Front End Clunk/Pop

[Northland_Runner]

Other threads have covered similar issues but I can't seem find find any answers on mine...

When I first put it in drive and slowly let off the gas I get two clunks/pops. One on each side. I can produce the same clunks in reverse. When I put it in drive or reverse I am putting stress/tension on the front suspension. When I let off the brakes slowly the tension is relived and it buckles and clunks. I can also produce the same clunking when I am in drive and make full turns. I can produce the clunking when first letting off the brakes and making full turns in drive. Never again when driving.

This problem is isolated to the front axle/ front suspention. I have produced the clunk with the rear driveshaft removed in 4WD and in 2WD with the rear DS installed. Eliminating the driveshaft slip yokes.

All suspension components besides poly steering rack bushings, improved rack guide, Toytec Struts, and a diff drop are bone stock.

I can not diagnose what component is the culprit. I have spent too much time under it with someone else producing the clunk. Both tires are solid when pushing/pulling 12-6 or 9-3 and no components appear to be in disrepair/loose. I can feel the clunk very well through all components connected to the steering knuckle: Upper control arm, Lower control arm, and the tie end rod.

Best Guesses: Control arm bushings shot, CV Axles binding... I'm at a loss of ideas at this point.

Any ideas?

 

[Northland_Runner]

Bump.. Any ideas??

 

[02_SE_Runner]

Mine does/did the same when I lifted mine. It only happened at full lock and bumps. I always make it point not to full lock it, I came across the problem by testing out my 4runner and seeing where problems happened. Like I said I never full lock and was just testing. I suggest the same as well I know for a fact it's not my cv axles, well because I'm a 2wd runner. So all in all I think it is just the change in geometry and eventually will break in and go away as have mine.

 

[fourwd1]

When turning, is it a constant clunking or popping sound?

 

[Northland_Runner]

Nope. It only happens when i first put it in drive and let off the brakes slowly or when I make full turns when stationary in drive. I'm on the fence whether or not I should consider the cvs as a culprit.

 

[WillK]

I have the exact same symptoms in my stock Runner. Another member had the same issue and even placed a camera under the truck and made some recordings, but I never followed up to see his results.

Others have mentioned it too, but not sure if anyone has found a solution yet...

 

[02_SE_Runner]

When turning, is it a constant clunking or popping sound?

What I believe (as mine used to do it, it might still do it, just never found the sweet spot again I guess.) is that it is a Single "CLUNK" like the spring perhaps?

 

[t4r4life]

Check your motor mount bushing and control arm bushing

 

[WrexHAmm]

This sounds like the exact problem I had with mine. The sound threw me off because it sounded like it was coming from the front but it was actually coming from the rear. It turned out to be a lower control arm bolt. It literally took 4 guys laying underneath the car and shifting in and out of drive/reverse to pin point it.

I had torqued down had hard as I could by hand but it just wasn't enough. Only with the help of the air tools could we get it tight enough to eliminate the pop.

I have also replaced my ball joints, checked the cv's, greased the yokes etc. Let me know if this helps or you have other questions.

Good luck!

 

[JWaldz]

You can probably eliminate the UCA and strut bushings by bouncing the front of the rig side to side or up and down. You'd be surprised how many people think the sound is coming from one end but it's really coming from the other. Have you heard the sound from outside the vehicle?

 

[Northland_Runner]

I can not replicate the clunk pushing up and down/side to side on the front suspension so, yes, I can probably eliminate the strut or control arms. Motor mounts would make sense. I've inspected the passenger side but the drivers side not as accessible to inspect. Haven't exactly inspected it thoroughly. There is some movement in my engine/drivetrain when putting it in gear but not enough to prompt me to look any closer at it. The clunk is definitely not coming from the rear, transmission, or transfer case. I'll look into the motor mounts. Thanks!!

 

[xcmtb83]

Any updates?

I am experiencing a clunk or a pop when I put into reverse and gas it a little bit, then when I put it in drive and gas it a bit, stop then repeat the reverse with gas scenario it pops/clunks. I guess I will investigate lower control arm bolts tomorrow.

 

[BlazeRunner]

There could possibly be some play in the u joints or driveshaft area causing the clunking, the differential or various drivetrain mounts. Just an idea of things to check that can cause clunking noises. I would get under and have somebody else try to replicate the sound so I could find where it's coming from.

 

[UTEP]

I have a similar issue....

Mine sounds like it's the rear brake shoes sticking. It's like I take the parking brake off and the shoes stay put till in drive or reverse which pops them loose. A little more pronounced in drive.

I'm about to have a good look at the rear brakes in the coming days.

Warren

 

[Northland_Runner]

I have still not succeeded in eliminating my clunk/pop. I feel popping through the floorboard very distinctly... It very well could be the rear drive shaft slip yoke binding in your case. Give it a shot of grease and see. Binding brakes or worn suspension bushings could also be a possibility. Good luck.

 

[roundl]

check sway bar end links for damage

that clunk or pop sounds like classic sway bar end link damage or break.

 

[IdRatherBe]

Reviving the dead... Did you ever solve the mystery? I seem to be having the same problem on my '14 TEP. It is particularly annoying because a get the clunk and light floorboard feel every time I turn out of my garage (articulate as I turn out on a final slope down to the street).

 

[Ravenous]

I had this same issue after I installed my new Billies for about 2.5" lift. I had a super gnarly clunk on my front drivers side every bump i hit offroad. I went through everything last night ( bolts, Ran suspension up and down to see if my coils were hitting the spindle, Bushings looked good.) turns out it was my Sway Bar link. The bolt was about to break off and had a lot of wiggle room.. I disconnected both links and the clunk is gone! Might just keep the sway bar disconnected. It rides just about the same maybe even better.