Front End Popping/Clicking

[TwoThirtyDirty]

Hi. Hoping someone here has experienced this and can put me on the right track. The front end of my HJ60 pops/clicks (loud) at full lock when in 4WD, forward or reverse, regardless of whether the hubs are locked or not. It does not happen however with hubs locked in 2WD. I'm thinking that either the bearing races within the birfs are pitted causing the pop (but the noise seems too loud for this to be the case) or that the birfield is binding for some reason. My turning stops are adjusted to allow 1.5 revolutions of the steering wheel in both directions which doesn't seen overly aggressive but I could be wrong. I rebuilt the front axle/regreased the birfields when I did the cut and turn. Any wisdom is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Garth

 

[lovetoski]

I'm not sure what might be causing the noise, but can offer something free and easy to try...some have discovered that there is significant front end noise from shifting of the spring pack laaves. Try spreading the two longest leaves apart near the ends, and squirting some grease in between. On my fj60 the biggest effect was from greasing the shackle (front) ends. I jacked the front up, and watched while my son turned the wheel lock to lock, the leaves shifted abrubtly, with quite a pop, only when they knuckle hits the turn stops. It was visually and audibly notible. Grease fixed the noise. Water (rain) will probably wash the grease out, but at least I know what makes the noise.

Hope this makes sense.

Best Regards,

 

[pismojim]

1) Measure the angle from straight that your wheels are turning when they hit the stop. I think you're looking for 30 degrees maximum (both directions).

2) Jack up a wheel in the air and spin the tire while turning the wheel to full lock. Can you feel at what angle the binding/clicking/popiing starts? You might be able to abck off your stops to this point.

 

[TwoThirtyDirty]

Thx guys. I'll try your suggestions. Did a search and in the back of my mind I'm pretty sure the birfields are cooked. If that's the case, the smurfs will come sooner than expected. Thanks again.

 

[pismojim]

Make sure you check the position of your steering stops or you'll cook your new smurfs too.