01-19-2019, 01:06 AM
|
#1
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 122
|
|
Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 122
|
Creaking noise coming from drivers side suspension
Hi all,
I recently noticed a creaking/squealing noise coming from the front driver's side suspension on my truck and am at a loss as to what this is. It only happens within the first 1/2inch of turning the steering wheel in either direction and when going in and out; aswell as occasionally when braking and turning, though I haven't noticed it on bumps at all. I took it into my mechanic who recommended greasing the LBJ and UBJ with grease gun and needle however that didn't fix it. I also tried greasing the the upper and lower control arm bushings aswell as the sway bar end links to no avail and have no idea what this is at this point.
Heres a link to a video of the noise/shows where it happens when turning the wheel: YouTube
Any help would be much appreciated!
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
01-19-2019, 01:52 PM
|
#2
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: denver
Posts: 3,022
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: denver
Posts: 3,022
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Silver.T4R
Hi all,
I recently noticed a creaking/squealing noise coming from the front driver's side suspension on my truck and am at a loss as to what this is. It only happens within the first 1/2inch of turning the steering wheel in either direction and when going in and out; aswell as occasionally when braking and turning, though I haven't noticed it on bumps at all. I took it into my mechanic who recommended greasing the LBJ and UBJ with grease gun and needle however that didn't fix it. I also tried greasing the the upper and lower control arm bushings aswell as the sway bar end links to no avail and have no idea what this is at this point.
Heres a link to a video of the noise/shows where it happens when turning the wheel: YouTube
Any help would be much appreciated!
|
I had similar creaking hitting bumps mine ended up being the UCA bushings that I greased with silicone spray. check your rack and pinion bushing and sway bar bushings and in some rare situations culprit could be the lbj itself.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
01-19-2019, 02:42 PM
|
#3
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Southern California
Posts: 475
|
|
Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Southern California
Posts: 475
|
Mine was a sway bar end link, unfortunately I found it AFTER replacing other parts.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
01-19-2019, 03:28 PM
|
#4
|
Elite Member
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Stouchsburg PA
Posts: 5,344
|
|
Elite Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Stouchsburg PA
Posts: 5,344
|
Creaking noise coming from drivers side suspension
I have this exact problem. Haven’t figured it out yet. My mechanic friend said it could be the lower ball joint. He crawled under the Toy wile l slightly wiggled the steering wheel and thinks that’s where the noise is coming from.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
01-20-2019, 11:39 PM
|
#5
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 122
|
|
Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 122
|
Thanks for the replys guys, I jacked the truck up today and wiggled the wheels to check for play in the LBJ, though I didn't notice any. I had my dad turn the wheels back and forth though and it sounded like the creaking was coming from the LBJ, could the ball joint be bad without any play in it? I still need to try using the silicon spray and will try to check that tommorow.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
01-21-2019, 10:30 AM
|
#6
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Oceanside, CA
Posts: 1,892
Real Name: Evan
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Oceanside, CA
Posts: 1,892
Real Name: Evan
|
My LBJ failure had a creaking noise like that too a couple months before it happened. The driver’s side let go the same day I noticed it was a nonstop noise, but prior to that it would come and go for some reason. If you can’t pinpoint the noise after getting under it while someone turns the wheel back and forth, I’d replace the LBJ’s to be safe.
__________________
2000 Black Sport 4WD 5spd -JD Fabrication long travel/ Fox 2.5 8” RR/ Anonymous Fab lower uniball• McNeil Racing fenders • Toytec Superflex/ 5th gen Bilstein 5100/ Wheelers Superbumps • 315/70/17 BFG KO2 on Robby Gordon wheels • 231mm TBU / Wheelers SS lines • MStudt rear swaybar links • Tom Woods driveshaft • Satoshi • K&N FIPK w/ AFE dry filter • Borla Pro XS • URD short throw shifter & Ellis Precision shift knobs • Uniden PRO 520XL & 3' Firefly on custom mount• Prinsu full rack • Baja Designs Squadron Sport Sae & combo beam lights • Paranoid Fab switch panel with Ram mounts • Extended rear diff breather • 01-02 tail lights • Stubbs HD-SKO sliders • Any 7 Offroad gas tank skid • @Assburns custom tube front bumper • Nguyen Works swing out bumper • FROR rear links
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
01-22-2019, 02:57 AM
|
#7
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Santa Monica, CA
Posts: 1,421
Real Name: Keith
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Santa Monica, CA
Posts: 1,421
Real Name: Keith
|
Get an automotive stethoscope (cheap), or just place your hand or a long screwdriver on the ball joint....you should feel the creaking coming through the screwdriver handle.
__________________
97 4R SR5, 4WD/Elock, 3.4, 5spd. OME881/890 springs/OME shocks, 265/70/16 BFG AT/KO2.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
10-31-2019, 02:40 PM
|
#8
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 53
|
|
Member
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 53
|
Squeaky Front End
I had this issue for the last few months since I went to Pismo and it ended up being the hood latch. It was fixed by adjusting the rubber bumpers a little higher to raise the hood up slightly. Squeak fixed. Thank you forums!!!!!
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
11-03-2019, 09:54 PM
|
#9
|
|
Junior Member
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Chandler, Arizona
Posts: 26
|
|
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Chandler, Arizona
Posts: 26
|
My crossmembers on my frame were creaking. I shot some grease on it and it went away....for now.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
11-03-2019, 10:38 PM
|
#10
|
Elite Member
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Stouchsburg PA
Posts: 5,344
|
|
Elite Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Stouchsburg PA
Posts: 5,344
|
My drivers lower ball joint was also my problem.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
08-03-2021, 09:20 PM
|
#11
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: Monroe, WA
Posts: 2,203
Real Name: Devan
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: Monroe, WA
Posts: 2,203
Real Name: Devan
|
Also having this problem. Had it for quite some time now and it's recently started to get weird. LBJs were replaced less than a year ago but I guess I'll give them a look anyways given the response.
It started a year ago and it would only happen when letting off the brake, would be an instant "click", and it sounded RIGHT by where I was sitting, so I assumed it was the little "vacuum switch module" or whatever it is right beyond the firewall directly in front of the driver. I even ran this by a coworker who's know as "the brakes guy" in local racing circles (does not own a 4Runner, just very knowledgeable) and he told me this DID sound possible due to things like bellows opening/closing and due to the brake booster - been a while and can't really remember but it sounded right at the time. After a couple months this slowly turned into a weird, almost metal-on-metal sound before the same click - sounded exactly like something rolling then hitting something (best way I could describe it, imagine a steel marble rolling a few inches then witting the wall inside a heavy steel box) - and now it would happen randomly at any point during braking. Stuck an borescope inside the from and didn't see anything loose.
FFW to 5-6 weeks ago and the noise no longer occurs while braking but when turning, does it both ways but more easily when turning left - not always, but taking a turn hard would trigger it more reliably than normal. Not sure when this occurred exactly but it wasn't after any front end work or the like. The "rolling sound" has now turned into a creak, still ending with the click. It no longer sounds beyond the firewall but almost under the door or something. As of last week, sometimes it'll be so sensitive just lightly turning the wheel left on the highway (like if you were slightly drifting over and corrected it) will trigger the creak for just a split second.
Not even sure where to start looking. It all started happening immediately after my lift, and since then I've replaced CVs, OTREs, LBJs, UCA/UBJs, brake lines, removed sway bar. Sometimes it went away but would eventually return, sometimes it didn't. Never got worse from any of that stuff either, just a steady decline on it's own. Any thoughts? Sorry it's a weird explanation but it's so hard to put into words and impossible to get a good video
Gonna regrease the UCA and check LBJs tomorrow and see where that goes
__________________
Y2K Highlander Millennium Silver 3.4L auto @ 320k and climbing
Toytecs + 5100s / 7.5 wrap + OME spacers + Tokicos / JBA UCAs / Anonymous Fab. LBJs / Total Chaos Gussets / EimKeith PCK + LCAR / Extended Bump Stops; Brake Lines; Rear Diff Breather / True North Fab. Hybrid Bumper / CBI Hybrid Bumper + Tire Carrier / 4xInnovations Hybrid Sliders / Opt Offroad Trailing Arms / Lil Skip Gas Skid / BudBuilt Front Skid / ARB Rear Locker
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
08-03-2021, 09:25 PM
|
#12
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: SLC Utah
Posts: 183
Real Name: Travis
|
|
Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: SLC Utah
Posts: 183
Real Name: Travis
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Devbot
Also having this problem. Had it for quite some time now and it's recently started to get weird. LBJs were replaced less than a year ago but I guess I'll give them a look anyways given the response.
It started a year ago and it would only happen when letting off the brake, would be an instant "click", and it sounded RIGHT by where I was sitting, so I assumed it was the little "vacuum switch module" or whatever it is right beyond the firewall directly in front of the driver. I even ran this by a coworker who's know as "the brakes guy" in local racing circles (does not own a 4Runner, just very knowledgeable) and he told me this DID sound possible due to things like bellows opening/closing and due to the brake booster - been a while and can't really remember but it sounded right at the time. After a couple months this slowly turned into a weird, almost metal-on-metal sound before the same click - sounded exactly like something rolling then hitting something (best way I could describe it, imagine a steel marble rolling a few inches then witting the wall inside a heavy steel box) - and now it would happen randomly at any point during braking. Stuck an borescope inside the from and didn't see anything loose.
FFW to 5-6 weeks ago and the noise no longer occurs while braking but when turning, does it both ways but more easily when turning left - not always, but taking a turn hard would trigger it more reliably than normal. Not sure when this occurred exactly but it wasn't after any front end work or the like. The "rolling sound" has now turned into a creak, still ending with the click. It no longer sounds beyond the firewall but almost under the door or something. As of last week, sometimes it'll be so sensitive just lightly turning the wheel left on the highway (like if you were slightly drifting over and corrected it) will trigger the creak for just a split second.
Not even sure where to start looking. It all started happening immediately after my lift, and since then I've replaced CVs, OTREs, LBJs, UCA/UBJs, brake lines, removed sway bar. Sometimes it went away but would eventually return, sometimes it didn't. Never got worse from any of that stuff either, just a steady decline on it's own. Any thoughts? Sorry it's a weird explanation but it's so hard to put into words and impossible to get a good video
Gonna regrease the UCA and check LBJs tomorrow and see where that goes
|
This could definitely be the LCA bushings or steering rack bushings. Park the rig with the front tire against a curb, while the vehicle is running, and have someone turn the wheel back and forth while you look underneath for the source of the noise.
Even if the LCA bushings aren't the source, it should point you towards the issue if it's suspension/steering related.
__________________
1996 T4R
Last edited by TravThePro; 08-03-2021 at 09:28 PM.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
08-03-2021, 10:15 PM
|
#13
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: Monroe, WA
Posts: 2,203
Real Name: Devan
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: Monroe, WA
Posts: 2,203
Real Name: Devan
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by TravThePro
This could definitely be the LCA bushings or steering rack bushings. Park the rig with the front tire against a curb, while the vehicle is running, and have someone turn the wheel back and forth while you look underneath for the source of the noise.
Even if the LCA bushings aren't the source, it should point you towards the issue if it's suspension/steering related.
|
I forgot to mention it ONLY happens while moving, so getting under there while it happens isn't much of an option. LCA bushings are one of the very few things (like one of three things) I haven't replaced on the front end and they looked trashed, so I would not be surprised whatsoever. Been putting it off for a while cause I wasn't sure how I wanted to go about it but not long ago I saw Opt Offroad/EimKeith's reinforced LCAs and would LOVE an excuse to snag a pair
__________________
Y2K Highlander Millennium Silver 3.4L auto @ 320k and climbing
Toytecs + 5100s / 7.5 wrap + OME spacers + Tokicos / JBA UCAs / Anonymous Fab. LBJs / Total Chaos Gussets / EimKeith PCK + LCAR / Extended Bump Stops; Brake Lines; Rear Diff Breather / True North Fab. Hybrid Bumper / CBI Hybrid Bumper + Tire Carrier / 4xInnovations Hybrid Sliders / Opt Offroad Trailing Arms / Lil Skip Gas Skid / BudBuilt Front Skid / ARB Rear Locker
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
08-04-2021, 12:49 AM
|
#14
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: SLC Utah
Posts: 183
Real Name: Travis
|
|
Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: SLC Utah
Posts: 183
Real Name: Travis
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Devbot
I forgot to mention it ONLY happens while moving, so getting under there while it happens isn't much of an option. LCA bushings are one of the very few things (like one of three things) I haven't replaced on the front end and they looked trashed, so I would not be surprised whatsoever. Been putting it off for a while cause I wasn't sure how I wanted to go about it but not long ago I saw Opt Offroad/EimKeith's reinforced LCAs and would LOVE an excuse to snag a pair
|
It's really clear when the LCA bushings go out, especially when doing the test I mentioned. I'd just give it a quick shot. If the LCA moves more than a very slight amount, the bushings are toast.
The LCA bushings were so shot on my 4Runner when I bought it that my steering wheel would turn 1/4 turn between braking and accelerating to go straight.
If you end up replacing them, don't go with any bushing other than Whiteline. I learned this by putting the trash Moog ones in and having a great time replacing them 6 months later.
__________________
1996 T4R
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
08-04-2021, 12:54 AM
|
#15
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: Monroe, WA
Posts: 2,203
Real Name: Devan
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: Monroe, WA
Posts: 2,203
Real Name: Devan
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by TravThePro
It's really clear when the LCA bushings go out, especially when doing the test I mentioned. I'd just give it a quick shot. If the LCA moves more than a very slight amount, the bushings are toast.
The LCA bushings were so shot on my 4Runner when I bought it that my steering wheel would turn 1/4 turn between braking and accelerating to go straight.
If you end up replacing them, don't go with any bushing other than Whiteline. I learned this by putting the trash Moog ones in and having a great time replacing them 6 months later.
|
I already planned on it, a big reason I wanted those arms is you can have them swap out the bushings for whitelines at cost. Does whiteline make steering rack bushings though? I think this might be the one thing I haven't seen them make, which would explain why it seems like everyone goes with energy suspension instead
Edit: found it! W12978
__________________
Y2K Highlander Millennium Silver 3.4L auto @ 320k and climbing
Toytecs + 5100s / 7.5 wrap + OME spacers + Tokicos / JBA UCAs / Anonymous Fab. LBJs / Total Chaos Gussets / EimKeith PCK + LCAR / Extended Bump Stops; Brake Lines; Rear Diff Breather / True North Fab. Hybrid Bumper / CBI Hybrid Bumper + Tire Carrier / 4xInnovations Hybrid Sliders / Opt Offroad Trailing Arms / Lil Skip Gas Skid / BudBuilt Front Skid / ARB Rear Locker
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is On
|
|
|
|