4runner ride sounds...thumpy.

[2003Can4runner]

For a lack of a better word. I put Terra Grapplers on a couple months ago, and recently got hit with some cold weather and snow. Since then, the ride sounds "thumpy". Every bump makes a thump sound. You know the sound when you go over train tracks? That's what every bump sounds like. What could this be? The tires?

My Dad used to have a 2003 Limited with the Dunlops and it never made any weird sounds, also when those wore out and he ended up with Cooper Discoverer M+S.

What can I blame this on?

 

[Nuke]

First thing I'd check is the wheel to hub contact. Jack up each wheel, loosening and then retorque the lug nuts. There shouldn't be any noise. What you describe sounds like something is moving. Of course, there's the possibility that you have a coincidental suspension component failing.

 

[Will_4R]

Do you hear a thump when breaking? It could be loose brake pads (need to install shim kit).

 

[Kramer420]

sway bar links? go under the car and see if theres any free-play in them and or broken

 

[Kmvreter]

Could be something as simple as high tire pressure.
As mentioned, check for bad suspension bushings and loose linkages.
Also, not just the sway bar links but the sway bar bushings. When I did the upgrade to greasable poly most of the ride noises disappeared. Returned the ride to new. Check the link in my signature.

 

[2003Can4runner]

Could be something as simple as high tire pressure.
As mentioned, check for bad suspension bushings and loose linkages.
Also, not just the sway bar links but the sway bar bushings. When I did the upgrade to greasable poly most of the ride noises disappeared. Returned the ride to new. Check the link in my signature.

Tire pressure was my first guess. I just had my truck in not even a week ago for an oil change and brake inspection and they found nothing wrong there. Could be a sway bar?
One thing that sticks out that could indicate high tire pressure is it seems it comes from all 4 corners. The front passenger side wheel could hit a bump, and the rear drivers side wheel could hit a bump and they'd make the same noise!

 

[2003Can4runner]

Any other input?

 

[4-Legged-Runner]

Any other input?

Some thoughts I have since our 2005 T4R SE sits outside and it is getting cold...

1. Does your truck sit outside?

2. Does the sound lessen or g oaway as the truck warms up / the suspension articulates (i.e. shock oil warming up)?

 

[Darklight]

Does the thump sound go away after a few miles or so? Can you feel any bumpyness while driving? If so it may be flat spotting?

 

[Merle]

Tires. If it's (too) cold, the rubber in the tires will harden. Well, when your car is sitting still the bottom of the tire is "flat" and when you drive over it, your tire will "thump".

When you think it's going to happen, just take the car somewhere and ask to get your tires checked for balance.

Or you could park in a heated garage and see if you still have the issue.

 

[2003Can4runner]

Just wanted to bump this up again.

The ride has become unbearable to me. I chalked it up to stiff tires but its gotten worse and now sounds rattly. I took it to my dealer and had a mechanic take it for a spin. He noticed it and threw it up on the hoist and couldn't find the issue. He had another mechanic go with him for another ride and up on the hoist again. After searching under the truck for approx. 45min they said the sway bar bushings are shot. They aren't too sure if that's the whole problem, but that's where we are starting. They are ordered and will hopefully be swapped this week.

 

[sheik]

Got a trailer hitch in the receiver? When I have mine in it makes noise going over bumps when there is no load.