Single pop on sharp left turns

Hey Tacoheads,

I've been reading on here for years and learned an awful lot in the process, but this is my first post.

Been digging through past posts, trying to do my due diligence to find an answer on the weird pop I get on hard left turns (either slow or stopped in tight parking situations, no matter the temperature). One, single metallic-sounding pop. There are no lifts or mods on this truck, FYI.

I had my leaf springs (2016) and frame (2017) replaced on my '09 4WD 2.7 under recall. I think this started after the frame was done... The dealership who did it forgot to reattach a lot of parts (skid plate, shifter boot, etc), so who knows... I don't live near the dealer now, so I can't just pop in and make them look. Also, I don't think they'd care one bit. They weren't great on the accountability front--I had to go back 3x to get them to fix something they left loose or off--but they sure were friendly!

Just before that frame replacement I did my [completely rusted to death, frozen] LCAs plus bushings, front and rear shocks/springs. Not OEM parts, but I think they've been fine. Both front bearings were done before that. (Can you tell I bought this truck with 168,000 mi on it already? and from good old salty PA?!)

This week I personally replaced front sway bar bushings, end links, and tie-rod ends with new MOOG parts. My OEMs had 247k on them, so it was time! Also inspected steering rack, other suspension components, etc. Greased steering limiters.

My handling is much improved, but that effing pop is STILL there. Feels like it is directly underneath my feet, so maybe closer to driver's side.

As I say, it pops when I turn hard left, slow or in place, and I have also noticed that it sometimes does it if I brake hard and the truck pitches forward. No pop with right turns.

My ball joints show no play in the 12-6 test. I don't *think* it's the CVs bc it's just that one, single pop, and only on the hardest turns. The boots look good on them. WHAT IN THE WORLD IS IT?

Any thoughts?

I had wondered if it might be the bushings on my steering rack? Is that possible? Some of them look rusted AF, but I'm not sure if that would make a popping noise... and only on one side? (Replacing all the hoses on that component too, as they look quite corroded, but haven't got the part yet.)

Would appreciate your input. There are some smart folks on here!

 

Thanks for the quick reply.

I should check those cam bolts. I need an alignment soon anyway (since I had to spend some time working outside DC over the winter and there were life-threatening potholes!!), so I'll be sure to have my mechanic torque things properly.

Good thought on the brakes. I hadn't considered those. I cleaned them today when I was finishing up the end links... pads look healthy. Rotors a little tired, but not awful. One thing I did notice that looked funny to me was how close they were sitting to the rotor with no pressure on the pedal. I'll keep an eye on them. The side where the pop is coming from is the side where I had to replace a rusted caliper just last year, so hopefully it is still performing okay.

Battery is looking good.

 

Back set of LCA bolts were indeed loose! Thanks for nudging me toward those. I had seen other posts about them but for some reason thought it would be elsewhere. Of course, now that I’ve retorqued then I’m due for an alignment Soon anyway... the techs will be getting a reminder about torque!

I can’t test for pops now because I’m wrestling a power steering hose assembly replacement, of course. Hope I finish this thing on day two! I shouldn’t be surprised at the number of stuck or near-impossible nuts and bolts given how rusty the frame was on replacement, but DAMN, the access under there does not help! Almost no room to work on the high pressure line. I’ve cut lots of pieces out of the way, but it’s just slow going with a flare nut wrench and hardly any swing room. Feel like I’m doing Pilates and pull-ups at the same time working on this thing.