GX460 suspension creaking...where to start? (1 Viewer)

[nw_fj62]

I've been running a CA/NV 2013 GX 460 (65K miles), and installed a Radflo coilover 2.5 in Dec 2019. This spring I started to hear occasional creaking from suspension over mild road undulations... and some months later it is a steady loud creaking sound over any irregularities in paved surface (and off-road, but still seems to function fine).

The only references I can find in search are on T4R sites with reviewing torque specs on key attachment points (and reviewing skid plate attachment - I've had RCI skid plate on and off with similar noises).

There does seem some unusual surface rust on the Radflo (Eibach) springs as pictured. (18months after install in PNW - wet low/ no salt on roads).

I'm due to have a heavier spring installed (700#) so will have it up on a lift with general mechanic (not a Toyota suspension specialist).

Does anyone have any experience with similar creaking or have a suggestion on what to dig into first?

 

[SouthTxGX]

What UCAs do you have? I’d start with greasing the bushings and cleaning the uniballs, if applicable. I’d also check the 3 strut tower bolts and the bolts where the coilover attaches to the LCAs to make sure they’re tight. Not sure if radflo uses spherical bushings for the lower mounts, but that is also a good spot to check.

 

[nw_fj62]

What UCAs do you have? I’d start with greasing the bushings and cleaning the uniballs, if applicable. I’d also check the 3 strut tower bolts and the bolts where the coilover attaches to the LCAs to make sure they’re tight. Not sure if radflo uses spherical bushings for the lower mounts, but that is also a good spot to check.

Thanks for the suggestions.

I'm still running OEM UCAs.

I'll run through some of these ideas in next 48hrs and advise if I find the culprit.

 

[r2m]

Occasionally after doing a lot of really dusty trails I'll get some squeaking on bumps (driveways, speed bumps, dips), but when I get my rig serviced I tell them to lube "everything".
The rust you pointed out would never cause any kind of noise. Rust will just continue to remove material until it fails and/or fuse components together (nuts to bolts).

 

[SandyGX]

I just solved my own squeaking problem. It was the passenger side, rear upper shock mount bushing being too tight. I would have swore it was the front suspension giving me issues until I had a second set of ears help me out as a rocked the GX side to side. I second giving the bushings, front and rear, a look and lubricate where applicable.

 

[apcoleman]

If its the left front I had the same problem on a 4runner. There is a rubber splash guard in the left front wheel well that was causing it.

 

[clearmysix]

Make sure its not your rear door. That was my problem

 

[nw_fj62]

So I've greased up the front suspension. I upgraded my front springs (for weight) at the well respected Mule outfitters in their new location. Spring install went fine (good improvement) but they recommended I replace both lower control arms to eliminate the creaking. The truck is a 2013 with under 70K miles.

 

[Yorttam83]

I had a similar noise from the front suspension on my Tacoma - King coilovers, spherical bushings on the front coilovers were rusty and making noise. Lubricating them as well as the lower control arm bushings would quiet them for a few days.

 

[jmanscotch]

So I've greased up the front suspension and been to two shops since I started this thread in July. I upgraded my front springs (for weight) at the well respected Mule outfitters in their new location. Spring install went fine (good improvement) but they recommended I replace both lower control arms to eliminate the creaking. The truck is a 2013 with under 70K miles. Has anyone else had to replace LCA at this phase of truck life? Greasing seems to be a 4 week "band aid" fix.

Seems a bit early for typical LCA bushing wear, but not wildly so. Toyota products have typically made it 100k-150k before needing some rubber suspension replacement, in my personal experience.

My 2010 with 115K is getting new LCAs next week, due to cracking/splitting bad enough to cause bad tire wear, recently they’re getting worse and causing a steering wheel shake. I’d suspect they’ve truly needed replaced since 90k or so, as the tires I put on at 98k started to wear seemingly immediately and then more quickly over time.

When you install a lift kit, the LCA mounts need loosened up completely before you install the longer struts, then you put the wheels on and set the rig on the ground and settle it before torquing the LCA mounting bolts back tight. If this step was skipped, when they installed the kit, it can cause the LCA bushings to get bound up and twisted and that will 100% cause fast and severe bushing wear (ask the young DIYer me how I know). So there’s always the chance that was a contributing factor.

 

[sneakypete2]

Seems a bit early for typical LCA bushing wear, but not wildly so. Toyota products have typically made it 100k-150k before needing some rubber suspension replacement, in my personal experience.

My 2010 with 115K is getting new LCAs next week, due to cracking/splitting bad enough to cause bad tire wear, recently they’re getting worse and causing a steering wheel shake. I’d suspect they’ve truly needed replaced since 90k or so, as the tires I put on at 98k started to wear seemingly immediately and then more quickly over time.

When you install a lift kit, the LCA mounts need loosened up completely before you install the longer struts, then you put the wheels on and set the rig on the ground and settle it before torquing the LCA mounting bolts back tight. If this step was skipped, when they installed the kit, it can cause the LCA bushings to get bound up and twisted and that will 100% cause fast and severe bushing wear (ask the young DIYer me how I know). So there’s always the chance that was a contributing factor.

Your issue is most likely what jmanscotch has explained. I too have learned this the hard way on a few vehicles over the years. However, it's not impossible that your LCA bushings are goners. Last year when lifting our 2013, found that the OEM LCA's bushings were showing early signs of wear. Went to loosen the LCA adjustment bolts (as jmanscotch recommends when installing a lift kit) and they were seized. Had to cut the bolts and replace both LCA. At the time the truck was 7 years old with 65k miles.