Hi again,

Well I got my 1990 V6 4runner back. It seems to run fine which is a big woohoo!

A new problem (doesn't seem to end) is that when I engage into 4wd there is a distinct clicking noise when I turn the steering wheel in either direction. Is this normal? What could it be if not normal?

Thanks!

 

it should click when it engages, but after that it shouldn't make any noise.

 

The clicking noise is continuous. It doesn't click if I am going straight, but if I turn especially if it's a sharp turn then there is clicking.

 

sounds like its your cv axles.. although ive never heard mine click, only break lol..

 

Damn. The dealership just replaced the CV boots. They didn't mention anything about the axles being in poor condition. I just spent $640 on the CV boots.

 

huh??? $640 on cv boots?

 

heres a whole new cv, with new boots for under $100

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CV-AX...spagenameZWD1V

 

Just wanted to clarify, but the clicking noise only happens in 4wd and only when turning either direction. Would the ADD system make a clicking or ratcheting noise when turning as a normal sound?

 

hmm. i wouldnt think so, but ive always had hubs. are you shure you dont have a locker in there? hehe.

 

Well it does says ADD on the front.

This is my first 4wd vehicle and so I'm not sure about all the noises and whatnot I should expect to be normal and not normal.

 

i understand, maybe someone with an add system will chime in with some info.

 

You have a part time 4WD system, which means you shouldn't be driving in 4WD unless you are on slippery surfaces (sand, dirt, ice, snow). If you drive in 4WD say on dry pavement and you turn the steering wheel, you will get binding in your drivetrain caused by the front wheels following a longer path than the rear wheels (so your front wheels want to turn faster than your rear wheels, but they can't because you don't have a center differential in your 4Runner).

Do this too much and eventually you will break something.

 

Nope, the ADD system is very quiet. There is the initial click when it first goes in or out of 4wd. A constant clicking when turning in 4wd is usually cv-joints on their way out. Sorry to say....

 

So please excuse my newbie ignorance, but when then should I engage in 4WD. I bought this 4runner because I have to a property that has dirt roads. Some of the dirt roads are steep and has deep ruts and loose dirt/gravel along with the occasional large rock or two. I know the person who showed us the property always engaged his 4wd in his Tahoe and I never heard any clicking noises.

Would this situation not be a time to use 4wd?

Thanks again from a newbie.

 

that would be a perfect time.. you just dont want to go turning real sharp on dry pavement in 4wheel drive.

 

If the surface you are driving on is slippery enough to allow the front wheels to slip to keep up with driveline bind you will be fine. I have used 4wd on dry pavement before, its not a great thing but its not horrible for your ride.


LIke I said before, the clicking, if its a constant noise while turning, almost always points to bad cv joints. Usually if the boots are torn, they will fling all the grease out and wear out the joint.

 

hey Toyota1, would you recommend those ebay cv's?

 

ive never bought one from them! so i have no info on them.
i was just surprised at the cost of those cv boots the op had bought.
so i just found a link to show him how much cheaper he could get them.
but i have had good experiance with cv's from napa and carquest.
there about the same price as the e-bay one's. and they work just fine!

 

You mention "new problem" so take it back to the thieves at the stealership and tell them to fix what they should have fixed when the boots were replaced. Wanton negligence in my opinion.

My $0.02