Loud popping noise and creaking while steering

2006 Prerunner 2WD. When turning i get a loud pop noise, like metal on metal popping and clanking. Its gotten progressively worse and now so bad that i can feel whatever it is hitting in the steering wheel everytime i turn. I keep searching but find nothing that fits exactly what i have going on. Hoping maybe someone can give me an idea or show a past thread of this samething being discussed. Thanks.

 

im a complete mechanical retard, but if you could lift it and have someone look at the wheels while you are turning to see if anything binds?

 

Had a very similar issue...it was my lower control arm cam bolts....they are supposed to be torqued to 100ft/lbs


http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/suspension/234957-lca-ticking-sound.html

 

Probably correct. Bad ball joints sound like an old wooden door with iron hinges being opened after 20 years.

 

Check your control arm bolts, they might be loose.

 

I took to a shop and they put it on the alignment lift and checked everything. they said the front end was all tight and my ball joint were okay, no movement in them. I talked to another shop that deals with offroad rigs a bit and they told me that it probably has to do with the steering system. Said if could be the rack and pinion, steering box/gear, or the steering shaft, or the bushings holding the rack and pinion. I first thought it was my ball joints but the shop people said it was definitely not that. It only happens when the truck is running and i am steering while either sitting still or moving slowly, say about 5-10 mph, and if its anymore than 1 full turn of the steering wheel.

Also, i should add that this started a few weeks ago right after I got the alignment done on it. Like the day after. I took it back, they said they couldn't find what was making the noise. Needless to say, I won't be going back to them. Using a different shop.

 

Also, i should add that this started a few weeks ago right after I got the alignment done on it. Like the day after. I took it back, they said they couldn't find what was making the noise. Needless to say, I won't be going back to them. Using a different shop.

 

MY BALL JOINT WAS TIGHT AND WAS SQUEAKING LIKE HELL WHEN TURNED
IDK....GOOD LUCK
CHECK LCA BOLTS

 

This sorta what mine sounds like. And i take it this is what you mean by loose cam bolts??? not my video, but one i found of a taco with popping lca joints.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQrk0hJeIx0

 

CORRECT ^^^^

 

YOU CAN JACK UP THE TRUCK AND USE A CROW BAR OR LARGE SCREWDRIVER AND TRY TO WIGGLE THE BUSHINGS....

 

WHY ARE YOU YELLING?

 

I pLan oN cHeckINg ThiS oUt laTER thiS aftErnOon. Any play in ball joints again, and the LCA joints. If its neither of these I'm at a loss. Thanks for the help!

 

if you have nothing of use to add to op's thread please keep your coments to yourself...thank you and have a great day

thats a great start remember no one loves your truck as much as you do....
no one will take the extra steps that you yourself can take....plus you learn a lil more all the time....
its true u do learn something new everyday
keep us posted

 

One other question:
If it is my cam bolts will i be able to tighten them up without messing up my alignment? I'm pretty much useless when it comes to the "how-to" of camber and caster adjustments.

 

i belive the cam bolts should be at 100ft lbs
but dont quote me on that....
it couldnt hurt as if is the case your alingment is moving around as you drive..
could also be the start of seized cams / worn bushings ect.....
try one thing at a time and you will find out what it is......process of elimantion

 

Its all good man. I enjoy humor on forums. otherwise they're boring.

 

What UCA are you running?

 

Stock right now. but trying to wait til xmas time to get new ones. found some i want that have 2 degrees adjustment in the control arm, if not those maybe T-Chaos or something else. I have verified that the stock ones are still good and have not given out yet.

 

Checked it out yesterday....turned out to be the front bolt on the LCA on driver side. So thankful its not my ball joints. Gonna call the alignment shop i took it to and bust some balls. Thanks guys.