Front end pops with sharp turns 4th gen

[97BlackAckCL]

:scared:

 

[preacher35]

So I sent an email to my local Toyota dealer to get an estimate on replacing the lower ball joints and here is the reply received .

Ball joints on this vehicle are part of the lower controll arms.
The controll arms are $363.32 each + tax and the labor is $334.00 which includes an alignment
Estimate $1115.00

No way am I paying that. So if anyone can recommend a good ball joint press and a link to a write up I'll try to change them myself. I installed the lift so surely this can't be nearly as difficult.

Wow, that's a lot! OK, so you can purchase the ball joints at Auto Zone for $39.99. New OEM LCA's can be purchased for $251.00 @ OEMparts123.com. Or, you can purchase LCA's with ball joints already installed for $517.00 @ Autozone. So, there are other options. Of course, it goes without saying that an alignment will be necessary.

 

[patriotsgolf2003]

Wow, that's a lot! OK, so you can purchase the ball joints at Auto Zone for $39.99. New OEM LCA's can be purchased for $251.00 @ OEMparts123.com. Or, you can purchase LCA's with ball joints already installed for $517.00 @ Autozone. So, there are other options. Of course, it goes without saying that an alignment will be necessary.

Thanks for the parts info. If I can get away with just pressing the old ones out and pressing new ones in without having to buy the control arms I would be one happy camper. Anyone had luck with this job working out.

 

[kylebacc]

I've replaced all of these things (including all four ball joints) and still have the popping when I turn right or go over a bump with the right side. I was thinking too much lift with OME heavy and not enough weight, but 97BlackAckCL says he has no lift with the same problem. I don't know.

 

[patriotsgolf2003]

I have an appointment with my alignment guy to check the front end and let me know what all needs replaced. I'll post what's found and if it fixes my problem or not.

 

[HOJeepster]

So here's my problem. When I make a sharp right hand turn my 4runner pops. I got under it to see if it was anything obvious and found a torn axle boot and grease everywhere under the passenger side. I changed the axle and still have the same issue. I've also greased the steering stops and the pop is still there. Im stumped so what's my next move?

I had this issue. It was the tie rods. I replaced the inner and outer ends, and the popping was gone.

 

[kylebacc]

What the heck, man. I put a new rack (with new inners), and new outers on. Didn't change the noise for me. I don't know if there is anything else I can replace on the front.

 

[patriotsgolf2003]

Well after seeing my alignment guy today he said my "problem" is the spring on my front strut. He said the sound I hear isn't a pop but the spring torquing under pressure and vibrating when it releases. So its something I'll have to live with but I'm glad it's nothing major.

 

[kylebacc]

I'm not so sure about that. But I'm no veteran mech either.

 

[earthrealm]

tierods?,,,

 

[Atlanta_man]

nobody has mentioned greasing the steering stops, which may help some of the posters with the problem

that would help the 'full lock' click/clank (only)

 

[marc_l71]

Well after seeing my alignment guy today he said my "problem" is the spring on my front strut. He said the sound I hear isn't a pop but the spring torquing under pressure and vibrating when it releases. So its something I'll have to live with but I'm glad it's nothing major.

seems like a lazy evaluation there!
springs on the struts are compressed between 2 plates and held in by the top nut! and if that were the case ALL of us will have that problem. if you have jack stands, raise the front up and set on the stands then get a floor jack under the LCA and raise them up to see if you can hear anything or push on the bumper( up and down motion)

 

[Jyn]

nobody has mentioned greasing the steering stops, which may help some of the posters with the problem

that would help the 'full lock' click/clank (only)

I've had this full lock clank since I bought my T4R (used). I always assumed it was a characteristic of driving an SUV...

 

[Greydog]

Well after seeing my alignment guy today he said my "problem" is the spring on my front strut. He said the sound I hear isn't a pop but the spring torquing under pressure and vibrating when it releases. So its something I'll have to live with but I'm glad it's nothing major.

Well, that spring pop dynamic is more common on a McPherson stru front suspension where the strut assembly turns with the steering.

In 4R, the spring/shock is isolate from steering.

It could still move a bit due to the change in chassis position with the wheels turned a large amount, so perhaps pull the spring/shock out and disassemble and clean it up, especially where the lower end of the spring seats in the shock perch?