Ticking from front wheel

[the_dingman]

I'm familiar with lots of common sounds and their possible causes, but I can't nail down this one. From my front left wheel I get a ticking sound, sounding somewhat like a rock in my tire (but I don't have a rock). It's happening with my manual hubs disengaged, at all speeds, but sometimes only once it's a little warmed up.

Any ideas?

 

[goatfarmer]

Wonder if it's an indication the rotors pads are worn, believe the pads include metal pegs that make a clicking sound when the pads are worn below spec's?? Anyhow, that would be my guess??

 

[the_dingman]

Pads and rotors only have about 6000 miles on them, and there is at least 65% of the pads remaining. Rotors are in good shape, and were replaced along with the calipers and hardware when the pads were done.

 

[helo-mech]

Have you checked to make sure your hubs nuts are not loose. Those dang cone washers may have settled a little and created a gap. At least mine did once.

 

[brettdn]

I was watching Dirt Everyday on YouTube where Fred Williams is working on a 1993 Land Cruiser. He mentioned that if you hear the ticking sound it's the end of the world and you'll have to change the front axles. This could be different for 4Runners but it is my best guess! If your interested in watching the video here it is

Modifying the 1993 Toyota Land Cruiser! Cheap Truck Challenge Part 2 - Dirt Every Day Episode 6 - YouTube

 

[dubs283]

... if you hear the ticking sound it's the end of the world and you'll have to change the front axles...

dunno how true that is seeing as how with manual hubs in the "free" position the front axles are not turning with the wheels - a quick visual inspection of the axles and cv boots along with grabbing and giving them the "shake test" should give a good idea as to the condition of the axles

to op, have you jacked up the front and spun the wheel to isolate the source?? grab the wheel top and bottom and try to rock the wheel, this will give a clue as to your bearing condition

does the sound go away with the hubs locked?? in 4wd??

 

[the_dingman]

I have jacked it up and spun the wheel, and get no noise. It seems to only happen above ~20MPH. I checked for bearing play, and with the wheel on it does move a bit up and down, but only enough to say that it does. I've been told that there is almost always a tiny bit of play, but the passenger side has none.

I haven't tried anything in 4WD, but I was having noise in the winter when I had the hubs locked, but the transfer case in 2WD. This was more of a horrible screeching noise. I still haven't isolated that, but figure it may be related.

 

[dubs283]

I haven't tried anything in 4WD, but I was having noise in the winter when I had the hubs locked, but the transfer case in 2WD. This was more of a horrible screeching noise. I still haven't isolated that, but figure it may be related.

you may be on to something there

with the hubs locked but still in 2wd the only thing different is the cv shafts are then turning with the wheels

jack the front wheel up, lock the hub and spin the wheel, note the cv shaft turning with the wheel and see if you notice anything out of the ordinary

also, grab the cv shaft and see of there is any play - could be time to replace em, they are a common wear item on 4runners