Clanking sound from front end

[santanvalleydirt]

I just got my brakes replaced finally, I had really needed to. They would shudder really bad when I'd press down on the pedal, and when I got down to to like 10-5 mph I would hear this clank. Clank, clank, clank, clank. It seemed to follow the rotation of the tires. I figured it had to do with the brakes, but I got them replaced and it didn't fix the clanking sound, just the shudder. The mechanic told me that it was most likely the axle, saying that the CV boot was torn. What does that mean exactly? Looking online the CV boot is just a $10 piece of plastic cover. I doubt that's what's making such a loud clanking sound. Anybody else know anything about this?

 

[Dan78]

My 93 does the same thing. It's most likely the lower control arm bushing. I bet it's the back one
Have someone drive slow and hit the brakes that's what I did check it out let me know

 

[Kean]

I just got my brakes replaced finally, I had really needed to. They would shudder really bad when I'd press down on the pedal, and when I got down to to like 10-5 mph I would hear this clank. Clank, clank, clank, clank. It seemed to follow the rotation of the tires. I figured it had to do with the brakes, but I got them replaced and it didn't fix the clanking sound, just the shudder. The mechanic told me that it was most likely the axle, saying that the CV boot was torn. What does that mean exactly? Looking online the CV boot is just a $10 piece of plastic cover. I doubt that's what's making such a loud clanking sound. Anybody else know anything about this?

The CV boot is simply there to contain the lubricant and protect the CV joint. If the boot is torn then the CV joint is exposed, likely “dry” and needs rebuilding/replacement. It may or may not be the source of your “clanking” but certainly needs to be addressed. Folks will commonly just buy the whole axle assembly (rebuilt) and replace it as a unit. Done it on Subarus (which was relatively easy) but never on my 4Runner.

 

[BigRyan1986]

I just got my brakes replaced finally, I had really needed to. They would shudder really bad when I'd press down on the pedal, and when I got down to to like 10-5 mph I would hear this clank. Clank, clank, clank, clank. It seemed to follow the rotation of the tires. I figured it had to do with the brakes, but I got them replaced and it didn't fix the clanking sound, just the shudder. The mechanic told me that it was most likely the axle, saying that the CV boot was torn. What does that mean exactly? Looking online the CV boot is just a $10 piece of plastic cover. I doubt that's what's making such a loud clanking sound. Anybody else know anything about this?

The reason behind your mechanic saying this is because when the boots tear the grease comes out and exposes the joint to the elements. If it has been torn for a while than this very well could be the problem. In my experience when one of the axles is going out they clunk when your turning but that is with a FWD vehicle so it could be different.

 

[santanvalleydirt]

The reason behind your mechanic saying this is because when the boots tear the grease comes out and exposes the joint to the elements. If it has been torn for a while than this very well could be the problem. In my experience when one of the axles is going out they clunk when your turning but that is with a FWD vehicle so it could be different.

My truck is 4 wheel drive, but it clanks going straight. When I take a SUPER sharp turn, like as far as it can go, I hear this horrible metal-on-metal screeching sound.

 

[flyinhawaiian01]

Hmmm, need clarification on that screeching sound here...

A) is that sound continuous at full lock while moving forward/backward, or just when the suspension moves as you move?

B) Does that sound change in speed if you go faster?

If its a single screech, and you can get it do that screech if your suspension moves slightly, then its the "steering stops". Put some grease on the stop pads and see if the sound goes away. If it does, then you need to replace the part circled in yellow:

Or, just grease those pads every time you change your oil and forget replacing those stupid plastic caps!


Now, if that DOESN'T solve the sound, and it does change with speed, you need to replace those axles soon! They're not terribly expensive, you can get them from junk yards for around 40 bucks I think, its been a LONG time since I had IFS on my truck!

 

[Peevedkitten]

Torn CV:

It mounts in the middle just to the right of the shock in that black oily circle:

 

[santanvalleydirt]

Hmmm, need clarification on that screeching sound here...

A) is that sound continuous at full lock while moving forward/backward, or just when the suspension moves as you move?

B) Does that sound change in speed if you go faster?

If its a single screech, and you can get it do that screech if your suspension moves slightly, then its the "steering stops". Put some grease on the stop pads and see if the sound goes away. If it does, then you need to replace the part circled in yellow:

Or, just grease those pads every time you change your oil and forget replacing those stupid plastic caps!


Now, if that DOESN'T solve the sound, and it does change with speed, you need to replace those axles soon! They're not terribly expensive, you can get them from junk yards for around 40 bucks I think, its been a LONG time since I had IFS on my truck!

It can be on level ground or bumpy. It only screeches when I have my wheels turned as sharp as possible. Usually as I hear it I straighten back out because I hate it. As soon as I turn my wheel back straight even a little bit the noise goes away. It lasts I think about as long as I hold my wheels like that. When turning that sharp I'm usually only going about a mile an hour.

 

[Kean]

It can be on level ground or bumpy. It only screeches when I have my wheels turned as sharp as possible. Usually as I hear it I straighten back out because I hate it. As soon as I turn my wheel back straight even a little bit the noise goes away. It lasts I think about as long as I hold my wheels like that. When turning that sharp I'm usually only going about a mile an hour.

Power steering pump...... First, never hold the steering wheel at full lock (as far as it will go to either side). It can and will damage the pump at some point. The screeching noise and scenario you describe sounds very typically of pwr steering pump issues. It's just my opinion but it sounds like you have several problems you're dealing with.

 

[grumpin]

Grease those stop pads, worked for me and an easy try.

 

[santanvalleydirt]

Power steering pump...... First, never hold the steering wheel at full lock (as far as it will go to either side). It can and will damage the pump at some point. The screeching noise and scenario you describe sounds very typically of pwr steering pump issues. It's just my opinion but it sounds like you have several problems you're dealing with.

Really? But.. what if I need to get out of a tight spot?

 

[KidVermicious]

Really? But.. what if I need to get out of a tight spot?

You can turn to full lock when you need to. Just don't hold it there for long, or you'll burn up the pump. I think the owners manual says four seconds.

 

[Kean]

You can turn to full lock when you need to. Just don't hold it there for long, or you'll burn up the pump. I think the owners manual says four seconds.

....and just don't hold it there with any amount of force. Back off a bit once you reach full lock to alleviate any excessive pressure. This is true with any vehicle.

 

[Kean]

I should also add that the pump could also be "screeching" if low on fluid, the belt is loose, etc. Might be a good idea to check those things, look for signs of leaks and check the condition of the hoses, etc. Personally, I would probably just change out the fluid if it's been in there a while and/or never changed since you owned it. If you do narrow it down to the pump as the cause of some of the noise you're experiencing, there are some additives that might help. I used one from Lucas for leak in mine that seemed to help. ....YMMV.

 

[santanvalleydirt]

....and just don't hold it there with any amount of force. Back off a bit once you reach full lock to alleviate any excessive pressure. This is true with any vehicle.

Well I guess my power steering fluid was just low. And the noise from the axle is separate. Shop wants to charge me $500 to fix the axle. Lol... so... how do I do it for $40?

 

[89FourRunner]

This may aound crazy - and I am probably wrong - but is it a wheel weight hitting the tie rod end each time it passes? Some aftermarket wheels will be too close to the tie rod end. Just an idea - happened to me.

 

[santanvalleydirt]

This may aound crazy - and I am probably wrong - but is it a wheel weight hitting the tie rod end each time it passes? Some aftermarket wheels will be too close to the tie rod end. Just an idea - happened to me.

I'm not sure...but I've had these tires the whole time I've had this truck, and the noise started recently. Things are also cracked on my CV axles as well so it's more than likely that.

 

[BigRyan1986]

Hmmm, need clarification on that screeching sound here...

A) is that sound continuous at full lock while moving forward/backward, or just when the suspension moves as you move?

B) Does that sound change in speed if you go faster?

If its a single screech, and you can get it do that screech if your suspension moves slightly, then its the "steering stops". Put some grease on the stop pads and see if the sound goes away. If it does, then you need to replace the part circled in yellow:

Or, just grease those pads every time you change your oil and forget replacing those stupid plastic caps!


Now, if that DOESN'T solve the sound, and it does change with speed, you need to replace those axles soon! They're not terribly expensive, you can get them from junk yards for around 40 bucks I think, its been a LONG time since I had IFS on my truck!

Can you repost this pic please bud? I am developing a sound and the pic wouldn't show up so id like to check that part out but I'm not sure what it is you were talking about.

 

[santanvalleydirt]

Can you repost this pic please bud? I am developing a sound and the pic wouldn't show up so id like to check that part out but I'm not sure what it is you were talking about.

If you quote the post, it will show the URL in between the [sigpic] code, while you're writing, and you can just copy the URL and post it in your URL bar.

 

[BigRyan1986]

If you quote the post, it will show the URL in between the [sigpic] code, while you're writing, and you can just copy the URL and post it in your URL bar.

Thanks after i copy and pasted it into the browser it shows up now awesome. I think i have one of those that are bent the seem kinda pointless. i dont think that is where my sound is coming from though. Im suspecting ball joints.