Popping noise when pulling into the driveway

[thegipper]

Hey guys, 97 V6 SR5 4WD 204k miles

Ok so I just got done replacing a bunch of parts on this 4R I got from my brother. It has newer suspension (coil overs, KYB struts and coils in the rear), all new sway bar links, front sway bar bushings and brackets, new Toyota LBJ's, and new drivers side outer tie rod.

I'm getting a popping noise (a single pop) when turning at very slow speeds like pulling into a driveway and essentially only when there is a flex in the suspension. It doesn't always do it but it almost always does it when pulling into my driveway, it almost feels like the something is shifting or moving around causing the clunk/pop. Turning the wheel from lock to lock when fully stopped does not reproduce the sound, only turning at slow speeds and a bump is hit.

After doing some research, the first thing I investigate after the obvious (wheel bearings, pulling/pushing on suspension components, checking tie rods for play ect) was to remove my slip yoke on the rear drive shaft. I did pump a bunch of grease in it and nothing came out. I removed the slip yoke and cleaned it up real good. I then brushed on new grease in the splines and removed the zerk to push the excess grease out. I got that sliding real nicely and put back together. Unfortunately that was not the source of my clunk/pop.

It never makes the noise while driving straight even if I hit bumps or turn at higher speeds.

I do know that my rear track bar (pan hard bar) has play in it. I can grab the bar and pull it side to side and get a 1/16" of movement out of it. I am going to stop at a junk yard tonight to hopefully get a good replacement. I do not think this is the source of my noise as it is coming from the center/front of the vehicle.

I haven't had someone shift between drive/reverse with me looking yet. I am wondering if its maybe a tranny mount or motor mount? I also haven't pulled back the boots to inspect the inner tie rods. The truck drives perfectly straight and doesn't have any slop in the steering. The steering rack bushing on face value look fine.

Any other thoughts or suggestions of what to check?

Thanks

 

[Buckaroo]

Check to make sure sway bar links are not loose.

Buckaroo

 

[nevada]

Hey guys, 97 V6 SR5 4WD 204k miles

Ok so I just got done replacing a bunch of parts on this 4R I got from my brother. It has newer suspension (coil overs, KYB struts and coils in the rear), all new sway bar links, front sway bar bushings and brackets, new Toyota LBJ's, and new drivers side outer tie rod.

I'm getting a popping noise (a single pop) when turning at very slow speeds like pulling into a driveway and essentially only when there is a flex in the suspension. It doesn't always do it but it almost always does it when pulling into my driveway, it almost feels like the something is shifting or moving around causing the clunk/pop. Turning the wheel from lock to lock when fully stopped does not reproduce the sound, only turning at slow speeds and a bump is hit.

After doing some research, the first thing I investigate after the obvious (wheel bearings, pulling/pushing on suspension components, checking tie rods for play ect) was to remove my slip yoke on the rear drive shaft. I did pump a bunch of grease in it and nothing came out. I removed the slip yoke and cleaned it up real good. I then brushed on new grease in the splines and removed the zerk to push the excess grease out. I got that sliding real nicely and put back together. Unfortunately that was not the source of my clunk/pop.

It never makes the noise while driving straight even if I hit bumps or turn at higher speeds.

I do know that my rear track bar (pan hard bar) has play in it. I can grab the bar and pull it side to side and get a 1/16" of movement out of it. I am going to stop at a junk yard tonight to hopefully get a good replacement. I do not think this is the source of my noise as it is coming from the center/front of the vehicle.

I haven't had someone shift between drive/reverse with me looking yet. I am wondering if its maybe a tranny mount or motor mount? I also haven't pulled back the boots to inspect the inner tie rods. The truck drives perfectly straight and doesn't have any slop in the steering. The steering rack bushing on face value look fine.

Any other thoughts or suggestions of what to check?

Thanks

is it only when turned all the way? maybe its just the steering stops making noise.

 

[99Runnr]

Somewhat skimmed the OP after reading what was replaced.

Could be the OTRE that wasn't replaced, an ITRE, CV axle as well. Even a lower shock bushing when the load is shifted side to side.

 

[jederberg]

For terms I don't understand, I have the same problem as well what does otre and itre mean in layman's terms.

Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk

 

[99Runnr]

For terms I don't understand, I have the same problem as well what does otre and itre mean in layman's terms.

Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk

Inner Tie Rod End
Outer Tie Rod End

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

Ah, the dreaded " just replaced a bunch of parts and now I have a noise" I had the same thing too. It ended up being the sway bar link were it bolts into the LCA. Also, had noise coming from loose cam eccentric bolts even though they were seemingly tight.
What you needs to happen is you need to go over what was replaced and retighten some stuff. If the noise wasn't there before, and now it is then chances are very high that something just isn't completely secure like it was before.
One more thing, if your panhard bar has play- probably in the bushings- then I would be looking at all the other bushings too - back and front. LCA, UCA, swaybar, steering rack, rear UCAs, rear LCAs, and rear sway bar.

 

[thegipper]

Well, I fixed the noise! I had two problems, the lower bolts on the coil overs were not tightened down enough and the rear track bar bushings were shot.

I went to a junkyard and got a replacement track bar. The bushings were in much better condition. I also torqued the hell out of the bolts, right away I knew the clunk noise from the rear was fixed. I couldn't move the bar at all when I pulled on it compared to before where I could easily move it probably 1/16th of an inch with my hands.

I just put my impact on the coil over lower bolt and tightened the hell out of it.

I kind of figured that might be what it was since the noise never occurred unless the suspension was flexed (going in the driveway). I literally pried and hit every component with a mallet and nothing made noise but that strut bolt.

All pops and clunks are finally gone! Hallelujah!

The lesson here is make sure everything is tightened down good. Get in there and pry and start beating things, you will find it but it takes some effort.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

 

[Luciendar21]

Well, I fixed the noise! I had two problems, the lower bolts on the coil overs were not tightened down enough and the rear track bar bushings were shot.

Glad to hear it. I was going to suggest that you look at the strut mounts. In my experience, a pop that happens only when turning and articulating is usually something in the strut assembly.

If it happens continuously or repeatedly as you drive forward or back it's usually CV joint.

If it happens when you turn in either direction stationary on flat ground it's usually a steering component.

If it happens when you turn while driving forward or back on flat ground and pops only once usually sway bar or links.

 

[thegipper]

Good advise for sure!

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

 

[leestah22]

Good post

I have the same problem, so I'm researching all types of methods used to troubleshoot ...good stuff