2nd Gen Tacoma Noise

Have a clunking sound coming from the front end of my Tacoma. Open to any suggestions.. can't seem to pinpoint where the noise is coming from. Here is what I've recently done in hopes of eliminating it (was due for a lot of this stuff anyway).

All New:
-LCA
-UCA
-Front shocks
-Sway bar bushings
-Sway bar links
-Tie rod ends

Body mounts seem fine. Along with radiator mounts.

Instagram video link to the noise: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CdHB6nlJtm4/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY=

 

Hard to tell because of the wind noise. But i would recheck all the nuts and bolts of installed parts. Something is def loose

 

So this was before installation. And now after installation (and retorque after 500 miles), the noise still exists...

 

Instagram not helping your case..

 

Diagnosing noises over the internet is basically impossible imo. But to me it almost sounds like a rattle.. Heat shield loose, or maybe a small rock trapped somewhere?

 

Well, iPhone audio not helping my case.

 

Taking it to a Toyota mechanic hasn’t helped either. I think you’re right though. Probably something like a rock stuck somewhere. Just put washers on the heat shields… very annoying to listen to.

 

Going to use a GoPro and stick a quality mic in different locations to pinpoint what area of the truck it’s coming from. Monitoring the audio waves should give me a good idea.

 

Ha, yeah I just meant I refuse to instagram so can't see it..I'm sure you're losing others or am I the only one in the world not on instagram?

 

I’ll have to YouTube moving forward then.

 

Do you have a skid plate? Mine had the bolts come loose and as the frame flexed in braking and turning it would make a very concerning "clunk". Cinched up the bolts and it much improved.

 

Wheel bearings going bad will make such a noise, first when turning.

 

I just have the factory plate below the motor. It’s cranked down pretty tight.

 

I’ve replaced both within the last 20k. Definitely had the hum going on.

 

I’m beginning to think it has something to do with the rack and pinion. But not willing to throw that part on it for noise sake.

 

Needle bearing, perhaps?

There is lots of info on this defect on this site - it happens b/c the OEM part can't take the lateral force once the truck has a lift on it; it is a known defect in Tacoma's, Tundra's and 4Runners.

It sits between the CV axle and front differential on the drivers side; sounds like a grinding/whirring noise from under the drivers/side footwell and goes away when you change from 2H to 4H - if it is really bad, you can go under there and feel the play in the CV axle -

I had this noise for 2yr - it only appeared when it was cold/metal contracted and it went away when it warmed up so I forgot about it for the 1st summer; this past winter it came back, a bit worse - I checked the u/joints, the driveshaft and such and found nothing amiss - poked around on TW for awhile and managed to sort it out.

ECGS makes an upgraded part to replace the OEM bearing - had them install a new one last week actually and now I am all good -

 

Wow, you're awesome Amy. Would've never thought of this. Going to drive my truck in 4H and see if the noise goes away.

 

Glad I could help!
+
Let me/us know if this is the issue!!


I spent alot of time trolling around here trying to sort out my 'noise' - it was impossible to record and was making me nuts; only appeared between 40mph/60mph and only when cold, super niche feeling..
Once I found the diagnostic of putting it in 4H to see if it went away, I was super happy, b/c it worked/that's what was wrong.

ECGS sells the part + a tool to do the job + has very good videos on how to do the repair - it didn't seem super difficult and I almost did it myself but I have had bad luck with those spindly bearings in the past, so for the 140$ labour, I was more than happy to have a professional do it.

One main reason I bought a Tacoma was b/c of this forum - sorting out problems is alot easier when there is a whole group that can help/has experienced similar issues + lots of over/achievers' on here that document everything making repairs/upgrades much simpler.

 

No luck... noise still exists in 4H....

 

Sorry . . . and good luck - hopefully someone else here will have another idea that gets you closer to an answer