Bang/Rattle in Suspension

I'm promoting this discussion from the NJBS Thread to get some more opinions.

I have a low mileage (7k miles) 2010 that I bought a few months ago. I hear the bang from the front drivers side and sometimes from the rear, depending on the speed and depth of the pot hole. Everything looks stock (ie: it doesn't look like the previous owner made any mods to the suspension, springs or shocks). With only 7k miles I can't imagine that I need new shocks or springs. Also, I haven't hauled anything heavy in the bed, so the truck has been virtually empty when I hear this.

Has anyone noticed this before? I have found two TSBs & I'm going to bring it to Toyota for their opinion:

T-SB-0119-10 MAY 10 Steering Intermediate Shaft Rattle Noise
T-SB-0359-10 DEC 10 - Suspension - *Updated* Rear Spring Harsh Ride

Has anyone had either (or both) performed and have they solved the problems?

Thanks,
-PH

 

It really sounds like a more mechanical "bang!" I don't even have to be going that fast or hit a very deep pot hole or speed bump to re-create the sound.

 

check your spare tire..they make alot of noise if there not tight

 

I had a brake spring come loose on my 05 and it made a really tinny rattle when I hit a bump. I think the part to fix it was 7 bucks or so.

 

The previous owner had installed a hitch step that was definitely loose. It rattled up & down and left & right. It's obviously missing some sort of shim or padding. Anyway I just removed it (the cotter pin was a BEAR!).

If the rear noise goes away I'll consider it a win - I'll post updates later.

Question, though, is the hitch-pin & cotter-pin part of the truck (did it come from Toyota) or are they usually included with the accessory (in this case, the step)?

See picture attached...

-PH

 

Any reciever left in makes a clunk. Best to leave them out until neeaded. As far as the mud flaps go they will make clunk but sound like a grinding noise also. My dads 09 does it all the time in rough terrain but i have never herd it on pavement. Those hitches have drove people crazy trying to figure out the noise.

 

Hitch pins and cotter pins are mostly aftermarket. I'm not aware of Toyota offering them, but if they do, they will overcharge you up the ass. Walk down the automotive aisles at WallyWorld and even Home Depot and Lowes. They all carry Reese accessories nowadays.

 

Thanks Guys!!! I think that was the culprit! I've been driving around all afternoon without a stray cluck, bump, or bang !

 

Ohhh. I'm going to check my hitch right right fing now.

Although my noise sounds like it's coming from under the rear passenger seat

 

In your case, check the car jack

 

Oh I have.. I've removed everything. Can't find the darn noise

 

Although removing the hitch step did improve things, I still here a pop or vibration when going over pot holes.

I'm going to try removing the mud flaps next. Stay tuned.