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Is this normal? (Wheel play and clunk)

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by AntMan408, Apr 6, 2022.

  1. Apr 6, 2022 at 8:05 PM
    #1
    AntMan408

    AntMan408 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I have attached a video. At Low end speeds I can hear a clunk , when rotating my tires I noticed play in the wheel. Left to right not up or down. The noise at low end speeds issimilar to the clunk in the video I uploaded. is this normal?

    camburg ucas
    King shocks
    Scs Gen 5 rims.

    https://youtube.com/shorts/1H6bOIVIgJ8?feature=share
     
  2. Apr 6, 2022 at 8:11 PM
    #2
    Speedfreak

    Speedfreak Member in poor standing

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    If both wheels are off the ground and you rock it side to side, you are just turning the steering rack and shaft, rocking back and forth on the steering column lock. This is normal.

    To test for steering play, do it with the wheels on the ground, steering column unlocked, engine off. Rock the steering wheel. Have another person look and listen for any clunking and excessive play in the ball joints.

    If you are rocking the top of the tire in and out and gotta clunk, that is not normal. You may have a ball joint or wheel bearing failing.
     
  3. Apr 6, 2022 at 8:13 PM
    #3
    AntMan408

    AntMan408 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    alright cool, I just wanted to make sure this is normal. Thanks for the reply, only getting side to side off the ground.

    however I do have a low speed clunk noise similiar to the sound in the video. Only happens under 5MPH
     
  4. Apr 7, 2022 at 3:58 AM
    #4
    brandon78lusch

    brandon78lusch Well-Known Member

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    Im getting that too. I just noticed it a few days ago when I was leaving a parking lot
     
  5. Nov 8, 2023 at 12:55 PM
    #5
    esakai

    esakai New Member

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    Any updates on this? I have the same thing, clunks/creaks when sharp turning at slow speeds. Is it inner tie rod or wheel bearing?
     
  6. Nov 8, 2023 at 1:43 PM
    #6
    Tocamo

    Tocamo .

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    3 years ago when my garage installed my front Bilstein 5100's they told me my lower ball joints were going. I brought it to the Dealership for a free brake inspection and they said it was fine.

    Hasn't broken yet....
     
  7. Nov 8, 2023 at 2:04 PM
    #7
    Tttacodan

    Tttacodan Well-Known Member

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    With the wheel up off the ground like that. There are 2 areas you can check for worn parts. The Inner and outer tie rods, and the wheel bearing. You don't want to move it by hand enough to be moving the steering wheel, just enough to see if there is play/wear. Side to side to check steering, and top to bottom to check the wheel bearing.

    If you are getting some side to side play, put your hand on the tie rod joint. You can almost always isolate the movement to the specific joint just by feeling it.
     
  8. Nov 8, 2023 at 7:43 PM
    #8
    camposme

    camposme Well-Known Member

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    Definitely curious to hear about the result... any updates?
     

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