Help - Suspension and stiff steering issues that Dealer “can’t” diagnose

Hi All. 2023 TRD OR - 19k miles. A little over a month ago I noticed that my steering wheel suddenly became harder to turn. I notice it most when turning at low speeds (parking lots especially) but it doesn’t get much easier with speed or as the truck warms up. Before the steering issue came up, I had front end creaking/popping when driving slowly over dips and bumps. I took the truck to a local dealer for both issues and they “could not replicate”. Of course. So, I’m beginning to look into this myself. So far, I’ve found that I can replicate the creaking/popping by lifting and rocking the truck under the passenger side fender flare. It also makes a bunch of ugly noise when I Jack up the front. As for the steering issue, I’ve put the truck on Jack stands and have noticed that the steering wheel moves much easier with the wheels off the ground. Please correct me if I’m wrong, but I’ve read that this is a way to rule out a power steering issue vs an alignment issue. I am no expert. I’m planning on taking my newfound knowledge to another dealership soon but I want to know if anyone has any other ideas/ways I can narrow down what my issue(s) could be.

Edit: I also want to mention that my truck is fluid filmed. The tech that worked on my truck tried to blame the undercoating for my “potential” creaking/popping suspension. I sprayed fluid film just about everywhere on my previous 2013 Tacoma twice a year for 5 years and never had an issue. I don’t think fluid film would cause this but I can’t be sure.

Video link of Suspension noise:
https://youtube.com/shorts/8f-hATNvNY0?feature=shared

 

I’ve had issues with the dealer not diagnosing things properly. My recommendation is to go back to your nearest dealer and ask to speak to the service manager. Show him this video and ask him if this is normal.

this video to me looks like proof that something is fucked up. Where did you push on the truck to make it bounce? I can do the same to mine to see if it makes any noise.

lastly if you have any aftermarket armor take it off and repeat the test.

 

The truck will make this noise if I grab underneath the front passenger wheel well and rock the truck back and forth. It’ll creak and pop like crazy when im driving through parking lots, turning slowly or backing up. It’s getting pretty annoying. I only recently made the discovery that I can replicate the noise while the truck is parked. I was pumped when I got it on video lol. The plan is to go back to the dealer and show them this. I can’t make an appointment for a couple weeks because I’ve been busy so I’m posting here for ideas in the meantime.

No aftermarket armor on by the way.

 

I recommend calling the service manager (only talk to mgr at this point) send him the video and tell him you’re concerned for you and your family’s safety. That you feel the truck is unsafe.

once you mention safety he should put you in a loaner and want the truck back asap.

when you get to the dealership make the mgr come out and replicate the flat ground test so he sees it firsthand so he can’t deny it (especially since his techs already denied it)

since your under warranty let them do the wild goose chase.

suspension noises travel so sometimes it sounds like it’s coming from one spot but it’s the complete opposite.

I had my truck in for a mystery noise back and fourth for 2 months before they fixed the problem.

i just rocked my truck back and forth from the wheel well and can confirm my taco barley makes any noise.

 

Asking for the service manager and presenting this as a safety issue is a good idea. Hopefully I’ll have better luck this time around. Unfortunately, I dont think I’ll be able to schedule an appointment until later this month but I’ll be sure to update if they find out what’s wrong.

 

It may just be the boot, but something looks funky with that upper ball joint. Jack that wheel up off the ground and grab it at 12 and 6 and try to wiggle it. Do 9 and 3 as well. If things seem solid, at least that is ruled out.

 

Forgot to mention that I did try checking for play by wiggling the wheel when the truck was up on Jack stands this morning. Everything felt solid. I’ve also spent a bunch of time just looking at the front suspension hoping to find something that is obviously broken or leaking but have had no luck.

 

try adding some lube/oil on the lower shock bolt.

 

You might need a really good 2nd opinion. Tracking down a noise like this can be never ending. I would try to find a local off road shop or local mechanic shop that is confident in finding the noise. Pay the diagnostic fee they charge you. That or try another dealership. Your suspension looks stock, so they can't blame it on a lift.

 

I sprayed some silicone grease in there a couple weeks ago but no luck. I also sprayed some on the UCA bolts and the top of the shock. Didn’t make much of a difference unfortunately

 

I suspect maybe a dry ball joint socket, that would cause stiff steering with weight on the wheels. Have an assistant bounce the vehicle for you and try to isolate where it’s coming from with a stethoscope. Or….you could pull the wheels, knock the outer tie rods off then put a jack under the LCA (to simulate weight on the wheel) and see if the turning torque required to turn the spindle assembly back and forth is the same side to side.
Just please be careful under there, jack stands under the frame etc.

 

Agree on taking to another dealer and showing them. I’ve coated mine to hell. That stuff would likely mask an issue then cause it. It sounds like a lower ball joint because that where most of the weight sits when truck is down and pivoting. The sound is pinging like there’s tension or weight on the part then releases on upstroke. Let them hunt it down.