Jangle From The Front Driver Side

Icychap

New member
Hey all - I searched the forum and the only theory from a similar thread was a front wheel bearing, or dust cap. I'm skeptical.

When I hit a bump (anything from manhole cover to BQE pothole), with the windows down and something next to me to reflect the sound, I hear a jangling from the front driver side. I can't tell if it's coming from the suspension or the wheel itself - though it sounds like it's more inside.

It sounds as if you took a handful of bolts (or keys) and dropped them on a metal table.

I had the shocks and lower control arms done recently, but everything feels tight and good. Again, I don't FEEL it, I just HEAR it. I've gone under the truck and pushed, pulled, prodded, banged, and twisted everything and can't recreate the noise. I've pushed on the suspensions from the bumpers and tires, with no results.

If only hear it with the windows down. I don't hear it at highway speeds with the accompanying road noise. But on local streets going slowish I can hear it - better when I'm near something to bounce the sound.

I have one other curious sound, which may or may not be related - when reversing, also from the front driver side (sounds like it's right in the wheel well), I hear a tick-tick-TICK tick-tick-TICK (third tick is louder), in rhythm with the rotation of my wheel (as I speed up, so does the ticking).

Thoughts? Two friends have suggested CV joints, but I know this forum can be super helpful.

I appreciate any advice. Thanks.
 
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lol You sure you didn't leave a wrench or something in the engine bay? I know I've done it a couple times. I've even found tools left by a mechanic before.
 
lol You sure you didn't leave a wrench or something in the engine bay? I know I've done it a couple times. I've even found tools left by a mechanic before.

Yes, I've checked underneath and there were no tools or random loose bolts to bounce around.

Any other ideas what it could be?
 
I have this exact same noise!

I've got some ideas from this thread...

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/19430-where-coming.html

haven't got around to checking it out yet because of the weather.

Let me know if you figure it out.

Checked that thread - not really the same bump noise I have (and mine doesn't really depend on my speed/throttle), and my ticking sounds like it's in the wheel (or near, like outer CV joint, maybe).

Haven't figured it out yet. Thanks for checking in.
 
there are a lot pieces to the bumper mounting hardware, something could be working loose? try taking a rubber mallet and just beat on everything underneath and see if you can reproduce a noise.
 
Have you looked at your dust shield around your rotors? A little tweaking with your hands can make some noise dissapear.
 
Solved!

Turns out BOTH noises were caused by the same thing - a brake pad clip. To diagnosis it took putting the truck on a lift (to get the weight off the wheels) and my mechanic shoving and banging on the front tire. That recreated the noise and we were all like, "Eureka!"

:doh:

Problem solved. At least it didn't cost me any $.

Thanks to all who commented! :cheers:
 
I'm too lazy to jack my 4runner up in the apartment lot, but it sounds exactly like you described. "tink tink TINK" when I'm cruising through the parking lot. The dealer put new brakes on the fronts prior to me getting it, so I'm guessing something in there a little crooked.
 
Lol I had a similar sound and it turned out it was the cotter pin on the end of my CV shaft behind the dust cover was jiggling around, the stupid jangle pissed me off for about a month!
 

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