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Help Me Diagnose RF Creak - Video

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by gunn_runner, Oct 17, 2017.

  1. Oct 17, 2017 at 10:08 AM
    #1
    gunn_runner

    gunn_runner [OP] www.gunnphotoservices.com

    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2013
    Member:
    #102157
    Messages:
    1,542
    Gender:
    Male
    Rocky River, OH
    Vehicle:
    2013 DCLB TRD
    OME 886 & Dakars. 35" Mickey Thompson Baja Boss
    I have a creaking sound (and popping I just discovered from the video) from the right front suspension area that started a few thousand miles ago.

    We'll start with what I've done:

    • Just replaced SPC Upper control arm ball joints on both sides (originals were popping). The new ball joints have about 200 miles on them. Both are generously greased. Note that the creaking sound was there before and is still there after replacing the joints.
    • I just removed the SPC upper control arm today, thinking the bushings were creaking. I lightly greased them, but didn't remove the sleeves or the bushings, just greased the area between the bushing and the washers. Torqued the upper pivot bolt to 85 ft lbs: noise still there. For my own curiosity, I loosened the nut on the upper pivot bolt considerably and drove around the block: creak still there. Torqued back to 85ft lb.
    • The bottom control arm and bushing were replaced about 20k miles ago under warranty because the alignment cams were frozen; the dealer just cut the old one out and put a new arm and bushing in.

    In the below video, you can hear the creak start at around 40 seconds and is very evident at 1 minute. It happens during moderate suspension compression and rebound. I purposefully make it happen by rocking the steering wheel, but it happens a lot while driving around town. The creak is very noticeable in the cab. However, after watching the video, I also hear a pop that sounds like a ball joint.

    My thoughts are: possible bad steering arm ball joint, possible bad SPC ball joint (even though brand new), maybe creak is from the SPC bushings and I need to fully remove the metal sleeves and grease again?

    Watch the video and let me know your thoughts! Very noticeable at 1 minute in.

    https://youtu.be/3y_9Yux0poU
     
    Last edited: Oct 17, 2017

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