Tundra front axel noise, rattle, clunk...

Stew's_TRD · #1 (**permalink**) 02-16-2006, 01:57 PM

Hey guys,

I finally figured it out. I've got an '03 Tundra AC 4x4 with DR coilovers and TC uppers. I remember the first time after my suspension upgrade that I took it off road there was a clunking sound from the drivers side suspension when going over bumps. I recently started realizing that it's getting worse, I hear it alot more when hitting pot holes on the road.

So my theory now is that the clunking is coming from the front axels. Not sure if it's designed this way, or it's slop, or a loose connection, but I've got play in the axel. I can move each axel back and forth (in and out) of the CV boot and recreate the sound that has been bugging me.

Does anyone know the cause here? Is this a safety issue? Something I can fix or just live with?

Thanks,

Stew

Stew's_TRD · #2 (**permalink**) 02-17-2006, 08:06 PM

I'm surprised that nobody has this "something's not right" sound comming from their front suspension. I guess I do have a problem.

NolesTundra · #3 (**permalink**) 02-24-2006, 12:49 AM

Stew,
I've had the same rattle you're describing since I put on my Donahoe's about a year ago. I haven't had any problems yet, but I still notice the rattle. I bought a diff drop kit hoping that it might help, but haven't installed yet. I'll let you know if it fixes the problem.

Stew's_TRD · #4 (**permalink**) 02-24-2006, 12:03 PM

Thanks for the response. I do have a diff drop too, forgot to mention that. I called around and ORW mentioned that the uniball might be clunking in the upper control arm, so I greased it up good with white lithium grease but the sound is still there. I can't tell yet if it is less noticeable, maybe the grease needs a chance to distribute in there and lube up...will keep you all posted.

helica · #5 (**permalink**) 03-04-2006, 10:59 PM

This is crazy that you mention this! I have the donahoe coilovers and I too notice this problem! Especially when going slow-speeds over speed bumps, or over especially bad pavement.

Anyone know what this is? I've checked several times and everything is tight as can be, as far as I can tell.

I have my donahoes set at 2", and I have a 1" diff drop for the front.

Stew's_TRD · #6 (**permalink**) 03-05-2006, 02:11 PM

That's the one, it's more noticable at slow speeds because you can't hear it over the sound of the engine and cabin noise at higher speed. I don't notice it when the radio's on either. Lubing the uni-ball by the way was not a fix.

Have any of you (that hear it) tightened your coilovers? I'm gonna pull back my CV boots today and take a look/lube.

NolesTundra · #7 (**permalink**) 03-06-2006, 10:33 PM

I have mine going in on Friday for the diff. drop kit. I guess it won't fix the noise, but the off-road shop that's doing the work will try and diagnose it. I'll let you know if they find anything. Based on the feedback, I'm starting to think it's internal to the Donahoes.

Stew's_TRD · #8 (**permalink**) 03-07-2006, 11:57 AM

I think you might be right. Have you cranked up your coilovers? If so, could it be the donahoe topping out? It's hard to beleive but I'm running out of ideas...I looked around the suspension and linkage Saturday and can't find anything.

helica · #9 (**permalink**) 03-07-2006, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stew's_TRD

I think you might be right. Have you cranked up your coilovers? If so, could it be the donahoe topping out? It's hard to beleive but I'm running out of ideas...I looked around the suspension and linkage Saturday and can't find anything.

Mine are set at 2", which is how they came to me from Donahoe.

NolesTundra · #10 (**permalink**) 03-08-2006, 12:04 AM

I haven't tried to crank on them yet, but I thought about dropping them about a 1/2 inch to see if that made a difference. I too had mine installed at the factory setting and they told me I got about 2.25" when it was all said and done.

Stew's_TRD · #11 (**permalink**) 03-08-2006, 12:39 PM

That might be a good test (to crank them down). I've got mine cranked up quite a bit on the left side to compensate for the driver's side sag (due to gas tank, extra wieght, etc.) and a few turns on the passanger side. It never seemed to matter though as far as lift is concerned, my driver side measurement has always been 1/2" lower than the passenger side.

NolesTundra · #12 (**permalink**) 03-10-2006, 06:10 PM

I got the diff drop installed today and the noise is still there. They said they were able to duplicate the noise, but were pretty sure it wasn't internal to the Donahoe's. They had guys rocking the truck back and forth with a stethoscope on the upper a-arm, lower a-arm, coilover, etc. and still could not locate it. Now I don't know where to look next.

tundo · #13 (**permalink**) 03-29-2006, 12:53 AM

I have an identical noise to what you are talking about. Started happening right after I installed my 2" spacer lift. I do believe that it is the CV shaft slipping in and out of the differential. I have been considering buying adjustable coilovers but need some more input from others? Anyone have any ideas?

Ryan

HBjeff · #14 (**permalink**) 03-29-2006, 06:16 PM

the CV shafts don't slip into the diff, they are just bolted to it on a hub

Corporal Punisher · #15 (**permalink**) 03-31-2006, 11:54 AM

I posted a message about his on another thread but thought I should do it here as well.

The clunking that you are hearing is coming from the diff.

If you haven't riped your CV boots, don't worry, you will soon. I've gone through two sets, with a diff. drop kit in.

Fact is, toyota diff can't handle the angle degree created by a 2-2.5inch lift. You would need a one piece sub frame (RCD or TC) to completly lower the diff.

I've had nothing but problems with my 4x4 DC, so I just went ahead and did a 6" RCD.

The other problem I ran into is, not only is it impossible to drop the diff any lower without getting all the other equipment, but there is no after market oversized boot for the CV joint to have more flexibility.

My advice is to get the subframe, and new ball joints if you want to keep the lift, other wise your going to have significant problems with you front diff.