Check LCA bolts! Clunk fixed!

2009 Taco, 29,000 miles. Noticed a clunk from the drivers side when reversing and turning and also doing certain maneuvers which would load/unload the front end.

Best way to describe the "clunk" was a pop, almost as if the 4wd was binded and you would disengage it. Felt the same way too.

Did a search on TW. Found a thread where the OP had the same problem and his lower control arm bolts were lose and thus caused the clunk.

I thought a cv issue at first, but low and behold, I grabbed the breaker bar and went at it. Yes, they were loose, and after tightening them up (tq to 100ft/lbs), clunk is gone and the front end feels tighter. WIN!

See attached img.

Check yours out!

 

Nice find! I'm gonna try this. I have that annoying clunk too

 

Very cool! Do you recall what size socket?

 

Good job!

 

19

 

cool thanks...i'll check mine in the morning

 

Ive got the clunk too, but can we do this without messing with the alignment cams, or do we tighten from the inside?

 

I thought the same but when I tightened it I watched for cam movement and they didn't.....

 

If they were clunking maybe they are already off? You might want to have your alignment re-checked just to be safe?

 

Bringing this post back from the dead... tightening my LCA bolts on the passenger side worked for me. Thank you Search Function.

 

You're welcome!

 

I just got my truck inspected today and the note on my receipt reads "Lower control arms appear to have play - monitor, suggest suspension check". Frankly, I"m surprised they didn't check the bolts or even mention it when I picked it up.

I recently installed bilstein 5100s with 2" HS coils, replacing the stock. I also replaced the wheel bearing assemblies and my truck has never sounded better. I don't hear a clunk or anything out of the ordinary at this point. So I guess for my next steps I'm going to re-torque touched on the suspension and check the front lower arm bolts in the process. I'll also try a 12/6 tug on the wheels (bearings check) and 3/9 tugs (LCA check) to see if I get any play. Is there anything I'm missing? THANKS!

 

HELP ME, trd09(OP), YOUR’E MY ONLY HOPE.
Recently had my LCAs and UCAs replaced and not too long after a popping sound has surfaced in the same manner that you explained yours (when loading and unloading front end) and it’s driving me insane! Been back to the shop a couple times and they can’t figure it out. I ended up here after while which led me to check out my LCA bolts and I noticed my driver side no.2 bolts are a single thread tighter than my passenger. Does this sound like your problem? If so what EXACTLY will I need to fix this besides a torque wrech? Keep in mind my username which rings very true and the fact that the only tools I own are the ones in a standard Kobalt tool box…

 

Click on his name. It’ll tell you the last time he was on the forum.
Unfortunately it hasn’t been since Jan. 2020. Don’t think you’ll be hearing from him anytime soon.
Hopefully someone will chime in & help you though.

 

Good man.
Well if anyone else can help I have another question on my problem. If my problem is with my LCA bolts, since my truck is a 2wd not a 4wd does that mean the torque on them would be different than 100ft/lbs?

 

This shows 155 for 2wd LCAs: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-torque-spec-guide.318116/

 

That looks like x-runner front end? Pre-runners and 4x4 the UCA does not mount that low.

 

Just go to 120 lb/ft. It's fine, you won't hurt those bolts, they're super strong

Remember to counter-hold the other end of the bolt so the whole thing doesn't rotate and throw the alignment off. Even though technically once they're popping and shifting the alignment has already moved..

 

Tried to do 155ft/lb but couldn’t even get it that tight. Just got it as tight as I could and popping sound went away. After I noticed when I’d turn my wheels all the way left and right (while in park or stopped) my bushings would make a creaking sound. Makes no sound while driving but still worries me. Got my mechanic to come take a look and he said it’s fine and not to worry about it but idk, fingers crossed.

 

Creaking bushings while stopped is normal. The suspension binds a bit turning the steering wheel because the tires aren't rolling