Steering/4WD Noises

[LLPJ95]

Just bought a 98 4runner, and I love it. it had every option I was looking for, and at a decent price.

I only hace a couple of problems.

1. When making a turn, either Right or Left, I hear a noise like metal-on-metal and sometimes the steering wheel will jump a little. It usually happens at slower speeds, likek when making a u-turn, etc.

2. When it shifts into 4WD, it is pretty smooth, but when I am on better roads, and turn off 4WD (going under 30mph) and it shifts into 2wd, there is a loud noise in the rear tires/axil and the back of the car bumps up.

Please help!

Thanks,
LLPJ

 

[TSP-MIKE]

1. The steering noise you have is probably normal. When you turn the wheel completely to the left or right it will make these noises. They come from the steering bump stops and CV joints. Your steering bump stops are probably worn out.

2. Did you shift into 2wd on pavement? If you did, then sometimes it will bump a bit going into 2wd. It's because the drive train is stressed from driving on the street and it is relieving it.

Mike

 

[LLPJ95]

Thanks for the response Mike!!

Yeah, I took it in to my dealer, as its still under my 60 day warranty from when I bought it, and he said both sounds were normal too. I guess I just have to trust the 2WD when I am on pavement, and save the 4WD for the really rough stuff and when I am stuck in snow/mud, which we don't get too much in Queens, NY (freakin concrete jungle).

Also, when I took it in, he said my front axil was bent, but I think it's just something different, something with the tires. Good news, is that they are putting a new axil on, no charge cause of the warranty. And I am putting new tires on, Bridgestone A/T's.

Thanks again!
PJ