Front End Squeak!

https://youtu.be/x4b1z6riuDM

I have been experiencing a very noticeable and loud squeak from the front-end of the truck for around 3 months now (See Youtube video above.)

The squeak started out pretty quiet and would only be audible during certain occasions. Now, the squeak is noticeable pretty much 100% of the time no matter the temperature, driving style, etc.

The squeak is most noticeable anytime the truck is experiencing unlevel terrain, such as speedbumps, potholes or just normal streets with undulations in the asphalt. It is MOST noticeable when driving at slower speeds, but can still be heard at higher speeds too.

I took the truck to my local Toyota dealer (Toyota of Beaverton) about 2 months ago to try my best at having them remedy the issue. Of course, and as expected, they gave me the run around that my Fox 2.0 shocks were the issue and they wouldn't do anything to warranty any work or to solve the issue. They kept saying that since the front coilovers don't have dust boots there is dust and other debris getting into the shock which causes it to squeak. That is hard for me to believe being that this truck sadly never sees anything but pavement, and I do a lot to keep it spotless 85% of the time. Living in Oregon there is no salt on the roads and I would have a tough time believing that enough "Debris" is finding its way into the shocks to cause the amount of noise I am experiencing.

I tried asking the dealer to inspect the body mounts, citing the write-ups I've read thoroughly on TW, which I had no luck with them entertaining.

As of right now the noise is so loud and obnoxious that it literally has people breaking their necks to turn around and see what old rust jalopy is rolling down the street, only to be dumbfounded that a 15,000 mile 2018 Tacoma is the culprit.

Really at a dead end with how to tackle figuring this out. I am almost certain that the noise is NOT being caused by the aftermarket suspension, but who knows. Any advice would be welcomed, thank you.

 

I read somewhere on here a while back about the coils trying to rotate if the top of the shock isn't tight/torqued correctly. But that seems like something they'd check.

 

You check the stabilizer bar links and bushings? Did you just wash it this weekend? Trucks tend to groan more after being washed. Somethings dry or out of spec/worn.

 

I haven't washed it in about 2 weeks.

I haven't checked the stabilizer bar links or bushings yet, I will plan to take a look at those soon.

My next plan of attack would be to use fluid film or another similar lubricant and spray areas I think could be the culprit, one at a time, to see if the noise goes away. That way I can isolate where it is coming from

 

Definitely seems to happen as the suspension is cycled, like springs, or any related bushings.

 

I'd spray the hell out of the lower control arm bushings. Hit the rest of the moving suspension points too. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jERoCvP4tRU

 

When the ball joints were failing on my 99’ ranger they sounded nearly identical. However, a few months after owning my Tacoma it had a similar sound. In my case it ended up being the rubber adjusters under the hood, they weren’t up high enough and would rub on the hood when I hit bumps.

 

control arm bushings for sure

 

I'll hit it with some lubricant and see what happens. Any recommendations on a brand?

 

I use silicone spray, its not hard on rubber but will lubricate it. Works for awhile. I have a noisy one on left front, upper control arm.

 

Check the lower shock mount bushings...if 2.0 are equipped.

 

I have the 2.0s. Are they notorious for having lower mount bushings that fail? Or do they just make noise?

 

Been a couple threads on the topic. Cant remember if they were 2.0's or 2.5's though. Either way, might be something to look at.

 

Are you running aftermarket UCA? If you are, it's possible the installer didn't put enough grease in/around the bushings to prevent it from making noise. Something we have noticed on some trucks we work on. Short of removing it and inspecting the suspension, you could apply WD-40 Dry Lube to moving parts to keep them happy. Hope this helps!

 

No aftermarket UCA's but will definitely take your advice on using WD-40 Dry Lube! Thanks~

 

Ever sort this out? I think I've localized it to passenger side, near or under the PS reservoir.

I am going to try adjusting my hood bump on that side though.

 

TTT. Having the exact same issue on my 21 with 4800 miles. It’s progressively getting louder. I greased the UCA bushings and it didn’t help. From my research I’ve found that the Rad frame body mounts are notorious for failing very fast. Only suspension mod I have is 2” leveling kit on the front. Taking it to the dealership this week

 

Let us know, man. Even being under warranty still at 20.5k I'm considering just ordering a kit off of Amazon for $30 and giving it a shot.

I investigated a few things tonight: UCA torque (I guess, A/C line or similar was in the way), shock tower to frame torque, adjusted and taped the hood bumpers, and even removed that little engine mud flap. Nada.

Sound when I'm bouncing on the fender seems to be behind the light, but it could be playing a prank on me. Can't really get it to duplicate when still normally, but I did notice tonight at or near left turning lock I can easily duplicate it. Not so with right lock.

Also linking: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rad-front-body-mounts-shot.440118/

 

Also, think you can take some audio of it to see if others are hearing the same thing? I'll see if my dash cam can pick it up, but no promises.

 

That sounds like my truck a few weeks ago. Lower shock bearings, spray them directly with WD40 and if it goes away that’s it.




This is how my bearings looked like and squeaked like that…