AlpineAccess
Hard Core 4+
I've been having a noise gradually getting more present over the last 6 months on my 100 series - vehicle is at 205k now and it started around 200k. At first it was only when I was pulling up a driveway approach or backing off of one with the wheels turned (picture a 90 degree back out/90 degree pull in) where suspension is loaded and flexing. I haven't been driving a ton but the noise is now to the point where it is repeatable and consistent in getting the noise to pop up.
I know this will be a lot of detail, but hoping to help narrow the focus on this as much as possible:
1. Situations where it makes noise
a. It pops every time (usually twice) when flexing over a speed bump when one wheel hits the speed bump first, but not if I hit bump dead with both wheels.
b. Pops every time I turn into my driveway approach 90* turn in from the street and the vehicle goes up the approach.
c. New, and helped eliminate a series of options for me: When I turn left/right in a cul-de-sac and turn around; regardless of how tight or loose I make the turn it pops multiple times; 2-5 pops and then pops again when I straighten it out (holding the wheel in the same spot to create a steady arc).
2. The popping noise sounds more like a light pop (like tension being released)
3. I can feel some feedback in the steering wheel
4. It is definitely in the front end
In the last two years I have rebuilt the majority of the front end, which has me focusing on things that aren't new (but I've checked through the other items as well. I did push/pull test with vehicle up in the air and everything feels tight. It should be!
New in last 2 years:
1. Lower Ball Joints (555 units). Upper Ball joints (SPC as of just 6 months ago)
2. Upper and Lower Control Arm Bushings (all of them tightened at ride height including SPC ball joints)
3. New OEM CV's, hub flanges
4. Wheel bearings and races and all components refreshed new 2 years ago, repacked this winter and pretension, CV clips, etc. all confirmed to be done properly.
What I have done to try to narrow focus:
1. Eliminate drivetrain as part of the issue: Removed CV flanges and drove with CDL on. No change in noise, definitely doesn't look like CV's.
2. Did push pull test, lower ball joints, uppers, etc. seem solid and tight.
3. Greased SPC BJ's heavily.
The previous owner had a shop install a new steering rack at 145k with poly bushings. I can't find anything that says Toyota on this rack so its my lead suspect right now. The popping noise sounds almost like a tooth jumping? I see there is a nut behind the oil filter which looks like I can adjust the gear lash/pretension on the rack to test if its the gear popping. I would assume if is jumping that the steering would be off though.
I will try to record the noise soon!
I know this will be a lot of detail, but hoping to help narrow the focus on this as much as possible:
1. Situations where it makes noise
a. It pops every time (usually twice) when flexing over a speed bump when one wheel hits the speed bump first, but not if I hit bump dead with both wheels.
b. Pops every time I turn into my driveway approach 90* turn in from the street and the vehicle goes up the approach.
c. New, and helped eliminate a series of options for me: When I turn left/right in a cul-de-sac and turn around; regardless of how tight or loose I make the turn it pops multiple times; 2-5 pops and then pops again when I straighten it out (holding the wheel in the same spot to create a steady arc).
2. The popping noise sounds more like a light pop (like tension being released)
3. I can feel some feedback in the steering wheel
4. It is definitely in the front end
In the last two years I have rebuilt the majority of the front end, which has me focusing on things that aren't new (but I've checked through the other items as well. I did push/pull test with vehicle up in the air and everything feels tight. It should be!
New in last 2 years:
1. Lower Ball Joints (555 units). Upper Ball joints (SPC as of just 6 months ago)
2. Upper and Lower Control Arm Bushings (all of them tightened at ride height including SPC ball joints)
3. New OEM CV's, hub flanges
4. Wheel bearings and races and all components refreshed new 2 years ago, repacked this winter and pretension, CV clips, etc. all confirmed to be done properly.
What I have done to try to narrow focus:
1. Eliminate drivetrain as part of the issue: Removed CV flanges and drove with CDL on. No change in noise, definitely doesn't look like CV's.
2. Did push pull test, lower ball joints, uppers, etc. seem solid and tight.
3. Greased SPC BJ's heavily.
The previous owner had a shop install a new steering rack at 145k with poly bushings. I can't find anything that says Toyota on this rack so its my lead suspect right now. The popping noise sounds almost like a tooth jumping? I see there is a nut behind the oil filter which looks like I can adjust the gear lash/pretension on the rack to test if its the gear popping. I would assume if is jumping that the steering would be off though.
I will try to record the noise soon!