Hey guys I have a 94 4runner and I have noticed that my front end is really rattlie on rough road and lately after a hard romping I have noticed something that sounds like a binding or something in my steering or suspension when turning left. It does it when turning kinda fast and I think when the drivers tire travels up or down in the suspension cycle. I am going on a long trip in a week and I dont want to have something faulty in my front end. I couple of months ago It got new ball joints(4) and idler arm but I think that stuff is o.k. Does anyone have any ideas. Should I take it to Les Schwabs or the Dealership to have it checked out?

ps. sorry for the long post

 

Your rattling is most likely worn-out inner spindle bushings. Does the noise you hear while turning occur when the wheel is turned all the way to one side? If so, smearing grease on the steering stops will correct the noise.

 

No its not turned all the way. And Its not hitting the stops. The noise is really quick---and kinda sounds like when the stops hit though. Gosh now your making me second guess myself-hmmm. I still think that its not the stops though. Does anyone have any other ideas. Could I have bent something in the steering linkage? As for the spindle noise could I feel that If I grabed it with my hand and jiggled it?

 

Yes, grab the cv and give 'er a jiggle. If you have play, the bushings are worn. Grease the stops anyway, it certainly couldn't hurt.

 

There's another thread on here about how to replace the bushings with needle bearings. Looked pretty straightforward, but requires a machine press. Search on spindle bushing.

 

Hey guys I just wanted to fill you in on my findings. I found that one of the bushings that goes on the underside of the A-arm for the sway bar link had rotted and broken out so my sway bar linkage was very loose. I put on new rubber bushings and all is well. Thanks for your suggestions guys!