Clicking Fr Lt wheel

[LX470Pilot]

Caught this yesterday going through a drive-thru (probably only because the wal was there to reflect the sound).

My Front Left wheel/axle makes a clicking sound about once per rotation at slow speeds. I immediately thought to check the CV boots, but I couldn't see any tearing/cracks, and there's no sign of leakage in my normal parking places.

Should this be something to worry about?

-LX Pilot

 

[SWUtah]

Caught this yesterday going through a drive-thru (probably only because the wal was there to reflect the sound).

My Front Left wheel/axle makes a clicking sound about once per rotation at slow speeds. I immediately thought to check the CV boots, but I couldn't see any tearing/cracks, and there's no sign of leakage in my normal parking places.

Should this be something to worry about?

-LX Pilot

How many miles on your LC? When was the last time you repacked the front wheel bearing? I would guess you need to have them repacked. Recommended interval in every 30K miles.

 

[macneill]

Stone in your tread?

 

[LX470Pilot]

59,800 miles

Took it in for the 30k service at 30k - Lexus dealer, they should have repacked, right?

No stone in tire - it's a heavy sound, definitely hardware.

Guess it's just time to re-pack, huh?

-LX Pilot

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

Checking the bearings is EZ by grabbing the tire and attempting to wobble it. If there's play then they're loose. If not.....not sure I'd rule out a CV.

The test for that is to lock your CDL on pavement, then turn in circles at full lock and see if the popping/snapping/knocking sound happens each revolution.

 

[KathmanduCruiser]

Checking the bearings is EZ by grabbing the tire and attempting to wobble it. If there's play then they're loose.

The play you look for is by wobbling the wheel sideways, right?

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

The play you look for is by wobbling the wheel sideways, right?

Or up and down. Grab the tire's top and shake it in and out. It should be TIGHT. No play and/or popping noises. I learned this the hard way. Isn't that Mary Chapin Carpenter?

 

[LX470Pilot]

The test for that is to lock your CDL on pavement...

Ok, I locked the CDL, and turned 180 at full lock both left and right - didn't hear anything but the occasional yelp of the tires on the asphalt.

But when I pulled 90 degrees into my parking place with the CDL UNLOCKED, I heard 3 clicks, and noticed it's a 2-part 'click-click' each time.

I tried jiggling the wheels, but I'm assuming this is a test best performed while racked - and I have no way of doing that.

Thoughts?

-LX Pilot

 

[SWUtah]

Ok, I locked the CDL, and turned 180 at full lock both left and right - didn't hear anything but the occasional yelp of the tires on the asphalt.

But when I pulled 90 degrees into my parking place with the CDL UNLOCKED, I heard 3 clicks, and noticed it's a 2-part 'click-click' each time.

I tried jiggling the wheels, but I'm assuming this is a test best performed while racked - and I have no way of doing that.

Thoughts?

-LX Pilot

If its a wheel bearing you should be able to do it while it is on the deck, if the bearing is bad. Sounds like you are close to the mileage when you would be due for a wheel bearing repack anyway so you might as well have it done. That way they can check everything else out when they have it all apart. Are you sure you check the tire for any nails etc. that might be making the noise?

 

[Spud]

Could it possibly be the return spring for the brake pad is out of place or missing?

When I got my 84' 4runner it was missing the springs and it made a noise in revolution.

Good luck,

 

[UltraFJ40]

Have you cranked your T-Bars at all?

IIRC, I had some clicking when I turned left after doing the T-Bars. I backed them off a little and ........

No more clickie.

Just a thought.

 

[GDA62/100]

Mine made noise. Something you'd hear with the window down and next to a curb or wall. It was just the center cap. The plastic was worn where it contacted the wheel. A little JB Weld in spots, a little filing to reshape, and that did it.

 

[CameraCruiser]

Your brake rotor may be warped. Have it checked when repacking bearing.

Actually, have it checked regardless of repacking.

 

[LX470Pilot]

Thnx for the suggestions... but....

I changed my brakes last November, spring's still there,

This is a fully stock rig, never cranked the T-bars,

I've had the center cap before on my nissan - this isn't that,

Wouldn't a 'warped' rotor give more of a screeching noise? Plus I don't have pedal feedback during braking.

In addition, now that I'm really paying attention to it, I do have some feedback in the steering wheel - nothing that would make the steering wheel buck from the position I'm holding it in, just a gentle thud that coincides with the click/thunk from the Fr Lt wheel. Also, found out it doesn't happen on the Fr Rt side.

So I'm leaning more towards CV - I regularly make a U-turn to get to my driveway, could that have something to do with it?

=LX Pilot

 

[NMuzj100]

There is a Lexus TSB for

"CLICKING TYPE NOISE WHEN FIRST APPLYING THE BRAKES AFTER CHANGING VEHICLE TRAVEL DIRECTION (DRIVE / FORWARD TO REVERSE, REVERSE TO DRIVE / FORWARD)"

but not sure if this is what you are experiencing.

I don't think you need to get the truck on a lift to check the bearings. Just jack up the front and place it on a stand(s) before pulling/pushing on the tire so you can feel any wobble. You just need to get the tire out of contact with the ground. For safety try not to swing it like the Incredible Hulk or you could knock it off the Jack stand.

 

[calamaridog]

Honestly, I wouldn't worry about it unless you are having vibrations on the road or it is very pronounced noise.