2015 CV Axle Issues @ 45k?

Hello Everyone,

Trying to track down a clicking noise in my drive line that is driving me nuts. My suspension and drive line is completely stock. 2015, TRD Sport, Double Cab Long Bed, 45k miles. I do my own oil changes and plugs, basically routine maintenance, but I don't have much experience troubleshooting anything else, so I could use some help.

A few weeks ago I started hearing a clicking noise coming from (what I think) a wheel. Sounds like drivers side from, but haven't confirmed. It sounds like a rock stuck in my tire, but I have been checking and clearing pebbles in my treads every chance I get, nothing has eliminated or changed the ticking. So I think I have cleared that as a possibility, but I will continue to check for rocks.

The ticking is directly related to wheel speed. Doesn't change when breaking, or when in 4WD. It is not noticeable with windows up, but I can hear it echo off of road barriers or other cars while driving with the windows down.

I'm beginning to think it could be a CV axle issue. I also have a clunk when going moderately over speed bumps. Also seems to be coming from drivers side front. It seems to happen when the suspension gets compressed a good amount. Kinda sounds like the spring is not seated well, and when compressed a bunch, kinda clunks seated and returns when unloaded? No idea if that is what is actually happening, but its what I picture the sound to look like. I also get a similar sound when turning the steering wheel to the left and backing up (I back up into our drive, and also back into most parking spots).

Anyways, that's my shot at trying to explain the noises. Does this sound like symptoms of a CV axle? Any other thoughts on what it could be? What can I check without tearing everything apart to maybe confirm its the CV (or other suggestions). I will be kind of shocked and disappointed if I am seeings a CV axle failure at 45k miles, especially with a bone stock truck.

Thanks for any thoughts and suggestions!

 

I had a similar issue and found that a clip in the fender well liner came loose and was flapping causing the click.

 

Haven't thought about checking that, I will take a look, thanks!

 

Are your CV axle boots torn? Also have you ruled out wheel bearings. and your sure the tick isn't an exhaust leak?

 

get the chance of embedded pebble or piece if metal out of the way pronto

just park in a flat spot in neutral, engine off, door open, and by turning each tire by hand
look for rocks or debris on all 4 tires. easy enough check, just make sure it doesn't roll
away from ya...trucky will roll easy by grabbing each tire and pulling

 

Have you tried raising the front end and spinning the tires to pinpoint the sound?

 

Totally different vehicle but I just started hearing a weird click from the wheel area of my 2007 Camry. It really sounded mechanical. But it proved to be fender well plastic that had come loose.

 

Great suggestions and feedback!

I will check. I just rotated tires and didn't notice any grease on the tires that may have come from a torn boot. Definitely need to check. 99.9% sure its not exhaust related. I've put the truck in neutral while rolling around 60mph and revved to see if it followed revs, its definitely linked to wheel rotation speed.

I will double double double check

That was my next course of action, hopefully to be done today or tomorrow...

 

If you have a harbor freight near by, pick up a stethoscope ($5). It's great for pinpointing sounds.

 

Maybe your brake dust shields mine had got tweaked just a frog hair when I was rotating my tires my foot just touched it. It would vibrate at idle and click at certain speeds something to consider.

 

I was able to jack the front end up the other day.

• The the CV axle boots look fine. No tears, no wear marks. There is a bit of play in them, which I heard is usual.

• Spun each wheel, no noticeable sound coming from either.

• I did find one plastic push washer out on the passenger side, pushed it back in, no change in sound.

• Checked for anything loose, nothing I could find (brake lines, heat shields, other stuff that I dont know what they do...)

I also took a ride with my dad, I drove his truck (a 1st gen Tacoma with 323k on the clock! ) next to mine going down the highway. It is definitely coming from the front, although the sound seems just about equally as loud from either side. If I had to pick, I would say a bit louder on the driver side, but its close. It also seems like it could be just behind the front wheels? Could it be something with the drive shaft????

I suppose I could jack up the rear end and put the truck in drive to spin the drive shaft?

 

The front drive shaft doesn't spin unless engaged by the transfer case. How about the heat shields for the catalytic converters? I found a few rocks between the heat shields and the body that were causing a rattle. Took an air gun and some tapping from a handle of a screwdriver to knock them loose. Note: wear safety goggles when doing that.

 

I will get under again and check. Wouldn't think that would be directly related to tire rpm, but worth the check. Thanks.

 

Have you checked your u joints, ever greased them? I've heard this same clicking when the u joint dries out and the needle bearings inside start to seize.

 

When you had the front wheels off the ground, did you do the push / pull wheel bearing check? If its wheel speed dependent as you say, that kind of rules out pebbles or rocks or something.. In my mind at least

 

I have not. I will look into this. Thanks.

Yea, I tugged on the wheels pretty good, solid as a rock. No distinguishable play. When I have heard wheel bearings going out, it has always sounded like a constant growling. This is a ticking.

It really sounds like a rock stuck in the tread. A tick every time that rock rotates around with the tire and hits the pavement. But I have gone over the tires multiple times, nothing I can see...

 

Does the tick speed up or slow down while making a turn?
Pay close attention to Right vs Left turns @ the same speeds.

This will help diagnose CV Axles.

 

Its difficult to hear at slower speeds, conditions have to be just right to hear it while turning (close to builds to echo off of, or no other traffic to drown out the sound, etc.). I'm not sure I could discern any difference at that low of speeds. I haven't noticed any drastic difference.

 

Any rhyme or reason as to when the noise appears?

You say you think it's a driveline problem... you've noticed a rotational frequency?

If not, and it's a clicking sound when you hit a bump, I'm going to suggest looking at the body mounts. The radiator support and front cab locations in particular.

 

Look into adding a second brake caliper pin. Common source of clicking noise near wheel. There are threads on the topic.