loud cans clunking?

[brooklynkid]

I got a question for all the experts here. any ideas what
that loud clunking sound I hear when i have the steering wheel fully turned to the right and accelerate. no noise with car stopped and turning the wheel, only with movment. it sounds like "just married cans" dragging under the front of my LX450. And yes i used some of my excellent mechanical skills to and checked to see if there were cans hanging from the front!

 

[pappy]

CV joints? AKA Birfields.

 

[TroutRunner]

I agree with Pappy. Time to break into the front axle service stuff. Awe, the pleasures of a used vehicle.

 

[marcfj60]

In case you haven't figured it out or looked it up, a Birfield joint is what Toyota used (still uses in some markets) on their solid front axles to allow you to turn the wheels while still allowing the front wheels to be driven. It's kind of like a really beefy constant velocity (CV) joint, but housed in an enclosed knuckle/housing. You've probably got some worn out parts in those joints.

 

[Daisy 53]

Birfs is my call as well...

Daisy

 

[Beowulf]

...it sounds like "just married cans" dragging under the front of my LX450.

Before you drive it anywhere you should have someone in the club check it out. Normally, worn birfs make a clicking noise and not anywhere as dramatic as your clanking cans description. When it is making the clanking cans noise, that usually means the birf has exploded and really bad things are happening inside the knuckle. If that has happened, it is quite likely that you will be unable to steer the vehicle which could be extremely dangerous depending on how fast you are travelling.

If it is just some clicking then you don't have to be as cautious but you should not postpone the birf job for very long. Again, a trained ear will help you decide how long you can go before tearing in.

-Mike-

 

[frobuster]

I'm thinking tire rub, vs birfield. Yes have one of us check it out soon. What part of town are you in? Jerico and I live at San mateo and lomas. I work at UNMH if that helps.

 

[brooklynkid]

Before you drive it anywhere you should have someone in the club check it out. Normally, worn birfs make a clicking noise and not anywhere as dramatic as your clanking cans description. When it is making the clanking cans noise, that usually means the birf has exploded and really bad things are happening inside the knuckle. If that has happened, it is quite likely that you will be unable to steer the vehicle which could be extremely dangerous depending on how fast you are travelling.

If it is just some clicking then you don't have to be as cautious but you should not postpone the birf job for very long. Again, a trained ear will help you decide how long you can go before tearing in.

-Mike-

I'm thinking tire rub, vs birfield. Yes have one of us check it out soon. What part of town are you in? Jerico and I live at San mateo and lomas. I work at UNMH if that helps.

im in santa fe, but can make it down this weekend if you guys are around

 

[frobuster]

I'll be around but not reliable. Have the whole family. I know we have some members in Los alamos. Maybe ask your tire shop, if they rule out tire rub,

 

[alia176]

If you're in Santa Fe, PM 2manycruisers for a looksie. He has a '95 and is well versed on these things.

 

[alia176]

I'm thinking tire rub, vs birfield. Yes have one of us check it out soon. What part of town are you in? Jerico and I live at San mateo and lomas. I work at UNMH if that helps.

Tire rub, not likely. He is not running 315s on zero lift. I think he's running 285s or smaller on zero lift.

 

[Beowulf]

im in santa fe, but can make it down this weekend if you guys are around

I am in Austin till Monday. Contact David (2manycruisers)
-Mike-

 

[2manycruisers]

You got my #, give me a call. I'm around off and on all weekend.

 

[Beowulf]

What did you guys determine was the cause of the noise?
-Mike-

 

[2manycruisers]

pretty sure it's birfs, couldn't tell which side. It's really not that loud--can't hear it with the windows up. i stood outside it while accelerating in turn to hear it. Stood on both sides and couldn't tell one was different from the other, maybe it's both.

installed $2 cdl switch this weekend so he can take the front driveshaft off if he wants. You guys can listen to it on the tree run.

 

[Beowulf]

installed $2 cdl switch this weekend so he can take the front driveshaft off if he wants. You guys can listen to it on the tree run.

Birfs will still turn with DS removed unless he removes front drive flanges and/or installs selectable hubs.

CDL switch is still an excellent upgrade though.

-Mike-

 

[2manycruisers]

I know they'll turn, but they only click under load and they won't be loaded in 2wd

 

[brooklynkid]

yes its true you cant hear it with windows up, but i the ears of a bat so I'm looking foward to getting rid of that noise. thx again dave for installing the CDL.