I've noticed a lot of noise coming from my 2002 LX suspension when driving down choppy fire roads or even bumpy pavements. This issue seems to be mitigated somewhat when I tighten things up and run it in "Sport Mode". You still get the odd chirp, squeak and clank but it is nowhere near as bad. I've tried to locate the noise by listening carefully and then crawling around underneath pulling and looking for something that is loose but have had no luck. My question is, what, if anything, can you determine about what parts are causing the noise when running in "Comfort" vs "Sport"? Can anyone pinpoint the potential culprit based on what tightens up when you switch to "Sport"? As ever, appreciate this forum's insights. Thanks. Bill
Sport vs Comfort Mode Noises?
- Thread starter Stuckinthemud
- Start date
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It’s most likely worn bushings. When in comfort mode the suspension is allowed to flex more easily, so a lot more movement than in sport. You don’t say how many miles, but being 23 years old the bushings are aging out one way or the other.
You could start with easy and cheap - sway bar bushings and ends. Most likely, though, it’s time to refresh your upper and lower control arms.
You could start with easy and cheap - sway bar bushings and ends. Most likely, though, it’s time to refresh your upper and lower control arms.
- Thread starter
- #3
Thanks - that makes sense. I have around 125,000 miles on the rig to date. Think I will just do it all at once. Cheers.
20+ year old truck just showing it's colors. When it comes to suspension / steering type noises it's always good to start with getting the vehicle on the lift and giving everything a shake down to make sure its all safe and nothing major coming apart.
That will all most likely check out, especially if it's driving good and all you hear is noises....From there it's just a matter of how crazy a noise is making you and getting lucky at narrowing it all down
Clunks, banging, loud metal noises = something in steering / suspension / driveline may be lose and in need of repair
Squeaks and creaks = old worn out rubber / sometimes ball joints / dash board / interior parts
Can you get a fat friend to grab a hold of the rig and rock it side to side to try and re-create the noise? That is one way to narrow it down quickly.
Are you sure the noise is from the exterior, any chance it's interior body panels. I've got several Toyotas and they all have some occasional annoying noises from the interior, especially when cold, especially in the dash vent area.
That will all most likely check out, especially if it's driving good and all you hear is noises....From there it's just a matter of how crazy a noise is making you and getting lucky at narrowing it all down
Clunks, banging, loud metal noises = something in steering / suspension / driveline may be lose and in need of repair
Squeaks and creaks = old worn out rubber / sometimes ball joints / dash board / interior parts
Can you get a fat friend to grab a hold of the rig and rock it side to side to try and re-create the noise? That is one way to narrow it down quickly.
Are you sure the noise is from the exterior, any chance it's interior body panels. I've got several Toyotas and they all have some occasional annoying noises from the interior, especially when cold, especially in the dash vent area.
- Thread starter
- #5
Thanks for that. Unfortunately, all of my friends are quite fit so am struggling to find a fatso to help. Agree with the process you describe. A session on the lift would be ideal. It still drives well and haven't had any other issues. I am confident its not internal or body panel related.
