HELP! Nasty front end "popping" noise...

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Natty

Natty

10 Year 15 Year
Joined
Sep 17, 2006
Threads
79
Messages
417
Location
Calgary, AB.
Vehicle is a '91 Hilux / Surf.

When turning tighter corners ( either way) I have a sort of hard binding and unloading sound, it kind of "pops" as you roll the vehicle. Seems to be coming from the RH side ( JDM drivers side )...

I have found that the noise can be produced while the vehicle is stationary as well, turning the wheel back and forth.

I thought CV joints, picked up a set and installed them. Same hard popping sound. Damn!

I then replaced tie rod ends, same sound.

I'm now trying to track down this noise, and think it may be coming from the RH upper "A" arm... the joint where it connects to the long torsion bar the runs kind of down the frame?

Does anyone recall having a similar issue? Or can anyone offer some insight? I've been pissing around with this all day and I'm losing it! hahahahaha thanks so much!
 
Put a jack under the lower control arm and lift the wheel off the ground then try to shake the tire, may have to use a pry bar but it sounds like you have either a bad ball-joint or a control arm bushing.
 
The spindles have steering limit adjustment bolts. They should have a protective cap installed on the bolt head, if it's worn or out the noise is as described.
 
Grease em' up

Pic
Steering stops.webp
 
yes, it seems to be okay jusy going straight or on milder turns...

I did adjust the steering stop bolts with the plastic covers but it didnt help.

?
 
Natty said:
yes, it seems to be okay jusy going straight or on milder turns...

I did adjust the steering stop bolts with the plastic covers but it didnt help.

?
Click to expand...

Adjust or grease? In the above photo, wipe some grease on the surface where the finger is pointing. I think there are some on the back-side, too. So, four surfaces, total.
 
I'll give it a shot... thanks
 
*Another spot that picks up the sound is the front bumper to fender tie-in bolt and nut. Check along the edge of the bumper and the liner, there's a little slotted hole where you use IIRC a 13mm deep well socket and tighten the bolt down. It happens due to aging body mounts since the main part of the bumper is tied into the frame, but the body flexes.
 
okay, I've tried all of the above suggestions and more, and I'm stumped. Its such a hard, popping noise, it should be obvious but I've tried everything I can think of. New CV joints on both sides, checked all ball joints ( LH lower one is kinda bad, I will replace it but noise is from RH ), new tie rod ends, checked the shocks, disconnected the steering stabilizer ( still made the noise ), used prybar to check for abnormal play in A frame ( control arm ) bushings - upper and lower... I even swapped wheels from side to side wondering of a broken wheel at some point on the rim??!!!

I'm thinking it may involve the long torsion bar that runs up the frame on the RHS... but I'm beat. The noise is from the right side and seems to be felt in the pedals and runs under the drivers seat ( RHD ). Like I said the noise can be produced slightly while turning the wheels from side to side, but is loud when I turn to the right and give it a touch of gas.

I know its futile, but I need to ask if anyone has any other suggestions? Thanks alot guys
 
hey noise vibrations and such on a framed vehicle can come from anywhere, so you should get a buddy have him turn the wheel to the right and slowly move the truck while you go around the truck and look and listen.
 
hahaha its my dad and I that are stumped here... I'm not alone!
 
Just to rule this out, have you checked your u joints? Perhaps you are associating steering with something entirely different.

The reason I say this is because you mention giving it gas and the POP/Noise is loud.

Have you checked your steering box? IF a noise was coming from there, it would radiate down the frame considering it is connected.

Lastly, have you checked your shocks? A failed shock will create the issue are describing i.e. a popping at take off.
 
jesus..........you should see my shocks:lol:
Jukelemon said:
Just to rule this out, have you checked your u joints? Perhaps you are associating steering with something entirely different.

The reason I say this is because you mention giving it gas and the POP/Noise is loud.

Have you checked your steering box? IF a noise was coming from there, it would radiate down the frame considering it is connected.

Lastly, have you checked your shocks? A failed shock will create the issue are describing i.e. a popping at take off.
Click to expand...
 
I have checked the shocks, they were fine. I also checked for play at the steering box, fine as well. I will check the u joints...
 
You may need to power wash the frame area near the steering gear if it's all greasy, then look to see if there are any cracks in the frame or bracing near the steering gear. Have someone crank the wheel so it makes the pop sound while you're under there looking at it.

The steering gear puts a ton of pressure on the frame if you keep cranking the wheel after it hits the stops. Over time this flexing can fatigue the metal and cause small cracks to form. They will make a very loud pop or bang when they flex. If this is your problem weld up the crack and plate/box the area to add additional strength. If you're a good welder then you probably know the correct way to weld a frame and reinfoce it, if not, go to a pro that does. That way you only have to fix it once.
 
You mentioned torsion bars. Have you adjusted them in the past? Or possibly a previous owner adjusted to lift the front a little. I've seen advertised stronger torsion bars to reduce issues of over stressing the stock bars with bigger tires.
 
Natty said:
Vehicle is a '91 Hilux / Surf.

When turning tighter corners ( either way) I have a sort of hard binding and unloading sound, it kind of "pops" as you roll the vehicle. Seems to be coming from the RH side ( JDM drivers side )...

I have found that the noise can be produced while the vehicle is stationary as well, turning the wheel back and forth.

I thought CV joints, picked up a set and installed them. Same hard popping sound. Damn!

I then replaced tie rod ends, same sound.

I'm now trying to track down this noise, and think it may be coming from the RH upper "A" arm... the joint where it connects to the long torsion bar the runs kind of down the frame?

Does anyone recall having a similar issue? Or can anyone offer some insight? I've been pissing around with this all day and I'm losing it! hahahahaha thanks so much!
Click to expand...
Hello Natty. I have no idea what a '91 Hilux/surf is. I have a '90 Toyota 4Runner and I have the same problem. I've heard a lot of the same solutions. If you do find a solution please share it with me. Everyone tells me ball joints. HELP!!
 
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