Mystery Clunk...

[michael833]

some of you may remember that i posted a video a while back of a weird clunking noise coming from the rear of the 4runner. it's still there, i'm thinking it's either the coil or the shock. i've discovered that the rear shocks are monroe sensatracks, don't think those are stock, are they? anywho. i was driving into my complex yesterday and went over one of the speed bumps. not only did i cringe when i heard that infamous clunk, but i noticed a new clunk. GREAT! i'll try to describe it as best as i can.

upon going over the speed bump, it sounds like the whole rear end is clunking. i took a look back there and everything looks to be connected. at first i thought that a shock had popped out or maybe even the spring had busted. hell i dunno, i was baffled. i'll try to get a video of it later. the suspension (at least the coils) have nearly 180k on them, so i guess it's time to change that out? possibly shocks as well?

lemme know what y'all think. again, i will try and post a video clip with the sound in it later.

 

[stever07]

I had the exact same thing happen to me exactly as you described. Went over a speed bump and thought my whole rear end fell off. Shocks were blown.

 

[cj80cruiser]

Could be your shocks or could be your driveshaft slip yoke needs grease. Does it do it under hard braking or quick starts?

Have you tried to tighten up the shocks? They may be too rusted to move but I don't know that without seeing it.

 

[michael833]

Could be your shocks or could be your driveshaft slip yoke needs grease. Does it do it under hard braking or quick starts?

Have you tried to tighten up the shocks? They may be too rusted to move but I don't know that without seeing it.

the first mystery clunk happens pretty much whenever the vehicle moves. more reason i'm suspecting shock or coil. the second clunk that i just started noticing only happens over bumps and turns.

here's the video.

 

[Baja Runner]

Anything from the rear with me seems to be the panhard bar. If you've never taken it off, then skip it. I have to lube mine up with chassis grease every year. (Had this happen on both of my lifted 3rd gens).

Yours does sound more like a shock though. Did you put the frame location washer on the top mount of the shock? I think without it, it would tend to wiggle around in the hole. Try tightening the top shock mount too.

Last would be the swaybar endlinks....Make sure they are tight but not tight to the point htey are squeezing the weak rubber bushings to oblivion. I think the torque on them is only like 18 ft-lbs.

 

[Shine4JC]

Just a thought here.....It's not the receiver hitch is it?

 

[lekiboy]

clunking at the rear checklist:

1- 2 shocks
2- panhard bar bushes
3- 2 lower control arm bushes ( 2 each)
4- 2 upper control arm bushes ( 2 each)

if your 4runner is near 10 years or over, better to replace them all. it will wear in a couple of years anyway.

i had worn out panhard bushes but i have replaced them all ( checklist) and now, zero clunks...

 

[cj80cruiser]

the first mystery clunk happens pretty much whenever the vehicle moves. more reason i'm suspecting shock or coil. the second clunk that i just started noticing only happens over bumps and turns.

here's the video.

It's hard to tell from the video but it didn't sound like the driveshaft clunk after listening to it a couple times. when my shocks were loose they had more of a rattling sound (higher pitched) I wouldn't rule them out though. Do they look bent or dented?

Take a look at your panhard...next

Just a thought here.....It's not the receiver hitch is it?

The video didn't sound like a trailer hitch problem to me but I know what your talking about. I forgot I'd left mine in and went over those rough patches put a few yards before a stop sign to get you to slow down...thought my receiver fell off

 

[cj80cruiser]

listened to it a few more times....it does sound like shocks now.

 

[twitchee2]

+1 for reciever hitch on the 2nd clunk

 

[michael833]

thanks for all the replies guys, i'm getting more and more convinced that it's time to replace the shocks.

again, thanks for all the imput.

clunking at the rear checklist:

1- 2 shocks
2- panhard bar bushes
3- 2 lower control arm bushes ( 2 each)
4- 2 upper control arm bushes ( 2 each)

if your 4runner is near 10 years or over, better to replace them all. it will wear in a couple of years anyway.

i had worn out panhard bushes but i have replaced them all ( checklist) and now, zero clunks...

thanks for the list, i'll have a look-see as soon as i can get down there.

+1 for reciever hitch on the 2nd clunk

it is not the hitch.

 

[Gerdo]

I doubt it but it MAY be a broken upper control arm. When they break, it's a very deep/heavy thud.
Broken upper link. Is it common? - YotaTech Forums
scroll down to post #5