Something loose in the front end

[judoant]

So every now and then when I make a slow left hand turn I hear a low thump noise and feel something shifting in front end. It only happens once a week or so and I cannot replicate it. It feels like something is shifting in the axle or with the suspension. It kind if shifts to the side.

I have not had a chance to get it on a lift but what could this be? I have no mods to the suspension or front end. It is all original on a 99 with 160k. It may be my imagination but over bumps in the road while braking it seems sloppy.

Thanks

 

[PitbullRescuer]

I would start with the sway bar end links and then go from there. End links are an easy fix and at 160K wouldn't be surprised if you have a broken one.

 

[judoant]

I was just looking in that area an noticed the bushing or gromet holding the sway bar to the frame is busted. Has crackes on both sides of the bar.

 

[tinman]

I'm getting a bumping noise/feeling on my 98 when I pull into or out of the garage, so I'm going to start with the sway bar ends first. 173k on what appear to be the original bushings...they've served their time.

 

[theizzardking]

I was just looking in that area an noticed the bushing or gromet holding the sway bar to the frame is busted. Has crackes on both sides of the bar.

you want this one
Amazon.com: Energy Suspension 9.5161G 1" Greasable Sway Bar Set: Automotive


the -g at the end means graphite impregnated and tends to be quieter after it wears a bit, and this one is also greasble, much better then stock......

the parts number is
9.5161-G
or
9.5161-R
will work as well, basically it's a 1 inch sway bar bushing from energy suspension, there are various options that you can pick from but the black bushing with the zerk is the best, followed by the red one with the Zerk, then black one no zerk, and lastly the red one no zerk... i was able to find the red one with the zerk at my local FLAPS and didn't have to wait for the install.... also lok at longer endlinks or swaybar drop bracket to reduce the strain on these bushings and to get your sway bar back flat again.

 

[theizzardking]

I'm getting a bumping noise/feeling on my 98 when I pull into or out of the garage, so I'm going to start with the sway bar ends first. 173k on what appear to be the original bushings...they've served their time.

probably a good idea, also grease the zerks on the frame and drive lines, the bumping is probably more likely to be the drive line then bushings.

another quick job, get a grease gun some full synthetic fortied moly put in there and go to town on all of the zerks you can find. 20 min job tops a little messy but not to bad.....

 

[judoant]

I am reading about these lower ball joint failures and that also has me concerned. I know they have never been replaced. I went ahead and ordered replacement LBJ's and sway bar bushings.

 

[theizzardking]

I am reading about these lower ball joint failures and that also has me concerned. I know they have never been replaced. I went ahead and ordered replacement LBJ's and sway bar bushings.

yeah that should help as well, and if not at the very least you got some peace of mind...i keep having nightmare about me taking an exit off the freeway and my front tires deciding to take another exit without me....i've actually parked my truck until my order comes in and i can replace them.:roadkill:

good luck and let us know what the improvements are!

 

[PitbullRescuer]

I just ordered LBJ's and OTRE today actually. I have my son in my truck a lot, not risking anything. I went with the Tacoma parts, they're a little more heavy duty than the 4Runner parts.

 

[judoant]

Well I think the mystery is over. I dont think I will drive till I get this LBJ replaced.

 

[judoant]

So I replaced both the ball joints (which was suprisingly easy) and while I was there found that the right side sway bar end link was broken. I replaced both of those as well. I also did the sway bar bushings.

The issue seems to have gone away, but my handing is so much better now.

 

[judoant]

Do I really need an alignment after this work? Most posts about LBJ replacement state you do. BUT, the rig seems to drive strait and not pull in any way.