Need help on this one!

[jibberjabber]

My 05 v8 runner has recently been squeaking from the front passenger wheel well. It sounds like a constant chirping noise when I'm in motion. Earlier today I parked and started rocking it because the noise started to frustrate me and there it was again when the car was off. My best guess is it has something to do with the suspension. I've had the fj springs in with a 1.5 spacer in front for about half a year now. Could that be the cause? Any suggestions would be great. Thanks in advance guys.

 

[Doozi]

Does the chirping stay constant or vary with speed or road surface/condition?


Sent from Doozi's iPhone using Tapatalk!

 

[jibberjabber]

I believe it varies, but I'm not 100% certain. I'll be sure to pay close attention the next time I take it for a ride.



Just thought of something. It took me awhile before I got an alignment after the install because I was waiting to do it when I got new tires. Does that make a difference? Does alignment effect anything else besides tire wear? THANKS!

 

[Matrixman955]

I have the same problem in the front passenger wheel well and I'm thinking its the brakes. I went to Toyota and had them take a look and it turns out my front brakes are down to 20% (2mm). There is a built in high pitch "whiner" evidently that lets you know your brakes are getting low according the Toyota tech. I should be getting them changed this week, so I'll let you know if it fixes it.

 

[borgzman]

"there it was again when the car was off"

I know brakes will squeak, when pads reach the wear indicator, only when braking and not by just rocking it especially if engine is off . Chirping could be belts.

If you suspect the suspension, you can spray WD40 and see if the squeak go away.

 

[jibberjabber]

I'm pretty sure its not the belt because it only squeaks when I'm in motion.

I'm confused about the brakes being the cause also. The noise occurs even when I'm not braking, however I'd be glad to hear of your results.

The reason I think its the suspension is because the noise can be heard when I'm in motion and could be caused by uneven roads. In addition when rocking the car when it is turned off also produces the squeak. I'll try to wd-40 everything tomorrow and update you guys on it. The noise is one thing, but I'm more concerned if something is being over extended or bent in the wrong way.

 

[12guns]

As mentioned above, if your brakes are low/worn, they have a wear indicator that causes them to squeal or squeak when the vehicle is rolling. It will not come and go with braking, although sometimes is not as noticable as you make a stop. Pull your wheel off and see how much pad is left. If the pads are good and the metal indicator is not hitting your rotor, move on to the suspension.
You can always spray the rubber fittings w/ a silicone based lube to see if that helps. Good luck!

 

[jibberjabber]

Thanks 12guns I'll try doing that later tomorrow. I really hope its the brakes and not the suspensions.

Today when I drove to school I confirmed that the squeaks aren't constant and occur more when the road is bumpier. I'll try wd-40ing my suspension and see how that goes...
Also the squeaks aren't too loud I notice them only if my windows are down and I'm driving through a parking structure or alley where the sound can bounce off walls so I can hear it. After saying that though, I'll try to get a sound clip some how so you guys will have a better idea of the problem.

 

[jibberjabber]

Problem Fixed!

Well for the time being... just had to WD-40 the top of the shocks. If the problem persist I'll post, but hopefully this fixed the problem. Thanks for all your help guys.

 

[12guns]

I did the same thing on my old Tacoma's lower control arm bushings...I was told later if I had used a silicone based lube, I wouldn't have eaten up the rubber bushings so fast. Just a thought, but I'd try a silicone lube...might even last longer until you can get it fixed. Glad you found the problem!

 

[Matrixman955]

Its the brakes

Get the brakes changed and the noise will go away. Had the same problem, just got them changed and no more noise at all. They start making noise around 30% or 3mm so you don't wait too long and screw up the rotors.