Front end clunk clunk noise

Hey ya’ll need help diagnosing;
I’m hearing a front end clunk clunk noise when going over bumps or jerking the wheel right to left or left to right. Any ideas. I got under her and checked make sure nothing is loose the pins on the brake pads I noticed slide back and forth. Is that normal? Someone on another thread said the caliper pads?

 

Any mods to the truck?

 

Trd skid plate
Trd pro 4runner wheels 255/75/17 michelin defenders
Everything else 100% stock

 

Pads will do that but generally only once after changing directions (forward, reverse, park). I've heard that the connection to the lower control arms can make this noise as well, but don't quote me on that.

Have you lifted it into the air to see if there's any play in the front tires? Could be ball joints, tie rods, or even wheel bearings. Given that it happens over bumps I'd venture to guess ball joints IF it is either of those.

 

I would lean towards swaybar end links or bushings. Worst case LCA ball joint

 

Definitely check the sway bar / end links.

 

Did I miss the mileage?

 

Check upper and lower control arms. Jack truck up and see if there is any play in the wheel. Grab top or bottom and pull and push. It shouldn't move at all

 

The clunk I hear has gotten so loud I had the dealer look at my front end just to make sure I wasn’t missing anything. It got noticeably louder after 17k miles, but they confirmed that while it is loud , it is ‘normal’ and recommended I regrease the pins . Have had 4 Tacomas but never heard it get to this volume before . Now that I know what it is, it’s a lot less annoying .

 

Regrease the pins? What pins and what kind of grease?

 

I had this, but only after I had my leaky power steering rack replaced. There was air in the lines.

 

43000

 

It isn't hard to remove the swaybar to rule out links (like mentioned above)
or bad swaybar bushings.

 

Also check for your noise by putting pressure on the rack itself behind the inner tie rod pushing forward.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-steering-rack-over-centre-pre-load-adjustment.832994/

 

Radiator bushings might be shot

 

I had a bad sound from my DS front end.. found out to be a bad swaybar link it seemed tight when the suspension was loaded.. but once I jacked up one side and placed it on jackstands.. and used the jack under the knuckle...... replaced.. and it disappeared... however it has returned... need to find some greasable links that last.... I ran without a swaybar for about 9 months.. it was scary on the highway when making a panic steer so I put it back on...

 

Update; had to different mechanics look at it and they still can’t figure out the problem. I’m at my wits end. They said everything in the suspension sway bar all that is all tight and good conditions. Should I just change the brakes and hope for the best?

 

To rule out the brakes, try to recreate the noise with a helper standing in the brakes. If the noise goes away then it's not your brakes. Put your hand on things while the noise occurs, sometimes feeling is better than hearing

 

Next one is check your skid plate. I have heard of it causing issues but not very often

 

I think I’m going to replace the brake pads tomorrow see if that fixes the problem