98 4Runner clunking noise

[notamechanic]

I have a 98 4Runner SR5 131,00 miles, with the following symptoms:

Vehicle comes to a stop.
Vehicle turns left.
A clunking sound is heard (and felt) coming from the rear undercarraige. Sounds like someone is underneath with a hammer.

These are the only conditions when the clunking sound is heard. It is NEVER heard when turning right, only left.

I am original owner and have maintained it meticulously.

 

[swimmer2361]

It maybe one of your tires hitting something. Does it increase with speed?

 

[notamechanic]

Thanks for your reply.........
It runs normally at highway speeds, no noises at all. It's only at low speeds (5-10 mph) when making a left turn, like out of a parking lot. It doesn't do it everytime. I'm wondering if it is the rear end. This vehicle has only been used for "normal" driving....no 4 wheeling in the mountains, etc.
I have crawled under the vehicle and looked for loose tailpipes, mufflers, etc.....everything is tight.

 

[jimsi]

maybe chech the ball joints

I have a 98 4Runner SR5 131,00 miles, with the following symptoms:

Vehicle comes to a stop.
Vehicle turns left.
A clunking sound is heard (and felt) coming from the rear undercarraige. Sounds like someone is underneath with a hammer.

These are the only conditions when the clunking sound is heard. It is NEVER heard when turning right, only left.

I am original owner and have maintained it meticulously.

 

[notamechanic]

Thanks for your reply....will add ball joints to my list of suspects. I'm hoping to get to a mechanic sometime soon and would like to sound knowledgeable when I speak to the service manager.

 

[swimmer2361]

Maybe the tie rods or the CV joints, it could be that it when you get up to speed the sound of the engine is overcoming the noise of what ever is happening.

 

[notamechanic]

This is a clank sound that one can actually feel when it occurs. It's like metal on metal clank. No noise like that when I'm at speed....only on those slow LEFT turns. I'll post when I get it repaired.

The only other problem I've had with this vehicle was an oil leak at 122,000 miles, which was due to an oil pressure sensor which is plugged into the block somewhere...anyhow I noticed a huge pool of oil on my friend's new driveway....cost was less than $200 to repair, which included an oil and filter change. (I wasn't too popular with my friend for awhile.)

On a 4,571 mile trip to Arizona, I averaged 19.85 MPG...not too bad.

I'm looking at the Highlander Hybrid....2008 coming out soon.

 

[notamechanic]

I posted the original problem. Here is the solution:

I took my 4Runner to the dealer today. They replaced the "sway bar link assemblies". There are two of them, one on each front wheel. The drivers side one was broken, and the service mgr suggested I replace them both.
Here are the part numbers:
(2) 48820-AD010 Link Assy, Fr Sta $98.87
(4) 90948-A2004 Retainer, Cushion 6.70
(4) 90948-01003 Cushion, Shock AB 2.93
(2) 90179-12141 Nut 1.65
(2) 90177-!0011 Nut, Lock 1.26
Total Parts 242.08
Total Labor & Parts 462.08 (bottom line)

So, thank you all for your suggestions. They are much appreciated. I hope my solution is of some help to others.

 

[nserpa9248]

can you possibly post a picture of the parts they replaced? My truck is doing the same, and i want to crawl under the truck and see if im am having the same problem..not completley sure what the parts are.

 

[notamechanic]

Sorry, I don't have pictures.....just glad to have it fixed. I would suggest taking these part numbers to a Toyota dealer.....go to the parts counter and ask to see a catalog....the guys at the parts counter are usually pretty cordial....at least they are at my dealer....
PS Get it fixed before something drastic happens....not a good situation.