creaking noise up front + vibration

[benedict1337]

Well my 4runner starting making a creaking noise up front when i turned and hit bumps, thought it was the passenger tie rod so I replaced both sides. The creaking is still there and it vibrates pretty good after about 25 mph. Thinking it might be a ball joint but I can't tune in on exactly where the creaking is coming from. I'm thinking it could be a ball joint(s). Did the test there is no play up and down but some from left to right. Any incites on my problem? I don't have a whole lot of money and I don't want to keep buying parts that don't solve the problem, so if it could be something other than the ball joints or a way I can zero in on this noise would be awesome.

 

[audiness]

If your lower ball joints have never been replaced, replace them. I would also take a look at the wheel bearings, but i would bet that it is the LBJs. Replacing them is just a good safety precaution.

 

[benedict1337]

Pretty sure the lbj's have never been replaced.

 

[Stockwell45]

I'd bet the creaking is coming from you front LCA's. Worn bushings will cause the front end to creak when the suspension moves up and down, since that is a main pivot point. Mine creaked like hell before I replaced them.

 

[benedict1337]

it creaks when I turn too, would the lca's do that?

 

[JWaldz]

Have you tested the front for any kind of play? Jack it up and rock the tire. Side to side means most likely it's an inner tie rod, up and down means it's most likely a wheel bearing. Which tie rods did you replace? Since you're having a creaking noise I'm guessing it wont be a bearing but the tests just reduces down the possible causes. I'm guessing it's the lbj as well. Check the bushings on your lca's like stockwell mentioned.

 

[benedict1337]

I replaced the outer tie rods. Theres play side to side, none up and down. Guess I'll check out the inner tie rod, and probably replace the lbj's in the near future.

 

[JWaldz]

This is what a bad inner looks like.

You may be able to remove the clip on the boot and scrunch it down far enough to see if there's any build up of debris like in my pic. It's most likely toast if there is any. Plus, side to side play is a really good indication. To put the boot back on just fit it tightly back over and put a pipe clamp on it. They're easier to work with anyways. BTW, when buying these parts stick with OEM. I wouldn't trust anything else.

 

[Richard808]

Have someone turn the steering wheel while your under there and see if you can hear where its coming from. Side to side play could also be bad steering rack bushings. You might even see the rack moving while someone turns the wheel.
Sometimes if you cant pin point the noise by ear you can actually feel it by placing your hand on the parts you suspect it could be. Also have someone bounce the front end and listen/feel for the noise. Just dont put your hands where it can get smashed.

 

[jmildoc]

how does someone know if their wheel bearings need replaced on these?

 

[benedict1337]

dunno about 4runners but when my blazer bearings were going they would make a pretty good grinding noise.

and thanks for the pic. I have a feeling mines gonna look worse.

 

[JWaldz]

how does someone know if their wheel bearings need replaced on these?

It'll talk to you pretty loudly. Grinding noise and wheel wobbling are among the most common. If you grab the tire on the top and bottom when it's off the ground and can wobble it back and forth, it's done for.

 

[benedict1337]

well I just replaced the inner tie rods and its still creaking and riding like crap. guess I'm doing the ball joints here shortly

 

[runnyrunnerton]

I know it sounds stupid but my dad had a creak in his ford for YEARS. took it into the dealership, ready to sell if they couldn't fix, mechanic walked up to it tightened the shock, no more creak. Needless to say I wasn't there or I could get you right on the money, but I find when it comes to squeaks and creaks, I have overlooked the simplest crap. Example, dust guard bent and touching brake disc. I pulled the tundra calipers off 3 times......bled the brakes 3 times..... pulled off a tire 3 times........swore Ill never do this again three times......you get the idea. I tugged on the dust guard, noise gone.

 

[benedict1337]

I can't imagine my shocks would be creaking they are just over a year old. Pretty sure its the lower ball joint, I just got my income tax return so I'll be replacing them in the next few days. I know what you mean about the dust cover when I go off roading sometimes it hits a rock or something then I have to bend it back. That makes more of a metal on metal scraping noise. My creaking noise can be described as an old creaky mattress.

 

[benedict1337]

Finally replaced my lower ball joints. The creaking is gone

 

[kennyb3030]

Oem lower ball joints. .?

 

[benedict1337]

I got moog. I like having the grease nipple.