Binding/clunking/popping noise

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Joined
Dec 3, 2018
Threads
24
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Location
Memphis
Website
128keaton.com
Preface: I've suffered from this issue for almost 3 years now. I have researched this thing to pieces without any real answer or idea.

So for a while now, I've had a clicking/popping/clunking noise on the front driver's side when I:
* turn right
* accelerate too hard
* go up a hill (front end wants to lift)

The noise is rotational, emitting at the speed in which the tire is moving

I have read all the other threads about how it ended up being the brake pads or wheel bearings. I will change out brakes this next week when I get a chance, but I seriously doubt those are the culprit (would love to be wrong).

When the issue first started occurring roughly three years ago, I tore down that side of the front end (mind you, this was about a year after replacing CVs and wheel bearings/races in the front), found some light scoring on the wheel bearing race, so I opted to replace the CV and wheel bearing/race. I followed the Toyota FSM, augmented with @2001LCs knowledge, to replace the wheel bearing and set preload. Replaced the CV as well, no real drama there, but it did not make a difference in the noise. Gave up, hoping something would break to indicate where the issue was.

Well, it never really did. However, I just replaced my upper and lower control arms, only to find that the issue would occur more frequently. Previously, it would only make the noise turning hard right or going over railroad tracks. Now, the issue is occuring going up hills and when I accelerate hard. So today, I got yet another CV, spent the hour swapping (was easy since the ball joints were fresh), only to find it didn't make a single bit of difference.

If it was just a noise, I could live with it, but you feel it in the floorboard. Sometimes, it goes away quickly, but now with the front end being so stiff, it'll pop and clunk until the transmission upshifts, causing the car to vibrate excessively.

Very confused, as all the evidence points towards a CV axle binding (suspension at full droop, sharp angle, etc), but this is CV #3 that I've done without any sort of indication of a change or improvement.
 
Last edited:
Bad u-joint in the front driveshaft.
 
Not sure if the same issue, but I resolved a nasty highway vibration issue in mine after determining the front differential mount bushings had a ton of play in them. Got the bushings replaced and now solid as a rock. FYI though, the bushings were not easy to find (this was in Nov 2021). My mechanic had to order each bushing from a different location. One was a new poly. Two of them from different international sources. Anything was better than the worn out ones I had in there before.

The way I confirmed it was the front diff bushing was laying a phone camera on the ground pointing up at the front diff recording video, sitting on a driveway going back and forth from reverse to drive. You don't even have to move the vehicle much. Once I saw the diff on video moving around from the torque, I was relieved to find the source. I too chased it previously with axles and u-joints with no luck. Good luck on your search.
 
Bad u-joint in the front driveshaft.
I just crawled under there and pried on the joints to see if they had any play. Tight as they should be. Driveshaft was replaced new OE roughly 4 years ago.

Not sure if the same issue, but I resolved a nasty highway vibration issue in mine after determining the front differential mount bushings had a ton of play in them. Got the bushings replaced and now solid as a rock. FYI though, the bushings were not easy to find (this was in Nov 2021). My mechanic had to order each bushing from a different location. One was a new poly. Two of them from different international sources. Anything was better than the worn out ones I had in there before.

The way I confirmed it was the front diff bushing was laying a phone camera on the ground pointing up at the front diff recording video, sitting on a driveway going back and forth from reverse to drive. You don't even have to move the vehicle much. Once I saw the diff on video moving around from the torque, I was relieved to find the source. I too chased it previously with axles and u-joints with no luck. Good luck on your search.

I am 85% sure I replaced that bushing, I remember having to air chisel it out on the truck. Those might have been the steering rack bushings (which I know I replaced).

I have a highway vibration/shaking issue that got a ton better after replacing trailing arm bushings and control arm bushings, but this is a super nasty clunk/thud that feels pretty bad taking off from a stop.
 
I have a highway vibration/shaking issue that got a ton better after replacing trailing arm bushings and control arm bushings, but this is a super nasty clunk/thud that feels pretty bad taking off from a stop.
This makes me think rear arms.

The hard clunk from a stop is something I just fixed with arms.
 
This makes me think rear arms.

The hard clunk from a stop is something I just fixed with arms.

I still have that issue too even after replacing the rear trailing arm bushings. I’m leaning towards that being motor mounts being worn though. The noise I’m currently working on is rotational (updated my post to reflect that), on the drivers side, and only happens when I come away from a stop (front end rises), turning right at any speed, and going over a railroad crossing/hill (once again front end rises, so suspension is extended)
 
@128keaton - did you find the culprit? My ‘01 LX is doing the same. Driver side front wheel, clunking noise felt in floorboard, correlates to speed, only with wheel turned right (even slightest amount), and seems to stop while braking.

Troy
 

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