Creaking/Clanking Sound Coming From Front End

jordan_tm

New member
For the past several months when operating my '14 runner at low speeds and making turns at red lights, through parking lots, or wherever, my vehicle has been making what sounds like what could be best be described as a knocking and clanking sound coming from the axle area. It seems like it's an issue with weight transfer at these low speeds. I've taken it to Toyota twice. First time they claimed they couldn't hear anything. Second time they told me they suspected it was the left strut. They replaced it under warranty and as soon as I started turning out of the parking lot I heard it again. I've inspected it myself and cannot find anything loose or damaged. I'm kinda at a loss on what to do next. Thought about trying another dealership but I don't have much confidence. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks.
 
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Might sound strange but check your hood rubber bump stops. Mine was doing the same thing and it ended up being the hood bump stop was not putting enough tension on the hood, so worth a quick check.


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I am having the same issue with my 2016 Trail w/ KDSS. Its driving me mad, I've been holding off on installing my lift kit until i can get to the bottom of the rattle.
 
I am having the same issue with my 2016 Trail w/ KDSS. Its driving me mad, I've been holding off on installing my lift kit until i can get to the bottom of the rattle.



Ok - so [MENTION=66316]1engineer[/MENTION]s latest theory holds the most water IMO. The KDSS system is actually rather simple; and it has "valves" that open and close at a very low mph to control fluid distribution. The theory is that "clunk" you hear when backing up and turning (happens to me EVERY time I'm backing into the garage K-Turn style) is the KDSS valve opening/closing to adjust the fluid distribution in the cylinders. I've had it since the first day I've owned the truck, and I still hear it every day.

Again, it's just a theory... but in all the threads I've read for KDSS owned vehicles, it makes the most sense.




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I am having the same issue with my 2016 Trail w/ KDSS. Its driving me mad, I've been holding off on installing my lift kit until i can get to the bottom of the rattle.

When I hear the term rattle, I think of the clips in the wheel wells that hold the splash guards.
Have you checked this yet? Very simple fix, and it has annoyed many
 
Thanks all. I'll keep inspecting and hopefully something will turn up. Very frustrating when everything appears normal and there's still an issue.
 
Thanks all. I'll keep inspecting and hopefully something will turn up. Very frustrating when everything appears normal and there's still an issue.

[MENTION=109432]jordan_tm[/MENTION] , did you ever find the source of the noise and what your fix was? I am having the same noise since my Icon Stage 2 install. It is more of a creaking noise though. Thanks.
 
I'd check the LCA bolts (the torque value is very high on these- 135ft lb)
And then the bushings and end links....

This. The torque for 5th gen is 129ft lb., I downloaded the specs to make sure because I was having the same issue. All four fronts were set to the older 100ft lb spec. It happened after I had the front tires re balanced and realigned. Took be quite awhile to connect the maintenance with the issue.

If the noise is coming from the wheel well then have the torque checked.
 
Ok - so [MENTION=66316]1engineer[/MENTION]s latest theory holds the most water IMO. The KDSS system is actually rather simple; and it has "valves" that open and close at a very low mph to control fluid distribution. The theory is that "clunk" you hear when backing up and turning (happens to me EVERY time I'm backing into the garage K-Turn style) is the KDSS valve opening/closing to adjust the fluid distribution in the cylinders. I've had it since the first day I've owned the truck, and I still hear it every day.

Again, it's just a theory... but in all the threads I've read for KDSS owned vehicles, it makes the most sense.

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My KDSS clunks at the LCA bushing and mostly on left downhill turns. :) how do I know it’s the bushing, lube it and the issue goes away.
 
I have a "pop" sound that emanates from either the right or left wheel well or some steering component when making a slow turn under power. Its not overtime but the sound is significant when it does happen. Non KDSS, Icon stage 1 lift with TRD Pro wheels and tires. My vehicle is only 2 months old.

A search has yielded many suggestions but no one seems to have any solid answer.

Anyone?
 
Sounds similar to what I was hearing. On mine it was the lower control arm bolts. The alignment technician left them a little more than snug. I torqued them and the sound is gone. I'm probably out of alignment again, though.
 
Sounds similar to what I was hearing. On mine it was the lower control arm bolts. The alignment technician left them a little more than snug. I torqued them and the sound is gone. I'm probably out of alignment again, though.

I had the same experience, was getting some creaking from the front end when backing up and turning. Had the wife back up and down the driveway and saw a lot of play from the rear lower control arm bushings. Took it to the shop and discovered that the alignment tech had not tightened those bolts to spec. Snugged things down and it's been quiet as a church mouse ever since.
 
For the past several months when operating my '14 runner at low speeds and making turns at red lights, through parking lots, or wherever, my vehicle has been making what sounds like what could be best be described as a knocking and clanking sound coming from the axle area. It seems like it's an issue with weight transfer at these low speeds. I've taken it to Toyota twice. First time they claimed they couldn't hear anything. Second time they told me they suspected it was the left strut. They replaced it under warranty and as soon as I started turning out of the parking lot I heard it again. I've inspected it myself and cannot find anything loose or damaged. I'm kinda at a loss on what to do next. Thought about trying another dealership but I don't have much confidence. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks.

for me it is understanding that i have KDSS (the clunk on low speed bumpy turns) as well as the hood latch. Clean up the latch and put some grease on it and boom, all set.

Hope this helps.

Tom in NC
 

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