2013 LX570 148k miles, southern truck, no rust.
TL;DR can’t find source of noise in front right wheel area after trying many things. Please help.
I have been pulling my hair out for a couple of months trying to locate a sound seemingly coming from the front right wheel area. It is very noticeable and very consistent at low speeds, generally accelerating from a stop and during articulation like going over the crown of a road (straight or turning). It’s hard to describe, but it sounds like something is shifting or moving or rattling or loose. It’s not a grinding sound. I can even feel it in the gas pedal which I assume is bc it’s bolted to the body. It can be rapid at times of more articulation.
Back story: When I first bought the LX back in October I knew it needed a transfer case seal and a few minor cosmetic things so I barely drove it for the first few weeks while I addressed those things. So, the Tcase has been out, drive shafts were lubed and torqued. I replaced the transmission mount while I had it out. Globes had been replaced by dealer a few months before I bought it.
This sound reminds me of a similar sound my son had in his RAV4 which was due to a failing strut. This being AHC and seeing no leaks, I first bled and changed the AHC fluid hoping that would help the sound but it didn’t. So this weekend I replaced the front right strut and all the cushions and spacers etc. The original cushions were very flattened but this didn’t change the sound at all. Now I’ll do the driver side just so they will match.
I’ve watched videos on testing ball joints and tie rod ends and wheel bearings. Everything seems to pass. I’ve had it on a lift and “drove” it but it doesn’t seem to do it which keeps pointing me back to suspension since it isn’t articulating on a lift. I’m wondering how to test UCA, LCA, sway bar bushing, engine mount or anything else anyone can think of. I love the truck but it’s really frustrating driving it and I can’t enjoy it at all. I’ve even strapped my phone under it in multiple locations to try and see if anything looks awry while it’s doing it but nothing really sticks out.
Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated.
TL;DR can’t find source of noise in front right wheel area after trying many things. Please help.
I have been pulling my hair out for a couple of months trying to locate a sound seemingly coming from the front right wheel area. It is very noticeable and very consistent at low speeds, generally accelerating from a stop and during articulation like going over the crown of a road (straight or turning). It’s hard to describe, but it sounds like something is shifting or moving or rattling or loose. It’s not a grinding sound. I can even feel it in the gas pedal which I assume is bc it’s bolted to the body. It can be rapid at times of more articulation.
Back story: When I first bought the LX back in October I knew it needed a transfer case seal and a few minor cosmetic things so I barely drove it for the first few weeks while I addressed those things. So, the Tcase has been out, drive shafts were lubed and torqued. I replaced the transmission mount while I had it out. Globes had been replaced by dealer a few months before I bought it.
This sound reminds me of a similar sound my son had in his RAV4 which was due to a failing strut. This being AHC and seeing no leaks, I first bled and changed the AHC fluid hoping that would help the sound but it didn’t. So this weekend I replaced the front right strut and all the cushions and spacers etc. The original cushions were very flattened but this didn’t change the sound at all. Now I’ll do the driver side just so they will match.
I’ve watched videos on testing ball joints and tie rod ends and wheel bearings. Everything seems to pass. I’ve had it on a lift and “drove” it but it doesn’t seem to do it which keeps pointing me back to suspension since it isn’t articulating on a lift. I’m wondering how to test UCA, LCA, sway bar bushing, engine mount or anything else anyone can think of. I love the truck but it’s really frustrating driving it and I can’t enjoy it at all. I’ve even strapped my phone under it in multiple locations to try and see if anything looks awry while it’s doing it but nothing really sticks out.
Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated.
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