Front end clunking

[-JD-]

I’ve had an intermittent front end clunking for awhile now that I’ve been trying to track down. Thought it might be lower ball joints but get no noticeable play out of them when I Jack up the front and pry under the tire. Upper ball joints were recently replaced with after market upper arms. Also thought it could be sway bar related but no noticeable play in the links or the bushings. It’s most noticeable with the wheel cranked in reverse where I tend to get one loud clunk.
Was investigating further today when I noticed that with the steering unlocked, engine off, I get a similar clunking sound when I wiggle the steering wheel. See the video below…

Help! Any ideas??

2016 Toyota 4Runner steering front end clunking - YouTube

 

[rhadam]

Check your coilovers for scuffs. Could be the sway bar hitting when you're cranking in reverse.

 

[mrblah]

I’ve had an intermittent front end clunking for awhile now that I’ve been trying to track down. Thought it might be lower ball joints but get no noticeable play out of them when I Jack up the front and pry under the tire. Upper ball joints were recently replaced with after market upper arms. Also thought it could be sway bar related but no noticeable play in the links or the bushings. It’s most noticeable with the wheel cranked in reverse where I tend to get one loud clunk.
Was investigating further today when I noticed that with the steering unlocked, engine off, I get a similar clunking sound when I wiggle the steering wheel. See the video below…

Help! Any ideas??

2016 Toyota 4Runner steering front end clunking - YouTube

I think you should have it checked out, because It could be alot of things from maybe worn LCA bushings to a worn steering rack.

 

[DougR]

Ask someone to wiggle the steering wheel while you lay on an old rug and check under the vehicle. Look for relative motion between parts that shouldn't have it such as control arm bushings, outer tie rod end, lower and upper ball joints, etc. If you don't see movement, touch various items with a long screwdriver to find a location that transmits the highest sensation to your hand. Or use a length of PVC pipe with one end held to your ear and the other end close to possible sources of noise. If you still don't find the source, watch a YouTube video to learn how to check the outer and inner tie rods, lower and upper ball joints.

 

[Charlievee]

Ask someone to wiggle the steering wheel while you lay on an old rug and check under the vehicle. Look for relative motion between parts that shouldn't have it such as control arm bushings, outer tie rod end, lower and upper ball joints, etc. If you don't see movement, touch various items with a long screwdriver to find a location that transmits the highest sensations to your hand. Or use a length of PVC pipe with one end held to your ear and the other end close to possible sources of noise. If you still don't find the source, watch a YouTube video to learn how to check the outer and inner tie rods, lower and upper ball joints.

What's the rug for?

 

[DougR]

What's the rug for?

OP lives in BC Canada. The temperature is currently 43 F. He may spend 10+ minutes lying on the ground, become chilled and rush the inspection.

 

[Charlievee]

OP lives in BC Canada. The temperature is currently 43 F. He may spend 10+ minutes lying on the ground, become chilled and rush the inspection.

Just making sure it wasn't anything special.

 

[daytonaviolet]

I think I’m starting to hear the same clunk. But I usually hear it on slow approach. Usually when accelerating from a stop or slowing down and to a stop.

Seems to be occurring more frequently then before. I’m thinking something is getting worn.

I’ll try out the suggestions.

Thx

 

[Akkording]

Carpet burn can be a B lol:drum::cheers:

 

[xcalbr2]

possible

I remember a post like this were the universal joint in the steering column lower was popping or similar.
Might check that under the hood while helper moves the wheel.
Also if I remember correctly, moving the steering wheel in or out (telescoping it) would effect the noise too.
Worthy of a check and a spray of silicon or something too.
Happy Friday!
X

 

[-JD-]

Well I had a look underneath and it looks like the entire steering rack is moving within its mounting bushings. Are the bushings replaceable? Thats where it looks like the movement is happening, but haven't been able to find a part # for them...

 

[Jeremy556]

Well I had a look underneath and it looks like the entire steering rack is moving within its mounting bushings. Are the bushings replaceable? Thats where it looks like the movement is happening, but haven't been able to find a part # for them...

The bushings are not sold separately from the rack.

Most of the stock bushings (including the steering rack) have enough flex in them to visibly move during operation. If you can't move them around by hand, the rubber isn't completely torn through, and the inner or outer sleeve hasn't delaminated from the rubber, they are probably still good.

I just changed my steering rack at 300k miles and the bushings were starting to crack, but were still sound.

 

[toseeg]

Had a super annoying clunk in the front suspension, audible when going over bumps at any speed. Turned out to be a loose tie rod.

 

[KarrotJuice]

Make sure your LCA toe and cam bolts are torqued to spec. (129 lb ft)