Noise in front-end ofter alignment?

[jjdbike]

Hey folks.
Thanks for reading, hopefully someone here will have / offer some clues to where my new noise is coming from.
After initial instalation of lift, total chaos UCA’s, dif drop, FN wheels & 285’s, trimming of wheel well liner, alignment. no rubbing.
Now a year or so latter, got re-alignment (for the purpose of maximizing tire life). Now lots of rubbing & and a new sound in front end when turning under suspension compression (e.g. accelorating or a bump).
My suspicion is, 1st alignment was “custom”, tweaking toe & camber so it wouldn’t rub. Second aligment (while I provided the instrctions that came w/ the Total Chaos UCA’s) may have been to factory specs, ignoring Total Chaos UCA instructions?
Got body mount chop and more wheel well liner trimming. No rubbing but still have the sound (like a thump) when turning under suspension compression.
Body shop couldn’t find what was causing the sound
Any clue to what that sound might be? Could it be in the axel, outer CV?
Tires don't rub at all now, although I haven’t aired down & taken it off the pavement yet since the latest work... but very soon.
How likley is it that it’s related to the re-alignment? Seeeing that I didn't hear it before the re-alignment, I’m guessing it’s very likely. Should I pay to get it re-aligned, beng sure they use Total Chaos UCA instructions?
I appreciate any input here. Clearly I have very little mechanical knowledge.
Thanks in advance.
JD

 

[Jhalko]

Alignments aren’t that expensive. Is it feasible to go back to first shop for alignment?

 

[propain]

Do you have mud flaps in the front?

 

[jjdbike]

Alignments aren’t that expensive. Is it feasible to go back to first shop for alignment?

Yes, I intend to do that. I’m still concerned about what’s causing that clunk.
Thanks.
JD

 

[jjdbike]

Do you have mud flaps in the front?

No mud flaps. Also did extensive checking for rubbing.
I fear it’s something mechanical in the front end suspension, axel etc.
JD

 

[propain]

How about jacking up the front end and shaking the tires? Do they have any play?

Stuff to look for...

 

[nb rob]

Check your LCA bolts first- the torque spec is 129lb-ft, which is pretty f-n tight. they would have definitely touched those bolts during an alignment, especially if you're now having rubbing issues where they didn't exist before. I'm guessing this is it.

Other sources of noise during durning and slow speed compression would be the UCA ball joints- if there is any slop they start to get noisy quickly. Also, if you have not been loosening the thru-bolt and greasing the UCA zerks, these will get noisy on slow speed compression too, although a clunk would be unlikely for UCA bushings unless they were in horrible shape. They are more likely to squeak and groan.

And finally, give those sway bar end links a good inspection. Those will make a clunk when they are worn as well.


In my opinion, it's unlikely to be an axle unless you see damage to a boot. And CVs tend to give way to "clicking" why they're compromised with grit.

Just my $0.02

 

[jjdbike]

Check your LCA bolts first- the torque spec is 129lb-ft, which is pretty f-n tight. they would have definitely touched those bolts during an alignment, especially if you're now having rubbing issues where they didn't exist before. I'm guessing this is it.

Other sources of noise during durning and slow speed compression would be the UCA ball joints- if there is any slop they start to get noisy quickly. Also, if you have not been loosening the thru-bolt and greasing the UCA zerks, these will get noisy on slow speed compression too, although a clunk would be unlikely for UCA bushings unless they were in horrible shape. They are more likely to squeak and groan.

And finally, give those sway bar end links a good inspection. Those will make a clunk when they are worn as well.


In my opinion, it's unlikely to be an axle unless you see damage to a boot. And CVs tend to give way to "clicking" why they're compromised with grit.

Just my $0.02

Thanks Brother,
This is exactly the info I was hoping for.
Greatly appreciate it!
JD

 

[GrimReap3r]

Check your LCA bolts first

Had this exact scenario play out after an alignment on my old tacoma. Noise or popping sound as I accelerated or if I touched the brakes while rolling slower than 5-10 mph. Sure enough one of the adjustment bolts was a smidge over finger tight