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Front end clunking noise

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Berserker__taco

Berserker__taco

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I have 1200mi on the truck now. And its developed a clunk noise in the front passenger side. It started as a low full clunk when I would take off while making a left turn. Now it's any time the truck rides over a bump or a dip. Especially if turning left over a dip or bump. It seems to be suspension related because it really shows if I push down on the bumper and rock the suspension. Has anyone had problems with sway bar links, control arms, or struts? I just had the truck oil sprayed for winter. Hopefully that didnt amplify the issue.
 
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DavidLReid said:
My Tacoma with 2400 miles has developed the same popping or clunking noise in the right front end when turning to the left. Sometimes it sounds similar to the sound made when putting a wheel on the lugs. It also squeaks if I stand on the passenger side nerf bar. I have an appointment with the Toyota dealer in St. Robert, MO on Friday.
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Any word on what they found?
 
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Of course, the mechanic couldn't hear the noise when he test drove my truck. I drove with him riding shotgun and he eventually heard the klunking I was trying to describe. He is ordering a control arm and body mount bushings, so I will have to take it back. I think he was at a loss, but (thanks to my friends on this forum) I recommended he check the lower control arm bolt and the body mounts. I will let you know how it turns out. It is so nice to know intelligent people.
 
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DavidLReid said:
My Tacoma with 2400 miles has developed the same popping or clunking noise in the right front end when turning to the left. Sometimes it sounds similar to the sound made when putting a wheel on the lugs. It also squeaks if I stand on the passenger side nerf bar. I have an appointment with the Toyota dealer in St. Robert, MO on Friday.
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I have a similar issue with my 2022 Trd sport. Popping/clank sound when taking off and turning left. Took it to the dealership and could not replicate the sound. This only happens after the truck has been parked for a while.
 
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DavidLReid said:
My Tacoma with 2400 miles has developed the same popping or clunking noise in the right front end when turning to the left. Sometimes it sounds similar to the sound made when putting a wheel on the lugs. It also squeaks if I stand on the passenger side nerf bar. I have an appointment with the Toyota dealer in St. Robert, MO on Friday.
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Exact same thing with mine at 1,800 mines. It a 2022.
 
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I have another appointment at the Toyota dealership on the 26th. I have found that if pull down on the passenger side grab handle, I can replicate the sound I have been hearing. Also, the wheel center on the front passenger side seems to be loose....not sure if this could be making some noise as well.
 
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I had this and bought the body mounts. Then my mech cranked the LCA bolts and it went away. I had 4WP do the alignment and they failed me again. First time was when they said the lower ball joints were a little loose on my 3rd gen 4Runner and said they were fine. Then they failed and the whole suspension came apart.

In short, I won't be going back to 4WP for vehicle service.

-M
 
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Great news.....the service techs at Seeger Toyota in St. Robert, MO figured out and fixed the clunking and popping noise. See the write-up on the ticket below.
 

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I have a 2022 TRD Off Road w/ 5k miles. I have a springy clunking noise that sounds like it’s under tension. Almost like a spring is loose. It sounds like it is coming from the passenger front area. This doesn’t happen all the time. It usually happens when I accelerate and the when I take my foot off the gas pedal abruptly. It also happens some times when the car is moving but seems like nothing should create the noise(like driving straight over a flat surface). I took it to the dealership for the 5k servicing and explained what I was hearing. They couldn’t replicate it. Then I took one of the technicians for a ride, and as luck would have it, I couldn’t replicate the noise more than once. So at this point, nothing was done but I documented it and will try replicating so I can show the dealership.
 
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Roadking023 said:
I have a 2022 TRD Off Road w/ 5k miles. I have a springy clunking noise that sounds like it’s under tension. Almost like a spring is loose. It sounds like it is coming from the passenger front area. This doesn’t happen all the time. It usually happens when I accelerate and the when I take my foot off the gas pedal abruptly. It also happens some times when the car is moving but seems like nothing should create the noise(like driving straight over a flat surface). I took it to the dealership for the 5k servicing and explained what I was hearing. They couldn’t replicate it. Then I took one of the technicians for a ride, and as luck would have it, I couldn’t replicate the noise more than once. So at this point, nothing was done but I documented it and will try replicating so I can show the dealership.
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Best of luck. It's an ongoing problem people are having with these. No solid answer on what it is and Toyota is yet to acknowledge it as an issue. It's annoying but hasn't appeared to be catastrophic. Keep after it with the dealership and hopefully they'll keep throwing parts at it till they find the source.
 
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I replaces my front body mounts with the poly bushings. They are not the right part and I need to get the OEM ones, but it mostly cleared up the clunk/creek.

-M
 
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2013 Tacoma. When in 4 wheel drive I have a clunking noise up front. Happens when I slow down and them moderately accelerate. Clunk exaggerates during slow turning forward and backing up. When I'm cruising along there is no clunk. Any thing serious going on? Truck has 30,000 on it. Only happens when the truck is in 4 wheel drive.
 
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"2013 Tacoma. When in 4 wheel drive I have a clunking noise up front. Happens when I slow down and them moderately accelerate. Clunk exaggerates during slow turning forward and backing up. When I'm cruising along there is no clunk. Any thing serious going on? Truck has 30,000 on it. Only happens when the truck is in 4 wheel drive."

Is your Tacoma a 2013 or 2023?

If the clunck noise only happens in 4 wheel drive, my guess is something is up with one of your CV joints.

I would first check your CV boots to make sure you do not have a torn boot or a leak in the boot. Check then closely as sometimes they can have a crack right at a fold in the boot making it difficult to find.

Then check to see if one of your CV joints has play in it.

I hope this helps. Keep us posted on what you find.
 
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Bottman said:
"2013 Tacoma. When in 4 wheel drive I have a clunking noise up front. Happens when I slow down and them moderately accelerate. Clunk exaggerates during slow turning forward and backing up. When I'm cruising along there is no clunk. Any thing serious going on? Truck has 30,000 on it. Only happens when the truck is in 4 wheel drive."

Is your Tacoma a 2013 or 2023?

If the clunck noise only happens in 4 wheel drive, my guess is something is up with one of your CV joints.

I would first check your CV boots to make sure you do not have a torn boot or a leak in the boot. Check then closely as sometimes they can have a crack right at a fold in the boot making it difficult to find.

Then check to see if one of your CV joints has play in it.

I hope this helps. Keep us posted on what you find.
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Its a 2013, dealer replaced frame, has been aligned, all CV boots checked out, nothing was loose, very clean underneath. Used big pry bar in all areas. Still baffled as to what generates the noise. Could it have something to do with the motor mounts?
 
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Thanks for the additional information.

I am sure this is not the case but just double checking that you are not getting the noise on pavement but when in the dirt. If it was on pavement, it could be binding but I highly doubt that you are trying to use 4-wheel drive on the pavement. Just trying to eliminate that as a remote possibility.

Have you checked your front U-joint? I would inspect the front U-joint. I think that is the next most likely culprit. Check it for leaks, play and general condition. Does the u-joints on your 2013 have grease fittings? If it does give it some grease and see if that helps.

I would think if it was motor mounts, it would make the noise while in 2-wheel drive not just 4-wheel drive.

As a side note: I am impressed that your 2013 only has 30,000 on it my 2023 that is ten years newer has 30,000 miles. A 2013 with only 30,000 miles is amazing.
 
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Bottman said:
Thanks for the additional information.

I am sure this is not the case but just double checking that you are not getting the noise on pavement but when in the dirt. If it was on pavement, it could be binding but I highly doubt that you are trying to use 4-wheel drive on the pavement. Just trying to eliminate that as a remote possibility.

Have you checked your front U-joint? I would inspect the front U-joint. I think that is the next most likely culprit. Check it for leaks, play and general condition. Does the u-joints on your 2013 have grease fittings? If it does give it some grease and see if that helps.

I would think if it was motor mounts, it would make the noise while in 2-wheel drive not just 4-wheel drive.

As a side note: I am impressed that your 2013 only has 30,000 on it my 2023 that is ten years newer has 30,000 miles. A 2013 with only 30,000 miles is amazing.
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Yes, bought it a year ago. Came from North Carolina. Had 5 page car fax report. All maintenance done at the dealer on time, right down to the last drop of all fluids. Will check the U-joint. Noise on both dirt and asphalt, but when I use 4 wheel drive up here, its only to navigate snow covered roads. Thanks.
 
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