Suspension woes (name that tune)!!! ('04 SR5 v6, 4wd)

[kujhawk80]

Suspension woes (name that tune)!!! ('04 SR5 v6, 4wd) ***UPDATED w/repair info)***

Noticed this sound approx. 3 months ago and thought it was just my golf clubs that I always carry in the car, however this sound has continued now that I have taken the golf clubs as well as everything else out of the car (including the jack and tools in the side compartment).
I have noticed that others here at T4R.org have noticed a similar sound on the passenges side, however have not seen if anyone is having this problem on the rear drivers side.
I notice it especially if I hit a large bump in the road, or clear a speed bump at normal speed (5-7mph). I also notice it as well as some torque sounds only when I turn right and the car leans to that side. I am assuming that my problems are due either to the rubber body mounts or perhaps with the suspension assembly (strut and spring). All of the welds and bolts seem to appear in place near the lower suspension assembly upon my inspection, and when you are within the cab the sound appears to be coming from the upper suspension area. My only guess could be that the spring is not seated in the perch correctly and is torquing everytime the car places pressure on it, or perhaps it is the body mounts. I am looking to take the car into the shop this week but would appreciate any ideas and thoughts you all may have. Thanks for taking the time to read and reply!


***UPDATE***
11/17/2004--Just heard back from the dealer and found out that it was two leaking (blown) shocks in the rear that were causing the spring to absorb all of the travel, and therefore causing a clanking sound in the upper suspension area. I'm somewhat at a loss for words if my suspension is already blown (6k miles), and the worst terrain I've tackled is a foot deep mud hole and a mildly rough road leading up to a hiking trail-head. Hope this doesn't define the off-road capabilities of the 4Runner.
Oh well, at least it will get fixed in the coming days (had to order parts). I truly appreciate all of the input and perils of wisdom provided by all. Thanks again!

 

[jharris2]

If you can reliably reproduce the noise, the best thing I've found is to demo the noise to the service writer (or better yet, service manager). Once they acknowledge the noise, then it's very difficult for them to say they never heard it.

 

[Good Times]

what kind of sounds are you exactly hearing? i mean are we talking about squeeking, creaking etc etc?

also is the sound coming from one spot or all over? give us more details so we can try to help ya out in any way we can.

it might just be that something needs lubricating but who knows.

good luck

 

[4runnerbeginner]

I believe I had the exact same sound/problem. For me it was a suspension related noice that seemed to come from the front left (driver side) wheel area. The best I could describe the noise is a "creak" or something sounding loose that would make a sound when going over bumps at low speed. Only at low speed (15 mph or lower) and related going over some small or large bump.

I took it to my dealer and on the first try they said they fixed it and when I picked it up I didn't even get out of the parking lot before I noticed it again. Now here is the important part, I: a) turned right around, b) got my service advisor, c) dragged him into the truck, and then d) reproduced the noise for him on the spot. To their credit they were appologetic and told me to leave it with them they would take care of it.

Next go round the replaced the front driver's shock. I picked it up, no go. Repeated the same procedure above. Now I have one really embarassed service advisor.

Third shot they didn't replace anything, but took apart the "whole front end" (quoted because I don't know how far they went) and re-lubed, re-torqued, and generally confirmed all conections in the steering and suspension were to spec. That fixed it and it hasn't been back since (about a month).

So I don't really know what to tell you other than it can be fixed. Don't loose patience if they don't get it the first time. And despite what it might seem, I think my dealership did decently by me, they never gave up or said "that's normal" or "they all do that" or "it will go away on its own".

So take it in, make sure you do a drive with your advisor AND tech.

Ri

 

[kujhawk80]

I appreciate all of the feedback. I'm new here and it's good to see that the members here are willing to share any and all opinions and knowledge.
Regarding the sound(s), there are a few, however they are all coming from the rear left area of the vehicle. When I turn the car right under speed which would cause some roll to the left, and pressure to be placed especially on that area of the car, I hear a "creaking" noise that sounds like it is due to stress or torque. If I go over a speed bump at regular speed I hear a "clank" (closest thing I could think of it relating to is two solid pieces of metal being lightly hit together). Just fyi, the noise is subtle but loud enough to hear.
My guess is that the spring may not be seated correctly in the pirch or perhaps the top of the shock assembly is not tight. I suppose it may also just be a bad shock as well. These are the only conclusions I can come up with, but it's driving me nuts everytime I hear it.
I have also taken everything out of my car, from the tools to change a tire to the cd's in the center console and the owners manual in the glove box. I've checked the rear seats, seat belts, and everything else in the rear drivers side area of the car, but the damn noise is still there.
It's sounding like this may just be an isolated incident since it does not appear to be a common issue. Any additional thoughts would be appreciated. I'll keep all posted regarding the visit to the dealer. Thanks again!

 

[GYoter]

My car does the same thing. It sounds like a clunking sound, sometimes from the passenger rear and sometimes from the passenger front. It does it mostly when pulling from a driveway to the street at about 5-10 mph. Going over big bumps doesnt really do it but if I drive over a rough part of the road it does it like crazy. I havent worked up the energy to take it to the stealer because I dont want to deal with them. At least I can duplicate it on the spot so they cant give me grief about it.

 

[Cliff s]

If your have a ball adaptor in your trailer hitch receiver there is just enough
slop in the fit to cause a clank when you go over a bump.

The other thing I would check is shock mounts, they must be TIGHT or they
will clunk. Another cause is the exhaust system hitting the body.

Happy hunting.

Cliff s

 

[kujhawk80]

***UPDATE***

***UPDATE***
11/17/2004--Just heard back from the dealer and found out that it was two leaking (blown) shocks in the rear that were causing the spring to absorb all of the travel, and therefore causing a clanking sound in the upper suspension area. I'm somewhat at a loss for words if my suspension is already blown (6k miles), and the worst terrain I've tackled is a foot deep mud hole and a mildly rough road leading up to a hiking trail-head. Hope this doesn't define the off-road capabilities of the 4Runner.
Oh well, at least it will get fixed in the coming days (had to order parts). I truly appreciate all of the input and perils of wisdom provided by all. Thanks again!

 

[Northof49]

Re: ***UPDATE***

***UPDATE***
11/17/2004--Just heard back from the dealer and found out that it was two leaking (blown) shocks in the rear that were causing the spring to absorb all of the travel, and therefore causing a clanking sound in the upper suspension area. I'm somewhat at a loss for words if my suspension is already blown (6k miles), and the worst terrain I've tackled is a foot deep mud hole and a mildly rough road leading up to a hiking trail-head. Hope this doesn't define the off-road capabilities of the 4Runner.

I wouldn't doubt if that was caused during shipping. Cinching down the truck too hard for extended periods of time for example.....

 

[TechWrench]

Re: Re: ***UPDATE***

I wouldn't doubt if that was caused during shipping. Cinching down the truck too hard for extended periods of time for example.....

Cinching the vehicle down during shipping, in and of it self shouldn't have any effect on the shocks. Because of the way shocks work, once they have been compressed, and the fluid has transfered from one chamber to the other, there is no pressure differential and they are neutral until there is more suspension movement. It's more likely they were damaged by some type of impact, or the dealer said they were leaking just to have an excuse to replace them and get paid from the factory.

 

[kujhawk80]

UPDATE

12/21/2004: Just wanted to let everyone know the sound is back and the shocks are leaking again. Back we go again!