Hello,

I have a 1997 4 Runner SR5 4WD.

I drive in the city alot and the roads are really bad.

When driving on roads that have small continious bumps at around 20-35 MPH, a high pitch squeaking noises comes from underneth the front end of the car.

I have visually inspected the suspension area and nothing appears to be damage or loose.

Has anyone had this problem, know what it could possible be, or have any relevant information on this?

Your help would be greatly appreciated.

-tunaslaughter

 

Tuna,

I had a very similar problem, though the noise was coming from the rear. After several clueless weeks, I found out quite by accident that its that one of my rear seats was not fully locked into position. The seatbelt was preventing it from being fully closed. Once cleared, i slammed the seat into the locked position and voila, no more squeak. Try that.

If not, write back and I'll try to think of something elsethat might cause that problem.

Bob

 

Does it sound like a brake hiss? Sometimes, even if you are not braking, the caliper hardware (and wear indicators) can create this noise if the brake pads are almost completely gone.

 

Welcome aboard new member!!

A high pitched squeak on bumps as you describe is usually a suspension or body mount bushing. They are rubber and over time the dry out or get brittle and start to make noise. Listen closely for certain bumps that make it squeak more or less or not at all to help locate where its coming from exactly.

The guys with money to burn usually replace all the bushings with polyeurathane ones. Its much more durable than rubber and won't get brittle in the trucks lifetime. Most who do this report much better ride quality in addition to being quieter.

 

I have the same problem from the left rear side. I have not isolated it yet, but one way to do so is to bang around with a rubber mallet while under the truck.

 

Thanks to all who replied. This seems like a great site for 4 Runner lovers/owners.

Bob - It wasn't the seat.

Preston - Pretty sure it's not the brakes. Had break job/check not too long ago. Car breaks fine.

Weezer - I think it may the the bushings. Going to look into that this weekend. They are probably dried out as I live where it is super hot in the summers....Houston

96 Runner - I am going to use the rubber mallet method to check to see if it is indeed the bushings.

I will let ya know of my results. Thanks to all.

tunaslaughter

 

I live inside the loop. In the Montrose Museum District. If you know that area, you know the streets are messed up.

 

Do you happen to have a factory hood/bug deflector up front? It makes a lot of high-pitched squeaks over bumps and such, as the plastic type they use flexes & squeaks horribly.

 

Thanks everybody for your input. One of you guys were right. The front end bushings are worn out. I will get them replaced when I get new shocks and springs.

THANKS