Clicking Sound When Steering

I’m good with my approach. Thanks.

 

Just got a call from the service guy at Toyota and he says they found the issue. I didn’t give the full story before, but this is the 3rd time I’ve taken it in for this clunk/pop and it became noticeable pretty soon after getting an alignment at Toyota after I installed my ADO front springs. I took it back the first time and said, “I don’t think the LCA bolts are torqued correctly”. They said all is good. 2nd time back, couldn’t replicate. This AM I went back with video proof. Guess what the problem was…. LCA cam bolts were not torqued to spec and were loose. He said they re-torqued everything and it’s quiet as can be.

So, if you’ve had an alignment and you have this clunking/popping, those LCA bolts are like 233 lb/ft of torque. Maybe have them checked.

I’ll report back if it’s solved.

 

super helpful. I never had an alignment but I could always ask that they check that

 

This is very helpful information! My trailhunter is completely stock, but I will ask toyota to look at the LCA bolts soon. I did my first oil change early at the toyota dealership, at 5000 miles, and they did rotate the tires I think at the same time. I don't think an alignment was done though. Either way, thank you for your insight sir!

 

So far, so good. Quiet as a mouse.

 

let us know if you resolve yours! This is the power of these kinds of threads - I bet you we will have this figured out soon

 

This is great, and seems like endemic to this particular trim, so this is a great thread. Very happy to see this having been diagnosed by one of our own!

 

Keep us posted !

 

Been a few days now and the truck is as quiet as can be, like it’s new again. It actually drives “tighter”now that the LCAs are properly torqued. Not sure how else to describe it but the steering feels more connected.

So, check those LCAs! The torque value is 206ft/lbs, so you need a big torque wrench to get it done.

 

dang! Will get that checked out

 

Where does one find the torque specs?

 

Here are the values for the LCAs. I was a little off… 280nm is 206lb/ft.




This thread has all the suspension torque values.

 

https://techinfo.toyota.com/

 

I just booked an appointment with my Toyota dealer to have them diagnose the issue. I will report back in this thread when I have more info.

 

So, I caught the truck making the sound as I was coming into my garage. I stopped and went under the truck and had Taco Rancher JR turn the steering wheel. I put my hand on all the front end components. I could “feel” the sound coming through the front bash plate. It sort of looked like it was “twisting” slightly as the truck was moving from side the side as my son turned the wheel. This is just an initial observation. The lower control arm seemed 100% stable. Next diagnostic step would be to remove the front bash plate which even my dumb ass should be able to do. I can’t tell if it’s the plate itself or something hitting it.

This all seems to track given that lots of TH owners have the same issue. I’m thinking it’s the plate torquing slightly and making the sound. I guess my confusion is how is the frame moving? Should be very rigid. I think there’s more to the story. Stay tuned.

This is the sound:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ckr6...ey=kj11tfymn0uysdx47wumajiv5&st=sd8dl18l&dl=0

 

I've seen this a lot with the large aluminum trd skid plates. If thr bolts aren't super tight the frame will flex bending the skid plate causing it to pop. I'd just make sure they're all pretty tight.

 

I am still waiting for it to do it again so I can jump out and take off the plate to confirm - but what has me confused is why would I feel it subtly in the steering wheel?

 

The steering is connected to the frame so when it pops the frame is moving. I had a guy who felt his cv axle click in the steering wheel.

 

gotcha. I didn’t think this boxed frame would twist but I assume we are talking millimeters at most— will post here when I pin it down and remove the plate

 

Thanks for all the updates. Interested to hear what others learn.