4 Wheel Drive/SUVs: 1995 Toyota 4Runner Front End Noise, toyota 4runner, wheel bearings
QuestionHi Matt.
I'm at my witts end over this. My 4Runner has 125,000 K on it, no off road ever. Recently I had the front brakes and idler arm changed, among other things...about the time I had the work done, (at a reputable Toyota dealership), the car started making a clanging sound when it goes over the slightest bump. It is definately front end in origin. I've had it back to the dealership twice and after a brief ride they admit they can hear it but have no idea as to the origin. Today they said if I wanted to leave the car they would begin taking it apart until they found the source...at $120.00 per hour! So when I got home I crawled under again and with a rubber hammer tapped on everything I could reach. I took the handle of the hammer and placed it between the half shaft and the tie rod and what do you know, the noise seems to be originating where the shaft enters the wheel. Both sides have movement, but the passenger side seems to move more, and seems to make noise similat to what I'm hearing. Is this normal? I've searched the archives of questions people have written in, and I don't see anyone else with this complaint. Is this a normal occurance? It hasn't always made the noise so I would suspect not, I've rarely used the 4 wheel drive so I can't see how those joints could be worn out. Could it have something to do with the brake job that was done? I'm worried it might not be safe to drive, but I don't feel confident taking it back to the dealership any more. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thank you ever so much.
Karl Rutka
AnswerKarl,
The dealer had to take the brake rotors apart to get them off to machine the surface. This requires removing the wheel bearings which support the CV axle to the front wheels. Something didn't get replaced properly. You need to take it to an independant shop for repairs but let them know tha you know what is going on and not to fool around with you.
Matt
