • automophileautomophile Member Posts: 780
    Congratulations on your new Solara! You will love it!


    1) Break In - Keep it under 55, 2500 rpm and half throttle for the first 1000-1500 miles. The longer the better. Your dealer will tell you that break-in is not needed, but I have tried it both ways, and the it is clear that break-in is better. New cars have SO MANY moving parts pumps, bearings, seals etc, you really must give them a chance to break in properly.


    2) Zaino- This is another good decision on your part. I changed from waxes to Zaino about a year ago, and will never go back. The intial kit is relatively expensive, but it lasts so long that the actual cost per application is less than a typical wax. You will need the Z1 base coat (once a year), and the Z2 polish, the Z6 gloss enhancer (spray on, wipe off) and the Z7 car wash. There are a lot of other Z products, but this is the basic.I have been using it for a year on 2 cars, and am just now needing to re-order a couple of items. If you put 2-3 coats of Z2 on, you won't have to re-polish for 3-6 months depending on where you live, etc. All the details are at www.zainobros.com.


    See for yourself:

    imagehttp://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1016688&a=9788935&p=32461561>

    It is Highly recommended that you CLAY the car before polishing. This will leave the surface perfectly clean and so smooth you won't believe it. The already easy Z application will go even faster and easier (takes me about 20 minutes). Read about clay at www.erazer.com. There are many good clays, including Zaino.


    Have fun and enjoy!

  • ral2167ral2167 Member Posts: 791
    i'm getting on to 31000 miles on the SE V6 5 speed machine, and the rear tires are starting to wear thin to the point it's time to get new ones-- i think i'll get a full set of 4 rather than just 2-- anyway, i'm going to go with bridgestones again, due to cost saving over the michelin-- darndest thing this tire size of 205-60-16 is kinda screwy and only bridgetones and michelins make this size...

    anyway, has anyone bought tires off an internet site? cause i was quoted a price of $104.99 each of H-rated potenza RE 92's, and i think i saw a web site where maybe i can get them cheaper to the extent that even after shipping, i save some bucks...

    anyway-- i imagine alot of us 1999 owners are getting to the point of changing tires-- any advice?? thanks!! email me by clicking my name, or you can reply here if you have any thoughts...
  • caseyd00caseyd00 Member Posts: 2
    ralph - checkout posts # 497 & 498 by ejy. This size is another option and increases tire selection considerably. I also have the Bridgestones, but would not consider them again. I own an Acura TL with the 205/60/16 Michelin Energy's that fit the Solara. The Energy Michelins are great highway tires but not handling tires. The XGT H4 that ejy mentions are more of a performance tire. Not sure of your driving style.
  • sungirlsungirl Member Posts: 3
    I have the Bridgstone Potenza tires on my car and was wondering if anyone can reccomend the correct tire pressure? I can't find it on the tire, nor in the manual.
    Thanks in advance for your help.
    Sungirl
  • ral2167ral2167 Member Posts: 791
    Just so I understand...you nice folks are telling me that....

    i can replace my 205-60-16's with 215-60-16's????

    no ill effects? my tires will fit the alloy wheels? my speedometer will still be accurate? i won't be scraping the fender wells during sharp turns???

    if this is true, then, yes, i see my options are much more numerous.... but i know litle about tires except it's not good to see the air showing through...

    as far as my driving habits, oh sure, i talk a good game in my 5 speed V6 fairway green loaded SE--- but i don't take corners at 55 or anything like that.... i'm 44 ....as long as i can easily pass V6 accord coupes in their automatics, I'm happy.... i always thought cooper made a nice tire... i don't need no michelin hot rod tire....

    so-- just to be sure-- i can get 215-60-16 tires to replace my 205-60-16's, with no ill effects????? thanks for any replies...!!
  • nrl76nrl76 Member Posts: 30
    Check out this link. You can put in your original tire size and the potential tire size to see what the difference would be. It is a great resource.


    http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html


    Neil

    '99 SLE

    Red\Gray

    28,060 miles

  • 2k1trd2k1trd Member Posts: 301
    I run 35 psi in all 4 and they are wearing perfect.
  • theurerbradtheurerbrad Member Posts: 3
    ral2167, I am in a similar situation as you - have a '99 SE V-6 5speed with about 38K miles on the original Bridgestone H rated Potenza RE92's you were quoted on. They've been okay and still have some tread, but I'd like something a bit different. You're right, there isn't a whole lot available for the 205/60/16 size. I talked with someone at TireRack yesterday about this and his recommendation was to go to the 215/55/16 size which also opens up more possibilities. If I wanted to go more towards a quality grand touring (all season) tire at a bit more cost, he suggested the Bridgestone Turenza Revo's ($105 per tire at TireRack for the 215/55/16) which have a 50K warranty and are also H rated. Also like you I think I can save some money by ordering online - TireRack's site has a place where it'll tell you about local installers and their rates if you put in your zip code, which is nice. Right now I can't decide whether I want the touring type or more of a performance type tire like the Michelin XGT H4.

    You and I are quite alike - I'm 44 too (turning 45 on Friday 2/2) - my initial preference was also for the fairway green, but there was a car on the lot which had everything I wanted and was the Diamond Pearl White; they offered a better deal if I took a car off the lot instead of doing a special order or dealer swap. You aren't by chance in Maryland, are ya?
  • ral2167ral2167 Member Posts: 791
    no..not in maryland-- ohio here....


    so i guess i'll be ok with going with 215 60 16's??


    pics of my solara with the worn tread tires are here...

    http://www.zing.com/album/?id=4293372793


    by the way, has anyone added an aftermarket wood trim panel for the temp/audio? i'm thinking of spicing up the interior, without going overboard...

  • automophileautomophile Member Posts: 780
    Tires -

    I use 34/35 front and 32 rear for more balanced handling. Tires are wearing fine.


    It would seem that 215 55 16's would be the same diameter, yes?


    Wood -

    Ral - I installed part of the wood kit from www.exoticwooddash.com It was easy and looks great. I didn't put the entire kit on - it looks too phony when the entire interior including around the key, speedometer and speakers has a wood trim. See it at


    http://albums.photopoint.com/j/ViewPhoto?u=1016688&a=7490587&p=34653637

     

    http://albums.photopoint.com/j/ViewPhoto?u=1016688&a=7490587&p=34653638


    Every time I am in the car, I am amazed at how much more luxuious it feels with just this little be of extra wood.


    Cute dog!

  • hydrozzhydrozz Member Posts: 22
    i have a 2001 silver solara and i am loving every minute of owning it (except for the minor probs i have such as pulling to the left, squeaky seat, and hard-to-close driver door...hopefully ill go and take my car to the dealership) but would anyone know if 235/45 17's would fit on my ride?? 235's might be a little too wide for the sidewalls but im not sure...has anyone else gotten 17's inch tires for their ride??
  • hydrozzhydrozz Member Posts: 22
    the trd kit comes w/ 225's but if u look at the site that the guy above posted about speed differences between tires, the 235's look like the better option
  • ral2167ral2167 Member Posts: 791
    thanks for pics of the wood trim... and the website to that tire comparison miata.net

    i hate to beat a dead horse on the tire issue, but...just so i understand...

    i can replace the 205-60-16's with EITHER:

    215-60-16's, OR
    215-55-16's?

    this is correct? anybody prefer one size to another? i'm leaning to the 215-60-16's, since there's only one number change, not two.. faulty reasoning?

    as i understand, the first number is the "width" of the tire.... and the last number is the diameter of the tire--but the middle number-- i'll have to look that up...
  • radracerradracer Member Posts: 96
    I run 32psi on all 4. This is the recommend pressure. 215-60 would be too tall. The sidewall would be 60% of 215. 215/55 would be a much better choice.

    as for 235/45/17, yes this is actually a better choice than 225/45, but 235's cost a lot and there may be clearance/rubbing problems. Ask a tire dealer to test fit a 235 to see if there will be problems.
  • nrl76nrl76 Member Posts: 30
    Here is what each number in the tire code means:

    215-55-16

    215 - width in MM
    55 - profile in MM (distance from top of wheel/rim to top of tire)
    16 - size of wheel/rim

    In essence, the lower the second number (55) the lower the profile and the harsher the ride. This is because there is less rubber cusioning between the rim and the ground.

    There is also one other identifier in the tire code. This is the speed rating. I believe that H is rated upto 130 mph and V is rated upto 150 mph and Z is rated beyond 150 mph.

    Hope this answers your question.

    Neil
    '99 SLE - Red\Gray - 28,060 miles
  • ral2167ral2167 Member Posts: 791
    i think i'm going with the 215-60-16's--- over the 215-55-60's.....based on less need of a harsh ride as i'm not a hot rodder.....H rated....as i keep it down under 130 mph

    with these tires i still should be able to zoom by honda accord V6's automatics with their fancy smancy steering wheel mounted audio controls--- and maybe even those acura CL-S's (which i never see on the road--maybe they're hiding from me and my 5 speed)....

    if anyone thinks i am better off with the 55 and not the 60 for a middle number, maybe i'm not understanding why.
  • denniswadedenniswade Member Posts: 362
    with a lower profile tire, due to the additional sidewall stiffness -- with an attendant increase in ride harshness, as you've noted. You'll also realize a small increase in acceleration, due to the smaller diameter of the lower profile tire.

    55s are no big deal, actually -- I doubt you'd ever notice the difference in ride, especially with a Solara -- but you will notice the sharper response. The lower-profile tire will also be slightly wider, which means better overall grip.
  • radracerradracer Member Posts: 96
    the 55 in 215/55/16 is the percentage of the width of the tire width. so the side wall would be 55% of 215. If you want a softer ride, 215/60 is the way to go, but the tire will be 1/4 of an inch higher from the center...this won't be a problem since you probably will not lower your car with lowering springs.
  • ral2167ral2167 Member Posts: 791
    i got word that changing the tire size might mess up the ABS and perhaps some of the car's computer-related goings-ons--- this from a tire guy.... so now i'm worried-- has anyone changed from the 205-60-16's with no ill effects? will warranty be voided???
  • bgerwebgerwe Member Posts: 10
    i just installed my mille miglia spiders, silver finish, with 225/45/17 kumho ecsta supra 712s today. the wheels are 17x7 with 42mm offset. they look so sweet on my fairway green 5% tint pimp mobile :) finally i got rid of those puny, ugly 15" wheels.
    after looking at the space in the wheel well i would say that 235 would probably not fit, however are you going with or without the trd springs? it might fit without the springs, im not sure.
    i got my wheels from tirerack.com, but they said that 225/45 would rub on the fender and I can't even guess where they were talking about, cause I have no rubbing at all.
    i also called trd to get more info, cause i heard the same crap about screwing up some of the computerized stuff. they said it wont mess anything up and that an offset between 38-42 will be fine for the car. they also said the trd wheels are 38mm offset, in case anybody cares, dont know if thats true cause TSW says they are 43mm.. maybe they were specially made for the solara...
    anyway, i don't think the ride is that much bumpier, but the handling is way better than it used to be...

    for the guys with the trd muffler---
    is it an annoying high pitch sound or a deep rumbly, i know kind of a stupid question to ask, but i dont know if im willing to sacrifce the quiet ride for a few more horses..
    anybody have a wav file of it???

    brian
  • nrl76nrl76 Member Posts: 30
    55 is profile percentage not raw measurement. If that is actually correct I apologize for providing incorrect information.

    Nil
    '99 SEE - Red\Gray - 28,065 miles
  • automophileautomophile Member Posts: 780
    ral - I am having the same thoughts, I don't need tires yet, but I know that the car will look better with wider tires. It seems that there are 2 easy choices -
    - 215 / 60s - a little taller and giving the same ride
    - 215 / 55s - The right size, with better handling but a rougher ride.

    How about errors with the speedo with the slightly larger 215/60's? Any idea how much it will be off?

    nrl - rad is correct. If you think about it - there are many different sizes of tires that have the same middle measurement - 55s, 60s, etc.
  • ral2167ral2167 Member Posts: 791
    according to the miata.net site-- the speedo is going to be 1.8% slower with the 215-60-16's,,,,and 1.5% too fast with the 215-55-16's....
  • automophileautomophile Member Posts: 780
    I see from the above nifty calculator above that the 215/60/16s will cause the speedo to be about 1.8% slow - about 1.2 mph @ 65 - probably less than the tolerance on the speedo, so no problemo!
  • automophileautomophile Member Posts: 780
  • scsolarascsolara Member Posts: 47
    1) The TRD wheels ARE 38mm


    2) I have 215/55/17's and they fit great until I put on my springs. They are on 17 X 7 40mm offset rims and they stick out just enough to rub just a bit over some bumps. I will be rolling my rear fenders to solve this problem.


    3) I personally like my TRD muffler. It is not a high pitch, and it is not like a "fart" muffler. I think it souds really sporty and gives the car a really nice sound at high RPMs (which is where I stay).


    4) A few people have said that the Greddy cat back system sounds and looks good also. I just wanted to stay with Toyota/Kazuma parts to stay with the TRD look.


    see my car at:


    http://users.ev1.net/~gunpilot/misc/spring1.jpg

    or

    http://users.ev1.net/~gunpilot/races/

  • jjacquesjjacques Member Posts: 1
    I want to replace the factory 205/60R16s that came on the alloys with my Solara SE.
    I saw the previous posts and checked with the tire calculator and I see that a 225/55R16 will fit on the rim and have minimal speedo error. The tires will be 0.8" wider. Does anyone know if these will fit without rubbing? It looks really tight near the bottom of the rear struts.
  • bgerwebgerwe Member Posts: 10
    anybody know of a good brand of blue/white bulbs besides PIAAs, and a website to order from?
    i think the fogs are 51w and the heads 60/55, is that right?
    thanks,
    brian
  • ral2167ral2167 Member Posts: 791
    this site has what all those numbers on a sidewall of a tire mean


    http://coopertires.com/tire_cooper/info-sidewall.html

  • phatnastycatphatnastycat Member Posts: 73
    Well I met with a Toyota factory technician today to evaluate my Solara's problem with pulling to the left, and guess what....my car really doesn't have a pulling problem, it just favors the crown of the road. What's most amazing is that even on roads where the crown is the right, my car still thinks that the crown is to the left. I wasted all that time getting my alignment checked and rechecked, having new tires placed on the vehicle and countless attempts made to correct the problem, when all along it was just the crown of the road causing the problem. Perhaps I need to go to arbitration with the DOT? :>) It's a real shame that such a beautiful car that I love so much has to have this flaw that prevents me from truly enjoying the driving experience.
    (Sorry for the above sarcastic rant, but I had to share my frustration with others who may be able to emphatize with me.)
  • radracerradracer Member Posts: 96
    I have 205/55/16, and this causes the ABS to kick in earlier and more often than usual.
  • nrl76nrl76 Member Posts: 30
    How often do you use your ABS?

    Neil
    '99 SLE - Red\Gray - 28,067
  • hydrozzhydrozz Member Posts: 22
    its not a matter of how often u use it, it just activates sometimes when the car feels that your tires are slipping, you can control it, it just happens
  • ral2167ral2167 Member Posts: 791
    well-- thanks for all the advice--no more tire talk from me....it suddenly dawned on me, hey-- i have a full size spare (with an alloy wheel!) that has 2 miles on it... i'm going to just get 3 potenzas, not 4--- use my spare as the 4th, and then keep the best of the original tires as my new spare... Ta Da!! simple!! i got quoted a price of $315 for three Re92 205-60-16's/balancing/stems/disposal/labor...

    i just knew having a republican in the white house would start saving me $$$

    and here i was wondering about these other tire sizes, when all the time my full size spare was laying on my trunk floor, just ready to be put to good use--- and to think those accord coupe owners scoff at solara's full size spare-- i guess i showed them! they can keep their la-di-da steering wheel audio controls-- you look in their trunk, you see a gosh-darn donut!!

    (if any of you see a flaw in my thinking, let me know-- but i think i got this tire situation figured out finally)
  • automophileautomophile Member Posts: 780
    As long as we were on tires, I want to warn all in the LA area to stay away from the Winston Tires shop in North Hollywood.

    My girlfriend took a nail in one of her Michelins, and ruined the sidewall before she discovered it. The tire has been replaced with a new model, so I called all over to find a matching one. She has VERY low miles on her Accord, so only one tire is needed.

    We found 2 at the Winston warehouse, and practically had to FORCE the local store manager to order them for us - he just didn't want to be bothered, but he was much closer than the next store. He called this morning to say that they were in. Later in the day, we called from the car, and were told to come in, it would only be 30 minutes. We arrive 5 minutes later, and now it is 1-1/2 hours wait, so we go back home and take 2 cars back, drop one off.

    An hour or 2 later he called and says they can't find the KEY to the car - they have LOST it! So we have to go back again take the spare key, and we do not feel really comfortable that someone has her car key. They make NO OFFER to replace the key - it's just too bad.

    Then we go later to pick up the car - and we find that they put the 2 new tires on the BACK instead of the FRONT as requested, and is NORMAL. Now we have to go back again later to have them rotate the tires. After we get home, we see that they have SCRATCHED the alloy wheels on the car with the tire changing machine - nice round scratches through the paint!!!

    This is TOTAL incompetence!!! Sorry to rant in a non-tires forum, but I want you all to beware of Winston tire shops - You can only assume that this is typical. With people like this, a I wonder how they stay in business. Anyone know how to email Sam Winston?
  • westsolarawestsolara Member Posts: 18
    Ref
    Msg 521. Nice addition to the car but can you order just the pieces
    you want? From their site it appears you have to order either the Basis
    kit of the complete kit/ To get the pieces you have one would have to
    order the compete kit. thanks
  • solara11solara11 Member Posts: 78
    Does your car still pull on roads that crown to the right? Mine was fixed and drives almost straight like every other car I have owned. Maye they broke mine aligning it??? (Sorry to change topic)
  • automophileautomophile Member Posts: 780
    Westsolara -

    Sorry - they have us over a barrel - you must order either too little or too much of the pieces. I had to order the whole kit just to get the pieces for the transmission lever and the windows. I have a lot of little pieces left that I will transfer to the next owner if they want to over-do it. It would probably raise the cost for the makers to package each piece separately. On the positive side - it is worth it! REALLY classes up the interior.
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