Klunk mystery solved!!! (for me at least)

justagirl · #1 (**permalink**) 05-01-2008, 08:22 PM

I'm not sure this will help anyone else, but it definitely solved my problem.

I was suffering from the mysterious front end klunk that so many of us have complained about lately. Recently I noticed the klunk was no longer occurring but I could now hear a rattling noise whenever I cornered or accelerated. I figured I was going to have to start dumping money into a new exhaust. I finally took the time to crawl underneath the truck and almost immediately I found that the driver's side stabilizer link was broken. It looks like the bushing and nut eventually stripped right off the threads. It explains the klunk which was obviously the bushing and nut being steadily yanked off the head and the rattle was from the link just flopping loose. I am thrilled and relieved. 25 bucks and the Tundra no longer sounds like a rattle-trap.

dublj · #2 (**permalink**) 05-01-2008, 08:45 PM

got any pics of it?

vando45 · #3 (**permalink**) 05-02-2008, 07:59 AM

I've noticed a klunk lately too, from that same area. Had the dealer do a general check underneath last Fri., but I guess I'm going to have to crawl under and check that specific area.

Do you take your truck to Kool for sevice?

justagirl · #4 (**permalink**) 05-02-2008, 10:41 PM

I do take it to Kool, but only for the major stuff. I had them do the timing belt and water pump replacement. Other than that either myself or a friend has done all the work. I actually purchased the truck in Holland at Crown.

I was so happy to see that this was only a minor issue and one I could fix in just a few minutes time. I did not take pics - it never occurred to me but it was such an obvious thing it would be impossible to miss if it was on your own truck. Just look off to the side of your stabilizer bar and above the tie rod and if it's broken you'll see it.

justagirl · #5 (**permalink**) 05-02-2008, 10:43 PM

I do take it to Kool, but only for the major stuff. I had them do the timing belt and water pump replacement. Other than that either myself or a friend has done all the work. I actually purchased the truck in Holland at Crown.

I was so happy to see that this was only a minor issue and one I could fix in just a few minutes time. I did not take pics - it never occurred to me but it was such an obvious thing it would be impossible to miss if it was on your own truck. Just look off to the side of your stabilizer bar and above the tie rod and if it's broken you'll see it.

I did a search here and found that this was a common issue. While I don't feel I need the heavy duty replacement parts it's cool to see they're available. The 25 dollar part works for me, the OEM lasted 100k the next should make it long enough to suit me.

justagirl · #6 (**permalink**) 05-03-2008, 01:47 PM

Another source of a rattle to be aware of - the bolts on the heat shield surrounding the catalytic converter seem to be prone popping off, either from breaking or just working their way loose, I just noticed three of the four bolts holding the heat shield on are missing. The two halves of the shield are just rattling against each other causing all kinds of noise.

vando45 · #7 (**permalink**) 05-03-2008, 04:56 PM

I had my exhaust clamp loosen up on me recently. It's where the rear half of the exhaust (in my case the TRD exhaust) connects to the front half. Made a lot of racket but it was a cheap fix, easy to do yourself but it was the middle of winter and I didn't feel like crawling underneath it.

Kool sends me coupons just about every month for $19.95 oil changes, for that price it's not worth doing it myself.