I have a 1992 4Runner and it has the infamous problem of making a noise when I turn. However, my situation tends to differ from those turned up when I search for info on this. First of all, the sound for me is more like a "popping" noise. Does this mean anything? Also, this popping noise occurs sometimes even if the wheel is not all the way locked, but close to it.

Am I looking at a different problem here or the same thing?

 

mine made the same noise i think. sqeak, pop

 

It sounds like it to me. My '90 truck use to do that a lot, and of course I did not know what it was back then.

After I got the Runner in '98, it's never done it once.
I bet Toyota puts lube on it everytime it goes in for the oil change.

Try putting some heavy grease on the end stops and see if that clears it up.

You can see the black cap on mine just to the right of the tire near the bottom.



You can see where it hits the lower A arm too. Just dab some grease on both spots and see if that fixes the noise or not.

 

Mine pop more than the squeek.

The only other thing is if your ball joints are shot or dry... try lubing them if you haven't recently.

Also remember that there are 4 stops, not just two so make sure you put some grease on all of them. If they're not adjusted properly one side might hit before the other and cause the squeek before it feels like you're at full lock.

 

Thanks for the replies! I'm glad to know that I don't have a bigger problem than that. I'll go get some grease and lube them up and if that doesn't work, I'll take it into the dealer.

 

on my accord, it was a bad cv boot...maybe that's it?? i could be wrong...just a stab at it

 

Does it make this popping/grinding noise when not turning hard all the way? If so is it just on one side of the front end or on both, or can you even tell?

If it hapens when you turn normally (not fully cranked) mabey increased as you turn and go over rougher road. Anyways if this is happening more than just when you are fully cranked it could not be your stops.

I have a friend w/a '90 runner and she has nutorius troubles with her stering knuckles. The seals interferance surface is all screwed up and they do not hold grease. They then dry out and start making terrible noises.

Anyways just an Idea

Good Luck

 

Ok, well I took a look and here's what I found:



So it looks like I found the problem! Look how worn down the stops are! Is this a problem? Do I need to do more than just grease them?

 

From looking at your photo, it looks like you were underneath and shot the drivers side?

All you need to do is dab grease on that, and the plastic stop by your tire like in my photo.

Your cap may not be on though, and that is OK, Just dab grease on that part too.
Corey

 

Yes, sorry...I didn't even look at the picture between when I shot it and when I posted it. Where can I get those plastic caps?

 

You can get them at the dealer for $5 each I think, but it's a rip off.
You don't need them really. Most folk's just smear the grease where the caps use to be, as the caps will wear down.

I'm not even sure if I have the caps. I'll have to look later as that photo I took was from a few years ago.
Corey

 

That gouge you're seeing in the steering stop pad things is normal, I've yet to see a rig without that on the stops.