Popping in front end???

[4runningyota]

Just recently I have noticed a new sound coming from the front of my 2001 4runner. While braking and just before I come to a complete stop I hear a 2 or 3 "hollow metal" sounding poping noises, one on the left side one on the right side. It doesn't do it all the time though. I thought maybe one of my skid plats maybe loose and tapping on something on the underside, checked and nothing. any suggestions? solutions? things to check?

 

[toyoboy]

over greased drive line shaft? what was the last service or repair, may be its related..

 

[gapboi210]

I have a pop in the front end also. I hear and somewhat feel it when I slam on the break or if I have the steering wheel turned all the way while backing up or turned all the way going through a dip. I doesn't keep popping it just makes one loud pop like something is shifting. I replaced both upper and lower ball joints and a tie rod. Still pops. I haven't really inspected the sway bar but i think it is either that or a control arm. Not getting any worse so I will leave it be for now.

 

[4runnersurf]

I have that popping sound too, but only when I turn right. It doesn't do it all the time only a couple of times a day. I thought I might have been from one of my offroading trips. Do you think it could be the tie rod or sway bar? If so, do I need it replaced soon?

 

[nserpa9248]

mine gets it too..it sounds "gentle" not like a sound coming from something is breaking....

Meh, im almost to the point where its not loud enough to annoy me...deff keep us updated if you figure out what it is

 

[4runningyota]

yeah mine usually does it after i start going forward after turning the wheel all the way left or right after backing up, usually goes left side then right side.

 

[gapboi210]

I have searched the forums for help and it seems that many of us have the same symptoms but no one has ever posted what they found. Gues it could be several things or maybe people have done like me and spend hundreds of dollars and end up witht the problem still there.

 

[hulk311]

if you are talking about a "hollow" sound I have that too. I thought it was the tires though. It happens while driving, it will go "woooo woooooo"................."woooooo wooooooo".
Its very faint (mostly because of how well the 4R us soundproofed).

 

[4runningyota]

nah, this is a very distinct mettalic poping noise, when it pops in on the drivers side i can feel it in the floor board. I don't know if it can be felt on the passenger side, i'll get someone to ride over there and tell me. I originally thought it might be my skid plates knocking together from some loose bolts, but they were secure. Im trying to hold out before taking to the dealer to look at.

 

[gapboi210]

same thing here the way it sounded i thought that maybe something was shifting and catching the front skid plate.

 

[4runningyota]

sounds like a common problem that no one can figure out, i guess the easiest way to figure it out would be to take it to a mechanic and get charged $75 to tell me it is normal and not to worry about it.

 

[judoant]

I have the same issue, but I only notice it when backing up and turning at the same time.

Could it be something in the steering?

 

[polvadis]

If you're talking about the metallic pop when you're backing up it's your brake pads shifting up. I get it almost every time i back up and hit the brakes. It was explained to me that the way the pad is held in place it's allowed to move up and down a little, when your rotor spins in the opposite direction and you apply the brakes it will shift a little accordingly.

 

[4runningyota]

yeah i had heard of brake pads doing that after going from reverse to forward. mine do it just about every time i stop when going forward, not just after i have backed up.

 

[hulk311]

its the break pads.

 

[4runnersurf]

Mine pops when turning right sometime, not usually when I back up. I first noticed it when I was driving down an on ramp to a highway turning right, but not breaking. Is it still the break pads?

 

[p nut]

Never heard of the "BRAKE" pads doing that. My friend has the same metal popping sound from the front while turning (this was on a Jeep, though). It was the endlink that was broken.

Have all of you checked your endlinks? Mine was broken (but didn't hear any pops), so I switched out those wimpy things for WabFab's Disco's.

 

[4runnersurf]

How do I check if they are broken? Also, how much were the Wab Fab's Disco's???

 

[p nut]

How do I check if they are broken? Also, how much were the Wab Fab's Disco's???

I don't have pics of my broken endlinks anymore, but just trace your sway bar to the ends. Attached to the end of your sway bar are your endlinks. If they're broken, it will be apparent, because....they'll be in two pieces.

The endlinks are around $60 at the dealership (I think). WabFab's are twice as thick and much more durable (plus, they're quick disconnects). Go to www.wabfab.org to order them. He does a great job and sends them out quick.

 

[gapboi210]

not in my case, it does it even when i am not braking.