Hey guys quick question about some noise coming from my 1995 SR5 4x4, 5spd 4runner. Okay here is the thing its been like below freezing here in Kansas for the last week or so and thats when I started to notice a weird kind rubbing/friction sound coming from the front suspension when I take low speed turns. I only drive my 4runner in 2wd so I don't know what the problem may be. I know that my 4runner has always made a popping noise when I turned the steering to the extreme right or left but this rubbing noise is new. Any ideas? Greatly appreciated.


Sadiq Chaudhri

 

If it's a popping noise it's common. It sounds awful but it's no big deal. I believe there's actually mention of it on the 4Runner FAQ about what it technically is.

Basically some part rubbed through and you're rubbing metal and it's more annoying than it is a problem.

Bill

edit:
11. My 2nd gen 4Runner/Truck makes a loud popping/grinding noise when I make a sharp turn. What is this noise?
Don't worry, most of the time this noise is just the steering stops rubbing on each other. Normally there is a plastice cap covering the metal preventing this noise. However, these quickly wear away and fall off. You can get replacement caps for a couple bucks at the dealer, but most people just grease the metal stops, or live with it.

from: http://www.robinhood4x4.com/FAQ.htm

 

Hmm...in this case it sounds like something other than the steering stops since he says:

 

I zoomed right past his popping and replied with mine.

I failed that test eh

 

My 88 4R made a noise like that when I had the wheel cranked and it turned out to be the idler arm.

 

I noticed this one morning when it was -3 outside...it went away after the truck idled for about 5 minutes. Haven't noticed it since and its been even colder than it was then...not sure what it is.

But the popping noise at full turn are the steering stops...mine do it and I just regrease them once they start doin' it again...not big deal

Fink

 

I had an 85 Land Cruiser that would do a similar thing. My motor mounts were shot and every time I made a turn, the motor would shift and the cooling fan would collide with the shrouding and make an awful grinding sound. I thought it was from the wheel bearings at first, then the transmission until I noticed chunks missing out of the fan.

 

Yeah thanks for the replies. I knew that the popping noise was normal but this new rubbing/friction type sound was new and I was worried. As soon as the weather warms up, I'll get underneath the 4runner and see what the problem is. It goes away after about 5 mins of driving. I dunno if it's serious? Well thatnks for the help guys.

Sadiq

 

Ive had the same problem when its really cold but when the truck warms up its fine. It also only happens when the hubs ARE locked so it would be something with the front cv's right. Its only happened to me when its REALLY cold.

 

resurrecting a 5 year thread because my 4 runner is doing the same!

 

Mine started doing this after lifting it a few months ago. Today I noticed the noise has gotten way worse and the inner CV boots are leaking.

It likes to chirp over bumps as it articulates regardless of weather I turn or not. Low speed mainly and happens more when one wheel hits more of a bump than the other.