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86-95 Trucks & 4Runners 2nd/3rd gen pickups, and 1st/2nd gen 4Runners with IFS

Finding the source of a troubling noise- tricks

Old Jul 24, 2009 | 09:06 PM
  #1  
Matt16's Avatar
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Finding the source of a troubling noise- tricks

How would I find where a creaking noise is coming from? I am thinking about spraying each bushing, joint and connection in my front suspension one at a time with WD40 to find the source of a creaking noise I have.

Might as well add, due to the title of the thread:

how to find and exhaust leak
Take a couple feet of garden hose or 1/2" fuel hose, put one end up against your ear, and move the other end around the exhaust system- when you near the source of the noise, it will sound very distinctly like a helicopter. It is very easy to find exhaust leaks with this method.
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Old Jul 24, 2009 | 09:13 PM
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From: Bellevue WA
Originally Posted by Matt16

how to find and exhaust leak
Take a couple feet of garden hose or 1/2" fuel hose, put one end up against your ear, and move the other end around the exhaust system- when you near the source of the noise, it will sound very distinctly like a helicopter. It is very easy to find exhaust leaks with this method.

also soapy water poured on the connections will produce bubbles at leak (dont pour on a hot engine )
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Old Jul 24, 2009 | 10:13 PM
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I would use something else like silicone spray on your rubber bushings. Nothing petroleum based. It breaks down rubber.

Another thing you might try is have someone walk along your rig while you run over some bumps and recreate that creak. They might be able to at least pinpoint what area its coming from.
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Old Jul 25, 2009 | 12:55 AM
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From: Temecula Valley, CA
Is it possible to give any less information?

Synopsis: "How can I find the source of a creaking noise?"

Well....
If it does it when you turn the steering wheel: the ball joints, tie rod ends, etc. (everything that moves when you turn the wheel) need inspected as well as the steering pump, belts....
If it does it when you're rolling: wheel bearings, brake pads, calipers....
If it does it when you hit bumps: upper / lower control arm bushings, ball joints, sway bar end links or frame mounts.

If you're standing still / not moving: the truck is posessed.
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Old Jul 25, 2009 | 01:36 AM
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Already found the source of this particular. I was more interested in the process than the result here.

The heim joints I use for sway-bar endlinks (quick disco's) had loosened off a bit allowing some play the heim joint and the sway-bar. The other side has a bent IFS bracket than makes contact with the LCA by the bushings. The noise is silenced by rain and lube.
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