I am the new owner of a 93 v6 4x4 pickup. I am trying to track down a little clanky sound in the drivers side front suspension.

So far I have eliminated the shocks and the sway bar as contibuting to this issue (shocks replaced, sway bar removed).

I just ordered new control arm bushings as well as new sway bar bushings and I plan to install those this coming weekend (control arm bushing replacement was a suggestion in another thread).

What I would like to know is what else is a "wear" item in the front suspension that so long as I have the truck on jacks and in pieces I should go ahead and replace?

Thanks

 

Did you check the cv axles? They rattle if they are broken. (internal part)

Just check your bushings up front, they get worn. It wouldn't hurt to regrease your control arm bushings, etc even if they aren't worn.

 

Haven't checked anything beyond the shocks and sway bar to this point. Will the CV axles rattle all the time, or only when the suspension flexes? Might be a good thing to replace anyway while I am in there. Thanks

 

Usually the cv's will only make noticeable noise when you hit a bump or something like that

 

And when you turn too right?

 

Yes, though it wont be as noticeable. Tacomas and IFS toyota trucks in general have a tendency to "pivot" off of the brake caliper bolt. When you turn all the way in one direction, the bottom caliper bolt can make contact with the lower control arm. Don't confuse this popping noise with a broken CV, CV is more of a jiggling noise.

 

Ok, cool

 

I HATE THAT BOLT NOISE!!! You'd think that the tester of the vehicle in the 90s would have turned the wheel all the way.

I think I am going to replace the CVs anyway. It's not expensive and it being a '93, it can only make it better... unless I screw up the install

Thanks for the info, anything else I should replace while in there?

 

Yeah, that noise is annoying, especially when you have long travel, the sound is even louder!

hmmmm not really, just check for oil leaks while your lookin in there....

 

scoop: can you update this thread when you fix the noise, especially if it ISN'T your CV's...i have the same noise and my cv axle is pretty new on the driver's side! not sure what else it could be but it's def. in the left front area that is rattling going over bumps...

 

have you checked the brake pads, to see if they might be missing anti rattle parts? i caught it late i should have said pads instead of shoes.

 

Will do. I should be able to get to it this weekend. We'll see how it goes.


No, I haven't, but I will take a look at them when I have the front end apart.

 

Turns out it was the control arm bushings. I replaced them with some urethane bushings and the clunking happens no more.

I still need to do some adjustments on the torsion bar, but otherwise I am happy with it.

It wasn't an easy DIY, that I will say for sure.

 

Right, thanks! I had a feeling it was a bushing...didn't sound like anything broken, just something-worn-out type rattling.