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Front End Rattling

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by YoaterBoater, Aug 13, 2012.

  1. Aug 13, 2012 at 8:09 AM
    #1
    YoaterBoater

    YoaterBoater [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Over time ive noticed that my front end has developed one hell of a rattle. The inside of my tires kept wearing, so I got it aligned and went ahead and threw some new shoes on. When they were putting the tires on, they noticed that the bushing on the rack and pinion were worn out. I replaced those and it helped out a good bit, but it still isnt how it used to be. They said my ball joints were bad and were going to charge me $900 dollars to replace them. I turned around and made a beeline for the door real quick like. I put my truck on a lift and my balls joints werent loose at all. Ive checked everything I could think of. When I turn pulling uphill into my driveway, it makes a little slipping or popping noise. Any of yall have any suggestions to what it could be? I appreciate any feedback.
     
  2. Aug 13, 2012 at 8:25 AM
    #2
    tan4x4

    tan4x4 Well-Known Member

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    Bad bearings?
     
  3. Aug 13, 2012 at 8:30 AM
    #3
    98tacoma27

    98tacoma27 is going full "SANDWICH" Moderator

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    Some stuff. Not a lot, just some.
    X2? How did they feel on the lift?
     
  4. Aug 13, 2012 at 8:53 AM
    #4
    YoaterBoater

    YoaterBoater [OP] Well-Known Member

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    They didnt seem to have any play in them at all. Im gonna put it back up and take another look at everything. I just cant seem to figure it out.
     
  5. Aug 13, 2012 at 9:19 AM
    #5
    TacoDell

    TacoDell Truck ~n~ Tow

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    my guess is sloppy (worn) rack bushings...
    or play in the ITRE's or worn rack guide (end play)

    Could be your alignment adjusters have worked loose

    If you have adj. CO's... the heims could be worn as well.

    ^ check those...
     
  6. Aug 13, 2012 at 9:26 AM
    #6
    BamaToy1997

    BamaToy1997 Wheel Bearing Master

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    When you say you put your truck on a lift and checked your ball joints, how did you check them? Depending on the suspension system there are different ways to test the ball joints. On your Tacoma, you should lift the truck slightly by the lower control arm to get the weight off of the wheel, then wiggle the wheel while holding it at 6 and 12. You may have done it this way, but I have seen people inspect a loaded ball joint and think it was fine because the load prevented any play from showing.

    Also inspect your control arm bushings and sway bar bushings for wear. Common cause of rattles in front end.
     
  7. Aug 13, 2012 at 9:58 PM
    #7
    YoaterBoater

    YoaterBoater [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I tested them by lifting it several feet and wiggling from 12 and 6. I then wiggled it at 6 and 12 and thats when I saw my rack moving back and forth. I replaced every bushing on the rack, but didnt replace any sway bar bushings. I had the control arm bushings replaced about 5 months ago. I pulled in the drive a few minutes ago and it sounded as if my front end bottomed out on something. I didnt pull in at any ridiculous speed or anything like that. It just made a loud thump noise. Ill try my ball joints and see what happens. I just cant stand a noise that isnt supposed to be made haha.
     
  8. Aug 14, 2012 at 9:25 AM
    #8
    BamaToy1997

    BamaToy1997 Wheel Bearing Master

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    By saying you tested by "lifting it several feet" then I am assuming you lifted it by the frame? To properly test you need to unload the suspension by supporting the truck from the lower control arm. This will unload the ball joints, allowing for proper test. Also you said you wiggled it at "6 and 12" to notice the rack issue. I assume you meant you wiggled at 3 and 9, i.e. left and right side of the tire? Because wiggling at 12 and 6, then at 6 and 12 is the exact same position. lol.
     
  9. Aug 15, 2012 at 9:24 AM
    #9
    YoaterBoater

    YoaterBoater [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Hahaha damn I meant 3 and 9. But I will give that a try. I really appreciate it. Are the ball joints on these things a pain in the ass?
     
  10. Aug 15, 2012 at 6:57 PM
    #10
    BamaToy1997

    BamaToy1997 Wheel Bearing Master

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    The upper ones are the most difficult, but still pretty easy to do on your own.
     
  11. Aug 15, 2012 at 7:24 PM
    #11
    mikesdoublecab

    mikesdoublecab LT Chase Truck

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    i recall years ago taking my truck in for ball joint recall...

    [FONT=&quot]NHTSA #: [/FONT][FONT=&quot]81517,81518,81526,81528[/FONT]
    [FONT=&quot]Make: [/FONT]
    [FONT=&quot]TOYOTA
    Model: TACOMA
    Model Year: 2001-2004
    MFG Campaign #: 50J

    Description: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

    Manufacturer that filed defect/noncompliance report: TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Begin Date of MFG: 7/31/2001
    End Date of MFG: 12/23/2003
    Vehicle, Equipment, or Tire report: V

    Number of units affected: 768,379
    Date owner notified by MFG: 7/5/2005

    Recall Initiator: ODI
    MFG's of Recalled Vehicles/Products: TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION

    Defect Summary: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, DUE TO A MANUFACTURING ISSUE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE SURFACE OF THE BALL OF THE JOINT MAY HAVE BEEN SCRATCHED. THE BALL JOINT MAY EVENTUALLY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE WEAR AND LOOSENESS, RESULTING IN INCREASED STEERING EFFORT.

    Consequence Summary: THE LOWER BALL JOINT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE KNUCKLE CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

    Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 5, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

    Recall Notes: TOYOTA RECALL NO. 50J. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).[/FONT]
     

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