Popping/Knocking from Front End

[vumcrab]

Guys,

2012 4R SR5 2WD, 50K mi.

For the past several months, I've noticed a loud popping or knocking sound coming from the front end when driving at low speeds and turning the wheel and/or going over small bumps...like driving in a parking lot and making turns. I've checked heat shield, etc. Didn't know if this could be related to body mounts or the like.

If anybody has had the same problem or you have a TSB that may help, I would appreciate it.

 

[hearno]

Maybe update your signature and then check your sway bar links?

 

[Lenny33]

I am on the sway bar links thought process too - mine make a fair amount of noise.

 

[FactoryRide]

I get the same sort of pop noise from the front end as well. I have KDSS though, so that would sort of rule out the sway bars for us both. I think.

I've had mine for a little while, and cannot seem to find it. I'm getting ready to completely tear apart the front end again to see if I can't find it.

 

[Daily-runner]

I have this too. I have replaced the sway bar links and bushings. Still popping so it is definitely not the bar.

 

[spooln30]

Is it mostly when your steering wheel is at or near full lock? Could be the steering stop points needing grease. Don't know if they still use those plastic caps like on my 99 4runner anymore.

 

[vumcrab]

Is it mostly when your steering wheel is at or near full lock? Could be the steering stop points needing grease. Don't know if they still use those plastic caps like on my 99 4runner anymore.

It's not the steering stops. Most of time it's associated with driving over a slightly irregular road at slow speeds. Turning the steering wheel while going over small bumps (like turning into my driveway at home) is associated most of the time too.

 

[Mick1]

I occasionally get the loud front suspension pop noise on braking / turning.

I have Icon suspension and KDSS, 66K miles.

I doubt it would be the swaybar, I've been thinking it is the tie-rod ball joint loosening up and and have been considering an inspection or tear down because I don't want to have it break on a trail. I'm totally guessing at this point.

 

[spooln30]

This is on your 2005 correct? I would say it's either the sway bar end links or the sway bar bushings but I would lean more towards the end links. The sound and when it happens indicates to me end links.

 

[Jono.ful]

I used to get this too, once I pulled my sway bars it stopped immediately

 

[vumcrab]

This is on your 2005 correct? I would say it's either the sway bar end links or the sway bar bushings but I would lean more towards the end links. The sound and when it happens indicates to me end links.

This is in my 2012 4tunner.

 

[spooln30]

A good way to pin point where it's coming from would be to disconnect the end links from the LCA then drive the truck. If the noise goes away it's either the end links or bushings but if the noise is still there it's something else. I do this process often when I can't find anything loose in the suspension but it's making noise. GL.

 

[Vegas]

Same noise on mine.....aaaaarrrrgh

 

[Jai02]

Guys,

2012 4R SR5 2WD, 50K mi.

For the past several months, I've noticed a loud popping or knocking sound coming from the front end when driving at low speeds and turning the wheel and/or going over small bumps...like driving in a parking lot and making turns. I've checked heat shield, etc. Didn't know if this could be related to body mounts or the like.

If anybody has had the same problem or you have a TSB that may help, I would appreciate it.

I had the same problem. I looked under the truck and noticed my front sway bar was touching my radiator bracket. The noise only comes when driving and turning at low speed. My suspension guy just added a thick washer and the problem went away. Hope this sort of helps

 

[Mr. Weber]

Front End Noise

I have a 2008 SR5. The clunking sound coming from my front end turned out to be due to the front stabilizer bushings. The sway bar is supposed to twist while seated in the rubber bushings but I think the rubber became less supple and was gripping the bar too much and allowing the bar to smoothly twist in the mount. When it finally did give, it made a clunking sound. I replaced the bushings with new ones but probably could have just taken it apart and put some silicone grease between the bar and the bushing and solved the problem. Easy cheap fix. FYI the bushing bracket clamps are marked left and right.

 

[6172crew]

My 4runner (2017 ORP) has done this since new. Only during left hand turns, and it pops or clunks when hitting uneven roads in the turn, and sometimes touching the brakes in the middle of the turn. I was given the wrong set of keys and took the wrong 4runner home and that one didn't make the same noise.

My rig is at 3600 miles so I haven't taken it to dealer yet to find out if they can find the problem but I know it isn't the wheels or tires because those have been replaced and I do have KDSS.

I looked at some of the things google suggests and it isn't the hood, almost sounds like the gas tank is loose and shifting, but sometimes it sounds like its closer to the front of the rig.

When I first got it home I crawled under the car and pushed/pulled and everything I could grab but couldn't find anything. I live close to work so the miles go by slow, I will take it in soon and ask them to find it but I really don't have much faith in dealerships, they either know or they says thats normal.

 

[nb rob]

My 4runner (2017 ORP) has done this since new. Only during left hand turns, and it pops or clunks when hitting uneven roads in the turn, and sometimes touching the brakes in the middle of the turn. I was given the wrong set of keys and took the wrong 4runner home and that one didn't make the same noise.

My rig is at 3600 miles so I haven't taken it to dealer yet to find out if they can find the problem but I know it isn't the wheels or tires because those have been replaced and I do have KDSS.

I looked at some of the things google suggests and it isn't the hood, almost sounds like the gas tank is loose and shifting, but sometimes it sounds like its closer to the front of the rig.

When I first got it home I crawled under the car and pushed/pulled and everything I could grab but couldn't find anything. I live close to work so the miles go by slow, I will take it in soon and ask them to find it but I really don't have much faith in dealerships, they either know or they says thats normal.

Have you checked that the emergency jack is tight in the compartment?

 

[6172crew]

Have you checked that the emergency jack is tight in the compartment?

First thing I did was wrap it in pipe insulation and make sure it was tight. I was sure that's what it was, but 6 months later and 3600 miles and I cant figure it out. I also took a look at the Hood adjusters but they both seem to be adjusted perfectly and the noise seems further back and on the right side. I shook the exhaust, used a rubber mallet on the spare tire and cant find it. :hunter:

 

[1996_Valencia_Owen]

Spring bind? What happens if you wrap the coils in a bit of that nylon or whatever plastic wrap they sell to silence coil spring bind?

 

[4RunnerMac]

My 2015 SR5 4 x 4 is doing the same thing. I just posted about it earlier this week.

"When I turn the Steering wheel to near full lock while driving then start tuning it back I get a “popping” sound/feel coming from the front end. It only does it one time until I turn steering wheel again that far. It also happens turning both ways. It seems to be coming from the drivers side but not for sure. It does not do it while parked. I have been all underneath it while having my wife turn the wheel in the garage. Of course it doesn’t do it then that would be too easy. It only does it while driving. Everything seems tight. Has 40,000 miles. Lifts been on since it had 10,000 miles and this just started happening. Anyone have any ideas or experience something similar to this."