HELP!! The infamous "clunk" noise

So recently my truck developed the dreaded clunk noise. The one where it feels like it is coming from underneath the driver seat. So I have been trying to diagnose the problem and checking every google / forum post out there. At first I thought it was a combo of braking and turning but seems there is more to the story. Here is where I am at and additional background


- Rear Leaf springs were replaced in Feb as a part of the recall

- Noise started recently

- Had someone ride with me to make sure I wasn't going crazy. They rode in passenger seat and could hear the "clunk" sound, said it sounded more plastic on plastic versus metal on metal sound. They also road in the bed but couldn't hear the sound

- Was able to replicate the sound by flexing the rear suspension using my driveway and driving back and forth. I want to say I isolated to the rear of the truck but sound travels.

- I checked the battery to make sure it wasn't bouncing around

- Checked the wheel wells to make sure it wasn't falling apart

- crawled underneath and checked U-bolts and they are all tight

- Checked the Exhaust to see if it was loose

- Checked the bed to see if it was loose, and so far doesn't appear to be the case.

I am wondering if it is the leaf spring shifting back and forth but I defer to the experts here. I am sure I forgot something I did, but with all the questions I am sure it will spark some more details. I am planning on getting video of the front end in the morning.



So here is a video for you all to check out. The sound is pretty clear in this video. I filmed the driver side and nothing noticeable to show but I can post if it will help

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoVyqbEfkOk

Thanks!

 

Yeah definitely annoying not to be able to figure it out.... I had a similar rattle once and turned out to be inside the truck. the jack and some stuff I had in the built in storage under rear seat and since that is basically sitting right on the cab it sounded hollow and plastic. Very very similar.
Just a thought have you checked there? It would explain why your friend couldn't hear it when I'm the bed of the truck. The placement of your cam seems to be approximately under or just to the rear of the storage would be.

 

Yeah I pulled out the jack, the ratchet straps I have stored underneath them as well. Driving me insane now....I can't unhear the clunk clunk clunk clunk

 

Ahh man, Hope you figure it out soon.

 

Check lca bushings. Retorque them

 

So after re-torquing every effen thing under that truck, taking the video to the dealership, them checking everything, we all came to the same conclusion, the freaking leaf spring. They called toyota corp service people or whatever the hell you call them and said that if everything was torqued to spec then to replace the leaf springs. So got a case number and new leaf springs on the way and no charge for this entire fiasco.

 

its known issue you have to live with. Just the leafs binding up and releasing! Carry on!

 

Funny enough, never had a problem with the pre-recall leaf springs. At least I didn't have to pay for any of it.

 

This sounds stupid and far fetched, but it sounds like they may have tightened everything....the leaf spring bushings....while the suspension was unloaded. You are suppose to load the suspension when torque the bushings. Just my two cents.

 

I had a similar clink with my Dakar springs. Seems the spring was sliding left and right on the 'pressed in' bushing, and making contact with the spring mount. Replaced the bushing with the Energy Suspension version, that has the exterior lip on the bushing that prevents this from occurring. No noise since then.

 

Sorry to bring up an old thread but. When your clunking noise happen under a load? Mine started to do that and its only happens under a load when its coasting i dont hear anything. And i also got Dakar leaf packs also.

 

Its been so long, I do not recall. Easiest way I was able to tell, was the spring eye was touching the mount, and you could see where it rubbed.

 

If you have a 4x4 make sure both Hubs are locked or free. This intermittent problem drove me batty. I had one locked and the other free. Or at least the repair shop did who replaced the driver side axle. At least I fixed some other rattles until I found this to be the problem. Now all is super quite.