POP! then "clunkclunkclunk"

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grrlscout89FJ62

grrlscout89FJ62

Joined
Aug 13, 2004
Threads
73
Messages
813
Location
Hell City, AZ
Website
www.cafepress.com
Yesterday when I was driving my FJ62 home, I heard a loud "POP!!" from the front end. Now when I turn, I hear "clunkclunkclunk." No detectable weirdness in how it handles.

From what I read in tech, it's likely shifting leaf springs and/or the steering shaft needing grease.

What I'm wondering, is it safe to drive / wheel (got a run on Saturday) til I get it fixed? And could it be something else that I should be more worried about?

FYI, knuckles were rebuilt and wheel bearings replaced about 3.5 months ago.

Thanks!! :princess:
 
does the clunk happen on turns in both directions? does the clunk occur every time you turn or at what frequency (ex. 50% of the time)? Does the clunk appear noisier at the extreme end of the turn (ex. going in a tight circle )?
 
UPDATE: I took it for a spin around the block this morning, and the symptoms have changed dramatically.

Now: no clunk when turning, but there is a POP!, regularly, every few seconds, when in motion. Doesn't matter if I'm going straight or turning.:confused:

I got underneath there, and still couldn't really see anything obviously wrong. But then again, I'm hardly an expert.:o I did notice some leaking underneath the right brake.

I didn't feel safe driving it to work this AM though. :frown:
 
grrlscout89FJ62 said:
UPDATE: I took it for a spin around the block this morning, and the symptoms have changed dramatically.

Now: no clunk when turning, but there is a POP!, regularly, every few seconds, when in motion. Doesn't matter if I'm going straight or turning.:confused:

I got underneath there, and still couldn't really see anything obviously wrong. But then again, I'm hardly an expert.:o I did notice some leaking underneath the right brake.

I didn't feel safe driving it to work this AM though. :frown:
Click to expand...



Have some one with big graphic design arms turn the wheel for you while you look at whats making the noise.
 
lowtideride said:
Have some one with big graphic design arms turn the wheel for you while you look at whats making the noise.
Click to expand...

LOL :lol: I probably have the biggest arms in my dept, and they aren't very big at all!

I tried turning the wheel last night while it was parked, couldn't get the sound to happen. :confused:
 
euclid said:
Does it happen when you let off the gas? Take it for a drive and get it to start, then put the transmission in neutral. Does it still happen in neutral?
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Gotcha!
gotcha.gif
I'll have to try that when I get home. :idea:
 
I'd give someone like Truckwerks a call and see if they have time to get it on a lift. If it were me I'd get all four tires off the ground and run it in gear, should be able to pin-point it from there.
 
grrlscout89FJ62 said:
LOL :lol: I probably have the biggest arms in my dept, and they aren't very big at all!

I tried turning the wheel last night while it was parked, couldn't get the sound to happen. :confused:
Click to expand...

Id try it agian, and look at stuff to move or shift.


Just say you need a creative break... I do it all the time:D
 
splitshot said:
I'd give someone like Truckwerks a call and see if they have time to get it on a lift. If it were me I'd get all four tires off the ground and run it in gear, should be able to pin-point it from there.
Click to expand...

I'm prolly gonna have it towed over there tomorrow morning. Have them take a look, and replace the t-stat gasket that we cobbled together on wrenching day and some temp sensors while they're at it. Maybe get the AC looked at too.

I was hoping to go wheeling this Saturday, but it's looking unlikely. :frown:
 
By the description of it, sounds like wheeling is out..:frown: (But you were waiting for it to get cooler anyway, right?)

Best of luck, let us know what you find.:cheers:
 
Oh, I did take some pics this morning. Dunno if they would help or not. Hopefully I labelled these right!

Passenger side front wheel, from the front:
896148745_be4fd36add.jpg


Driver side front wheel, from the front:
896998384_ec5f5c778c.jpg


Driver side front wheel, from behind:
896998202_889ee798ab.jpg


I didn't take one of the passenger side wheel from this angle. :doh:

Front, and kinda center:
896998434_49290abbf8.jpg
 
Welll looking at everything...as far as a picture can tell. It looks fine.

Even looks pretty clean under there. The TREs dont look bad either.

It may just be leafs shifting.




Are any of your hubs locked? Is the front drive shaft spinning in 2wheel drive?

Did ya ever get he-man out there behind the wheel to see if anything is moving or shifting?
 
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