2015 TE clank/rattle noise going over bumps

[kenwilliams0803]

Thanks for the recommendation! I removed it, and it was still there. I'll try to get a video. The best way to describe it, is it sounds almost like iron / a ball joint but it's not a rattle it's more of a one time rattle/clank instead of like a bad sway bar link etc... It's definitely metal against metal. It's not high pitched, it sounds almost like banging a cast iron pan with a lead pipe. It only happens on breaks in the pavement or sharp hits not on uneven surfaces/going up and down off my driveway curb.



As for the Clip on the upper arm, I was able to tie a piece of rubber seal I used for screen doors around it, and it didn't change. It's also super firmly seated.



I got down with a rubber mallet and banged on the wheel, hub, all suspension parts, skid plates, and even the CV axles and caliper. This sound isn't like something is rattling loose, it sounds like two heavy pieces are clashing into each other. Almost like a metal mixing bowl that weighs a ton is being dropped into another one.

Usually exhaust loose or shot somewhere when it sounds like that. Makes no sense with your year/mileage but that’s my $.02. Exhaust hitting suspension.

 

[Jivewalker]

I had this noise, drove me nuts. Mine didn't start that soon though, I was at 167,000 miles. Replaced front sway bar bushings (all 4) and noise is gone. Suggest trying that, they aren't too expensive and they will wear out over time.

 

[Xtremluck]

I have looked at how structural it is and I dont see them being that important. You have to remove them for aftermarket skid plates. They are hollow tube and the skid plates are as strong or stronger than those hollow tubes. And I don't believe they are for suspension support, they are simply a radiator support. But the skids will do the same job

Straight from the factory manual. Probably not super critical but I’m not willing to take that chance given how much abuse that front suspension takes while wheeling

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[57buick]

Straight from the factory manual. Probably not super critical but I’m not willing to take that chance given how much abuse that front suspension takes while wheeling

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I still dont think it has any affect at all. Every serious off roader has skid plates and those braces have to be removed to install skid plates. So apparently every 4runner parts manufacturer out there doesn't think they are needed. and the fact that they are thin hollow tube, If our huge suspension crossmember is relying on those little braces I am selling my 4runner quickly before the whole thing falls apart.

 

[FourRunner08]

I have a video! This is my problem going over ruts in the road.
Sorry for bad angle

YouTube

 

[Georgiey22]

Thanks Buick. I just jumped under my 2016 SR5 Premium and noticed my sway bar is also hitting my radiator support bracket. I’m at a loss on what to do. What is your recommendation?

Thanks,
George

I had same issue for the longest time and I discovered my sway bar was sometimes hitting the lower radiator support bars.

I removed those braces when I installed aftermarket skid plates and no longer have the issue. Ignore the yellow arrow on picture, I stole this pic from another thread

 

[57buick]

Thanks Buick. I just jumped under my 2016 SR5 Premium and noticed my sway bar is also hitting my radiator support bracket. I’m at a loss on what to do. What is your recommendation?

Thanks,
George

I installed aftermarket skid plates which require you remove those braces so they must not be that important. Ive done a lot of structural fabrication in the past and inspecting those braces I dont see they give any benefit. Ive had some people argue with me over that but they are always the person claiming crumple zones in a crash etc.

But with heavy aftermarket bumper and full skid plates I still dont think they matter. But its up to you.

Before I got my skid plates I took that brace off and modified it with a grinder and hammer till it cleared the swaybar, it helped but still hit sometimes

 

[Rob the 4runner]

Hello, I have been driving with this noise for over 5 years and it got progressively worse. During my recent road trip every bump created the rattle, even kicking the tire. Because it was now easy to replicate I again crawled under the truck. On my vehicle it turned out to be the heat shields on the front brakes. Thin tinny pieces of metal that rattle against the calliper or disk. I will talk to my mechanic over the next week and see how this can be fixed.

I have done so much research and read all the forums on possible causes, that I am now in a temporary state of euphoria!

Thanks everyone for posting your fixes, I hope that my post my be helpful for some of you.