Body Mount/ Bottoming Suspension Noise

Hey All - got a 2017 DCLB TRD Sport 4x4. Noticed something while going through street whoops (intersection crossings where the drainage across all 4 directions are lower for surface drainage) a while back. Truck only has 25K on it. When I hit these crossings at about 15-20 mph, at the point of front end max compression, I get a LOUD mettalic clack/ slap sound. Seems from mostly the left side, but I'm not positive it isn't from both. Little slower speed and nothing. Very hard to replicate except on the street and these specific "whoops". Have done nothing to front end/ suspension except new wheels and tires.

Took it in for regular service and had them look into it. They were able to replicate and was told it was a "normal tacoma sound on these models"! The service guy at the counter tried to explain it, but wasn't very clear on what the sound was exactly from... The paperwork says body mount. To me it seems like a bottoming out of the suspension, but that should never sound like that and not at 15 mph through a whoop... Paperwork is attached.

I assume since they were so nonchalant about it, that it musty be a common issue, and that some here might be able to better explain the mechanics of it, and WHY I supposedly shouldn't be concerned about it like they say... Thanks in advance!

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...at-noise-may-not-be-your-leaf-springs.464993/

It's likely your radiator mount bushings. Seems to be a pretty wide spread issue. The linked thread will shed a bit more light on it. The factory fix will result in the same issue unless you DIY and use an aftermarket bushing.

OA

 

Thanks for the link to the related info... Read through a lot of it. Sounds like many have issues with squeaks or groans. Mine is a severe clack, and only occurs under this "hard" compression of the front end. No squeaks or groans or issues with speed bumps or other small bumps. And I'm wondering if my dealer is trustworthy, or talking about something different B/C they said they inspected these bushings and said that they were still in good condition and the alignment was good. Reading the other thread, it appears alignment is an issue (body movement per se) that helps cause the trashed bushings. I'm still not sure how you can get such a strong metal clack sound out of that bushing/ location if the rubber is in "good condition". I'm guessing the metal sound *could* be from the center bolt, but only if the surrounding rubber bushing is shot. Gonna keep an eye (ear) on it. I've got till August for warranty work...

 

@gpuccion unless you have an aftermarket suspension, I doubt that's the source (similar sound can occur when there's interaction between the sway bar and spring). Mine has a bright metal on metal type noise that occurs if I take a speed bump or the like too quickly, as do many others with the radiator mount noise. That thread was just the first I searched and grabbed.

OA

 

Yeah, I can't replicate it on speed bumps... it's like that's not enough travel engagement to trigger whatever is making the clacking. Only on these smooth, deeper whoops (so far). I honestly can't tell if the sound is during compression, or possibly the end of rebound. If it is later during the end of rebound, what at that stage of suspension travel (full rebound/ unweighting) could make that noise?

 

I’ve got the same problem. I get mostly over sharp speed bumps. I’ve brought it in to Toyota twice and they keep giving me the run around with no answers. I even left it with them for 4 days only for them to say they really didn’t do anything with it. They couldn’t replicate the noise. Once I got in it I drove it out of the parking lot and got the noise on the first bump I hit. It’s getting frustrating.

 

Here is what they gave me

 

And the second time

 

Did u get this fixed? I have the same issue.

 

I get a click/slap sound from the front when going over small drainage indents on pavement (less often heard for me off-road). 99% sure it’s the brake pads moving around since the noise stops if I hit the indents with brakes even lightly applied.

@gpuccion Does braking/not braking make a difference for you?

 

As crazy as this sounds, check your hood bumper mount adjustment. I had strange front end squeak and bang noise. Took close to a year to figure it out. They were to low. I figured out one day if I drove slowly and rolled the steering wheel to get the truck rocking aggressively side to side the sound was constantly reproducible at the dealer, where the finally figured it out.

 

Will have to try this... My warranty is up next month and I want it fixed, even if it's temporary and buys me time to figure out a good long term solution. My truck only has 27K on it and I don't drive it hard. No reason for body mounts to be a problem with that mileage if that's the problem. My 20 year old jetta can take the whoops that cause it better, and not make any noise, lol!

 

This is probably the other thing I need fixed... I cant get into my engine bay most times I pull the hood release! Just stays tight to the body. Will be PO'd big time some day when I really need to get in there for something timely/ important.