I need some help diagnosing creaking noises (problem solved!!)

[Johns06yota]

I had an alignment done at firestone about 3 weeks ago and since then I have been over time starting to hear noises from around the vehicle. When driving at low speeds it sounds almost like a squeaky door hinge while going over bumps. Along with this when I turn my wheel all the way to the right and then am backing out and start turning the wheel back I get almost like 1 or 2 popping noise as if something has built up tension then lets go. I tried some lithium grease on a few spots where suspension moves in the front end but to no avail. Does anyone have any suggestions on things to look at?

 

[thecole1098]

I have the exact same issue. I'm thinking possibly something to do with the sway bar.

 

[bassmacka]

I had an alignment done at firestone about 3 weeks ago and since then I have been over time starting to hear noises from around the vehicle. When driving at low speeds it sounds almost like a squeaky door hinge while going over bumps. Along with this when I turn my wheel all the way to the right and then am backing out and start turning the wheel back I get almost like 1 or 2 popping noise as if something has built up tension then lets go. I tried some lithium grease on a few spots where suspension moves in the front end but to no avail. Does anyone have any suggestions on things to look at?

My money is on the lower control arm bushings. easy swap but youll need a press to put the new bushing in.

 

[Monkey Wrench]

Also double check the torque on the suspension bolts, especially upper and lower control arms.

 

[Johns06yota]

Also double check the torque on the suspension bolts, especially upper and lower control arms.

On the lower control arms could they have left the alignment cams slightly loose to cause that popping?

My money is on the lower control arm bushings. easy swap but you'll need a press to put the new bushing in.

What are all the symptoms of this? There weren't any issues before the alignment to my knowledge

I have the exact same issue. I'm thinking possibly something to do with the sway bar.

Like binding? I couldn't see anywhere where that would be happening. I also just replaced the sway bar bushings and sway bar end links not too long ago

 

[nevada]

I had an alignment done at firestone about 3 weeks ago and since then I have been over time starting to hear noises from around the vehicle. When driving at low speeds it sounds almost like a squeaky door hinge while going over bumps. Along with this when I turn my wheel all the way to the right and then am backing out and start turning the wheel back I get almost like 1 or 2 popping noise as if something has built up tension then lets go. I tried some lithium grease on a few spots where suspension moves in the front end but to no avail. Does anyone have any suggestions on things to look at?

grab a stethoscope, and listen to every joint under the front end while someone steers the wheel.

it could just be a dry socket in one of the joints.

 

[Morphyne]

I have both of these issues. Look for the popping noise thread. Not the sway bar and appears to be related to the alignment. With my lift my caster anand camber arent I deal and the thought is that is causing a binding or bumpstop is catching causing the popping.

So my question is, what camber and caster are you running? I will he installing spc UCAs to see if that alleviates the popping noise

As far as the squeaking I have that in my 07 4runner with 216k miles on the UCAs. Very likely the source of your squeaking as well. I will he replacing mine in a few weeks and can report back.

 

[Johns06yota]

here are some videos with the creaking noise

I took a couple videos near where I think the noise is originating

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jvl5mkwuiaY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngTxCUuz988

 

[Johns06yota]

I have both of these issues. Look for the popping noise thread. Not the sway bar and appears to be related to the alignment. With my lift my caster anand camber arent I deal and the thought is that is causing a binding or bumpstop is catching causing the popping.

So my question is, what camber and caster are you running? I will he installing spc UCAs to see if that alleviates the popping noise

As far as the squeaking I have that in my 07 4runner with 216k miles on the UCAs. Very likely the source of your squeaking as well. I will he replacing mine in a few weeks and can report back.

I'll have to find my alignment paper but I don't believe it was more than 3 degrees of caster on the wheels and the camber is almost zero. I think at the most was .03 of a degree out

 

[Johns06yota]

Good news!!

Today I took it back by firestone for them to check the alignment and make sure the lower control arm cams were tight. Everything checked out and they got the alignment even more dialed in. I also got them to try to diagnose where the noise was coming from. They narrowed it down to the driver side almost like it was on the frame. After doing some more research I saw that some people had issues with the steering column joint freezing up. I checked mine which was in really good shape but was completely dry. I put some lithium grease on it and it solved the noise completely!

Thanks for all of y’alls help!