Cold Weather Clunk

WhiteLightning

WhiteLightning

New member
I've done my best to search for similar issues, to no avail.

When my '15 SR5 (suspension info in signature) is exposed to sustained cold (<20F) a loose clunking develops, which is worse at low speeds over bumpy surfaces. At times, it sounds like something is going to break off from under the vehicle. Passengers have said that it sounds as though it's coming from below front passenger side. From driving position, it sounds as though its coming from passenger rear. I've brought it in 4 times now and they can't ID the issue. I was convinced to replace 5100s in rear, did not fix. I've personally gotten underneath and looked and there are no glaring abnormalities.

I'm curious if anyone else has experienced this issue, and if so, what the solution was.
 
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I came here searching because I have what appears to be the same issue. Mine is a 2016 Trail with 6112/5160 and 10mm rear spacer that I have had on for multiple winters. This winter I have some very loud clunks.

It appears to be from the passenger rear. It can easily be duplicated as long as its <35ish degrees. If it gets above 45 degrees you never hear it. Lower speeds is when it is noticeable. I don't think it happens above 50mph - or at least I don't hear it. It sounds like a loud clunk / pop. Almost like a very loud blown ball joint, but again, at higher temperatures the truck is silent under all conditions. It is so significant it sounds like the rear wheel is going to fall off (yes, it's tight!).

Nothing looks loose underneath. No leaks on the rear shocks, but those are the most suspect. I banged around on the exhaust thinking it might be some bushing but it seems normal. Truck looks like one would expect from a 50k mile daily driver.

Sorry I can't offer a solution, but it sounds like we have similar issues. I was about to replace the rear 5160s, but now I might hold off.
 
I have the same issue! Only occurs when I'm rounding a corner though. Not sure if I can associate the sound with only cold weather. I'm always wanting to crawl under my truck and check for loose suspension parts but everything is tight.
 
Hi, all.
I just went thru this with my 2017.
Bilstien 5100 shocks and Daystar 1.5 rear spacers.
Had the same noise.
Check the rear coil. Make sure the coil end (literally the end of the coil) is seated into the coil stop (a raised ledge) on the bottom plate that holds the coil from rotating.
Check that the upper part of the coil and spacer is seated in it's "pocket" also.
My coil needed rotated 1-1/2 inches to seat into the lower coil stop.
Just missed it during install.
It was enough to cause all sorts of noise. No damage, but the contact metal on metal, of the coil on the support bracket made it sound as if it was going to fall apart.
To fix, you will need to raise the vehicle, remove the shocks, and lower the axle enough to get pressure off the coil to get it to move. It literally snaps into place.
Not a driveway project! Take it to a shop! Safety, safety, Safety!
After coil was rotated all noise gone. Back to normal sounds of the vehicle.
Hope this helps.
 
OP i wish you the best of luck.

I've had the same problem from the front driver's side every time the ambient temps get to around 40ish or below, only making left turns. to this day, after multiple inspections and retorques, i still get a clunk just as described by another poster here, like a loud blown ball joint.
 
sucks... but at same time I am relieved to see other people having this same issue. Just purchased a 2019 4Runner, Brand new with less then 200 miles on it. Did a daystar spacer lift the same day I picked it up. had no issues at all for a week, truck sounds great and rides perfect. today it went to -33 (was only -10 for the last week) and now there is a seriously loud clunk only in the rear end every time I hit a speed bump or a decent pot hole. Took car to mechanic immediately and they pulled the shocks out and checked the spacers but everything was good with no issues. Truck was now warm from being in the shop for a few hours so when we took it back outside the clunking was gone. After leaving the truck outside again and chilling off for 5 hours, It is clunking again. Only seems to happen in serious cold weather.
 
TRDOFFROAD17 said:
Hi, all.
I just went thru this with my 2017.
Bilstien 5100 shocks and Daystar 1.5 rear spacers.
Had the same noise.
Check the rear coil. Make sure the coil end (literally the end of the coil) is seated into the coil stop (a raised ledge) on the bottom plate that holds the coil from rotating.
Check that the upper part of the coil and spacer is seated in it's "pocket" also.
My coil needed rotated 1-1/2 inches to seat into the lower coil stop.
Just missed it during install.
It was enough to cause all sorts of noise. No damage, but the contact metal on metal, of the coil on the support bracket made it sound as if it was going to fall apart.
To fix, you will need to raise the vehicle, remove the shocks, and lower the axle enough to get pressure off the coil to get it to move. It literally snaps into place.
Not a driveway project! Take it to a shop! Safety, safety, Safety!
After coil was rotated all noise gone. Back to normal sounds of the vehicle.
Hope this helps.
Click to expand...

Very interesting, because I also have a Daystar 2.5/1.5 spacer lift. Gonna have to check this.
 
Same problem here, sounds like something is going to fall off in the rear end but only when its really cold.
 
give me a second to upload a video...

i have 5100s and had the same issue....

youll thank me after you see it :ranger:
 
i am replacing my 5100s come spring. Since they are probably bad im just going to let the salt beat them up before slapping on my new icons.

Both sides do this - drivers is worse and has more play.

I can also feel it in my floor boards like something tapping my frame - this was what it was.

It did not do this in summer. Mounts are tight as i did check

YouTube
 
Saturday I spent time under my 17TRDP with the old rubber mallet and flashlight. I could not find anything loose or marks from metal to metal contact. On another thread noted someone suggesting check the rear Hatch. I did and found the shims on either side of the door dry and dirty. I cleaned them and the locking mechanism and applied very light coating of grease designed or extreme temperatures. Noise is gone
 
Yes but if your hatch door is locked what would make a knocking sound? I understand if the door wouldn’t be closed completely.
 
the rear hatch squeak/noise is common. There are tons of posts about it.

wrap tape around your striker - problem solved until the tape wears out. This noise too is temperature specific it seems.:wave:
 
I thought I would follow up on my noise for future reference. It was the 5160's. The passenger rear was dead. Replaced them both and noise is gone. Odd that it was so temperature specific...
 
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