2001 Limited - Front end noise ?

[Jeremy102579]

I have a 2001 Limited 4x4 with 81000 miles.

Truck is originally from Texas and brought up to Buffalo New York, March 2011.

Undercarriage/suspension is in beautiful condition.

I seem to have a front end noise while pulling out/in of driveway/parking lots. I do not notice it when backing out. Anywhere where the 2 surfaces form a V makes the noise stand out. I DON'T really notice it when driving over bumps down the road.

I took the front wheels off and everything seems tight - Sway bar links, balljoints, etc. All bushings seem fine also including the struts.

Truck is Stock. Steering and handling also seems normal.

Any other advice on what to check ?

[Mwaddi92]

Does it sound like engine, or suspension/steering?

[Jeremy102579]

Originally Posted by Mwaddi92

Does it sound like engine, or suspension/steering?

Sounds like its coming right from the strut/control arm areas.

Also seems to sound like it comes from both sides, but not always at the same time.

It's not a banging sound, something like a deep clunk sound.

[Mwaddi92]

Idk, then all i know is i need a new serpentine belt and pulleys

[jbtoy1]

Is the problem only noticed under full or close to full wheel lock, left or right?

[Jeremy102579]

Originally Posted by jbtoy1

Is the problem only noticed under full or close to full wheel lock, left or right?

i would say close to full.....i really dont do any full wheel lock turning so i cant answer that.

after driving tonight, i do hear it every so often when driving through a bumpy parking lot at low speeds or over railroad tracks..... but most of the time it seems to happen when turning.

[Buddha Belly]

Check your front anti sway bar links, one of them could be broken

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[Jeremy102579]

Originally Posted by Buddha Belly

Check your front anti sway bar links, one of them could be broken

Sent from my SGH-I747M using AutoGuide.Com Free App

yes, the other day i did check the sway bar links and the sway bar bushings, but everything seems good and tight.

i did notice both sway bar links down near where they connect to the lower suspension have a gap between the rubber and the nut.

Is this normal on both sides?....they dont seem loose.

I get my truck undercoated every fall for the salty winter up here so it is real messy and oily under there right now.....can make it hard to see.

[nikita]

Check the struts again, specifically the lower mounts and bushings. Thats where a similar noise came from on mine. If you have recently sprayed undercoat, you wont see the powdery rust that clued me in to the problem area. The bushings were worn and distorted just enough for some metal to metal contact.

[905Tundra]

I think I'm having a similar noise. 2000 sr5 with 220000 miles, I have replaced all the shocks with 5100's. the noise only is heard when entering or exiting my driveway. Wheels are not at full lock, only slight turn. It happens when backing in or pulling out. Had a bad sway bar in front that was replaced. To the op, have you resolved the noise issue yet.

[toytec]

My vote is for strut caps. If u replace the shocks and not the caps u will still have the noise. Most of the time the shocks are fine.


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[905Tundra]

Doesn't the new shocks come with new caps? I can't remember. Where would be the best place to buy new caps.

[905Tundra]

Toytec, are you referring to strut mounts. How do you know if they are bad. Sorry I'm not a mechanic and don't know much about these things.

[toytec]

New shocks do not come with new strut caps. The cap is under presser while on the ground. Jack the truck up and take a pry bar and stick it between the outer cap and where the shock comes up thru the middle. It should move some but should not be free. They go bad around 8-10 years down the road or 100k+ miles. I can just drive it and tell so u might want to have ur local tec ck it out. The strut has to be taken apart to replace it. So u will prob have to have ur tec do it any way.


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[Jeremy102579]

Hi all, problem is still not solved.....will get it looked at, eventually.