clicking noise

[spindleshanks]

Well, my local dealer R&R'd my ball joints free of charge according to the Toyota recall. But they left me a new noise in the process. About 45mph a clicking noise begans to emanate from driver's side front wheel area, very distinct with the window open, getting louder until it peaks at about 55mph. It presumably continues on up to 60 and 70 mph, but I can't hear it from the road noise. The noise is purely vehicle speed dependent, and does not change with RPM. Sounds like a CV joint to me, but the boots are fine. Upon closer inspection with wheel removed, there is nothing visible that might cause the clicking; no rocks in the tire tread or in any of the brake components, and no sign of any components rubbing on each other. Also, the dealer broke one of my ventvisors, although to Pedersen Toyota's credit, they are buying and installing me a replacement. Any ideas on the noise? I'm obviously gonna bring it back to the dealer this week and hold them accountable (I'm under full warranty too), but I'd like to throw this out there and see what sticks.

[AK98Taco]

Jack up the front of the truck (use jackstands). Grab a tire at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock and try to rock it back and forth. Repeat for other tire. If there is play, the wheel bearing is done for.

[Commutacoma]

I had a similar problem and it was a wheel bearing in my case. I ignored it long enough that I had the pleasure of spending an extra $200 for an ABS sensor.

[spindleshanks]

Yeah, the Toyota folks are inspecting it as we speak, and I'm eagerly waiting to see what creative bullshit they come up with to blame the problem on me. They'll sell their own mother to avoid paying warranty.

[spindleshanks]

check out this thread on the national site...This problem is huge! Although, it's apparent from the entries on the thread that we're dealing with at least two separate problems.

[spindleshanks]

Those bastards still can't figure out this clicking noise. I need some real technicians' advice here. The tech at Pedersen Toyota was stumped. Tried everything. Here's what we've found:
The clicking noise was not picked up by the electronic ears, so it wasn't coming from the brakes, from the transmission, or from any obvious source.
The noise could not be replicated on the lift, so it's dependent on the load of the vehicle on the suspension.
When I jerk the steering wheel left at highway speeds, it unloads the driver's side suspension, and the clicking stops for a split second while the load is off that wheel.
The tech says the bearings are sealed and wouldn't make the noise.
The tire folks tell me it couldn't be a separated belt, because that would make a thump not a click.
The next step for me is to throw some OE size tires and wheels on at the dealership and see if the noise is eliminated. Then rotate the tires at Big-O and see if there is a difference in the noise.
I'm thinking a wheel speed sensor maybe. I just wish it would get worse, or maybe something would finally give and cause a catastrophic failure of some sort so that I'll at least know the source of the noise. I'm goin' crazy here!

[blown4runner]

That's a confusing one. Without being able to test the veh it is very hard to diagnose. You are sure Pederson re-checked all their work (ie. ball joints are torqued down to proper spec, cottor pins are all in and secured, etc.)? It is obvuiously something to do with suspension or possibly tires when they come in contact with the ground... how loud is it??? Give me a few specifics and I will ask around our shop. :o

[spindleshanks]

The tech at Pedersen and I took a test drive, and he was flat stumped. Every tech in the place had put in their 2 cents, and every idea I could think of had been tried. The noise is a clicking noise, purely vehicle speed dependent. I won't know any more than what I've already posted until I try some other wheels and tires on the truck. But the timing is suspicious, I noticed the noise distinctly the day after I got the truck back from the ball joint r&r. They don't think it's anything they did. (Of course they wouldn't) But the tech was honest and didn't try to jerk me around. I'm bringing the thing back this week. The clicking noise sounds just like something on the tire, a sort of hollow "klip klip klip". Of course there is nothing stuck on the tire, and the noise only exists between 38 and 55 mph.

[blown4runner]

Well swapping tires is a good simple way to start. I will ask around, there's one guy I work with that may know, he is like Toyota tech God (Toyota national skills competion winner, on the board of ASEs, etc). Timing can be a little weird, but this type of thing doesn't happen a whole lot. Not to question the repair made or the tech, but I would make sure that they truly re-check everything. Everyone is human.

[blown4runner]

Ok, it is really hard to diag something we've nevergotten to test or even see. But I did get a suggestion to check the zerks on your driveshaft. More specifically the reccessed center zerk on your rear driveshaft where it butts up against your t/case. This one tends to get missed a lot because it is kind of a pain to get to. When you go back have them lube your zerks (all of them). Because it is load and speed sensitive it narrows the parts to be inspected. Let me know what they find...

[AK98Taco]

Rack it, get it up to speed, see if the noise is present. If that doesn't work, swap your rolling stock.

You might try the NVH attachment for the scantool, and calling TAS might help, if you haven't done so already.

[blown4runner]

Rack it, get it up to speed, see if the noise is present. If that doesn't work, swap your rolling stock.

You might try the NVH attachment for the scantool, and calling TAS might help, if you haven't done so already.


I know you are trying to help, but as a cust (as this person we are replying to is) he cannot call TAS, he most likely do not have a scan tool let alone an NVH attachment, he probably doesn't even know what TAS or NVH stand for. I have never seen anyone use the NVH section of their scan tool either. The technicians working on his truck have already determined that it is load and speed sensitive. So racking it would be going backwards. There is also a reason why they are no longer teaching NVH at the technical training center. As far as rolling stock, that is a very vague terminology for anything that rotates when the veh is running (ie. tires, axles, hubs, bearing, diffs, driveshafts, transmission components, etc.). T-Ten is a great program as is most college lead auto clases, but real world is much different. Classes are basically set in place to help you pass ASEs and give you basic knowledge of the components on automobiles. Trying to diag a veh without being able to test it can be very difficult. :2cents:

[spindleshanks]

Rack it, get it up to speed, see if the noise is present. If that doesn't work, swap your rolling stock.

You might try the NVH attachment for the scantool, and calling TAS might help, if you haven't done so already.


Racking it was one of the first things we tried. Like I said above, the noise would not replicate while the load was off the suspension. They've got a regional toyota specialist of some sort coming in next week and they're gonna have him check it out. As for NVH and TAS, I'm familiar with both. Some of my college buddies did their time on the phones in Torrance doing the management training for Toyota to become DSM's and such.

[AK98Taco]

I know you are trying to help, but as a cust (as this person we are replying to is) he cannot call TAS, he most likely do not have a scan tool let alone an NVH attachment, he probably doesn't even know what TAS or NVH stand for. I have never seen anyone use the NVH section of their scan tool either. The technicians working on his truck have already determined that it is load and speed sensitive. So racking it would be going backwards. There is also a reason why they are no longer teaching NVH at the technical training center. As far as rolling stock, that is a very vague terminology for anything that rotates when the veh is running (ie. tires, axles, hubs, bearing, diffs, driveshafts, transmission components, etc.). T-Ten is a great program as is most college lead auto clases, but real world is much different. Classes are basically set in place to help you pass ASEs and give you basic knowledge of the components on automobiles. Trying to diag a veh without being able to test it can be very difficult. :2cents:

I was referring to TAS because of the amount of time he's spent with techs at dealerships; they should be calling TAS before using anymore of his time.

The NVH tool was just a joke. The people at Lexus TAS couldn't help us (my mentor tech and me) understand the readout on the scantool or the applications of the tool.

Racking it may not be a complete waste of time. You can still attain the same "speed" while on the rack, even if there is no load, and the noise may be recreated. It also takes very little time to do. My mentor tech and I used this tactic many times for noises and vibrations.

I wanted to say tires, but mean the entire assembly, not just swap tires onto the same wheels, so I said rolling stock. I apologize.

Thank you for belittling the education I've been getting from a program that is rumored to be one of the best in country and which has cost my parents several thousands of dollars thus far ;) I know real world experience is what makes the tech, but the techs he's been talking to obviously haven't cracked the code on his problem.

I'm learning, and what I've learned in T-TEN isn't the basis of my understanding of automobiles; it's merely a formal education.

[AK98Taco]

Racking it was one of the first things we tried. Like I said above, the noise would not replicate while the load was off the suspension. They've got a regional toyota specialist of some sort coming in next week and they're gonna have him check it out. As for NVH and TAS, I'm familiar with both. Some of my college buddies did their time on the phones in Torrance doing the management training for Toyota to become DSM's and such.

Cool, man. Just thought I'd throw that out there. I apologize for adding TAS and NVH without explaining what they were. I should have assumed you wouldn't understand (though you ended up being familiar with them).

I'm glad they are sending out a specialist. The one big problem that my mentor tech and I attacked this summer ended up costing Lexus a lot of money because they suggested replacing parts rather than just sending out a specialist, even though my mentor is reputed to be the best Lexus tech in the Northwest.

Good luck with it. I wish I could have been of more use.

[blown4runner]

I was referring to TAS because of the amount of time he's spent with techs at dealerships; they should be calling TAS before using anymore of his time.

The NVH tool was just a joke. The people at Lexus TAS couldn't help us (my mentor tech and me) understand the readout on the scantool or the applications of the tool.

Racking it may not be a complete waste of time. You can still attain the same "speed" while on the rack, even if there is no load, and the noise may be recreated. It also takes very little time to do. My mentor tech and I used this tactic many times for noises and vibrations.

I wanted to say tires, but mean the entire assembly, not just swap tires onto the same wheels, so I said rolling stock. I apologize.

Thank you for belittling the education I've been getting from a program that is rumored to be one of the best in country and which has cost my parents several thousands of dollars thus far ;) I know real world experience is what makes the tech, but the techs he's been talking to obviously haven't cracked the code on his problem.

I'm learning, and what I've learned in T-TEN isn't the basis of my understanding of automobiles; it's merely a formal education.


Well to re-state there was never any mention that T-Ten was not a great program. The mention of NVH, etc. was not specified as a joke. College is expensive, my parents spent a crap load sending me. Just because the tech working on this issue hasn't cracked it yet, does not neccessarily mean he is ignorant. Noises can be very hard to isolate at times. But bottom line is my reply was to set straight any possible mis-understanding that could have been taken from your reply.

If you work for Kuni, you must know Fritz... he's a good friend of quite a few techs at our shop and used to work here. And I am sure if you do know him he is quite familiar with John Brekke (MDT, Toyota National Skills Champion and ASE Board of Directors). JB was the one who advised to check the center driveshaft zerk, from the explanation given. We are both just trying to help, and obviously mis-understanding has come of it. ;)

[AK98Taco]

Well to re-state there was never any mention that T-Ten was not a great program. College is expensive, my parents spent a crap load sending me. Just because the tech working on this issue hasn't cracked it yet, does not neccessarily mean he is ignorant. Noises can be very hard to isolate at times. But bottom line is my reply was to set straight any possible mis-understanding that could have been taken from your reply.

I'm just messing with you. I offered some advice. It can be taken or not. Doesn't matter to me.

If you work for Kuni, you must know Fritz... he's a good friend of quite a few techs at our shop and used to work here. And I am sure if you do know him he is quite familiar with John Brekke (MDT, Toyota National Skills Champion and ASE Board of Directors). JB was the one who advised to check the center driveshaft zerk, from the explanation given. We are both just trying to help, and obviously mis-understanding has come of it. ;)

No idea who or what you are talking about. I've only worked at the Lexus shop in Alaska.

I had about 4 hours of lecture from Chuck Gee this week if you've ever heard of him: http://autocenter.weber.edu/ http://www.epa.gov/obd/pubs/experts.pdf http://www.obdclearinghouse.com/

[blown4runner]

Your sense of humor is ascue, but I can't say much better about myself. I figured since you were posting on the CO forum that your lived here... but nevermind

[spindleshanks]

Hey, I really do appreciate all the advice. Your education is highly reputable, and you know it. Thanks for the help.

[blown4runner]

When are you taking your veh in?? I talked to one of our region technical guy we call when we can't figure it out today and was curious about who would be looking at your veh. There are only two of these guys for the area, Roger and Ronnie. Supposidly Ronnie will be the one looking at your veh (he's a good guy). Rog told me to remind him and he'd let me know what they find! I am just curious now :D

[AK98Taco]

Your sense of humor is ascue, but I can't say much better about myself. I figured since you were posting on the CO forum that your lived here... but nevermind

I guess you didn't notice the ;) after I mentioned belittling me.

[blown4runner]

I guess you didn't notice the ;) after I mentioned belittling me.

Its all good... This week has been a long one, between the aches and pains on my sludge motor and the 50J recall alignment rack wars, I am fried.

[spindleshanks]

So, uh, what's Toyota's official stance on the sludge issue...something like "improper maintenance on the part of the owner"? Cracks me up. Is there any way the work they did on that recall could be causing my clicking noise? The tech took the whole thing apart again, redid the alignment and all. He had it 3 more days. In total they've had it for damn near two weeks, on 2 separate occassions for the same symptom. I can't claim lost work pay or anything, because I drive a perfectly reliable Pontiac company car all week. And I don't qualify for lemon law anyway, because the vehicle was not bought new by me. I'm not looking for arbitration or anything, just wanna get the thing fixed! This coming week, I'll be bringing it in for a 3rd time. They're polite as can be about it, and have been shuttling me back and forth between Loveland and Ft. Collins, so I can't complain. I just miss my truck. Blown4runner, you goin shootin wit' us this Sunday? Check out the Pawnee shooting trip thread

[blown4runner]

Hee, hee. Officially... Toyota has had few instances where a person with a 5S-FE or 3VZ-FE Camry, Sienna, etc has a 'gelling' condition in the motor. Mostly due from the fact the person does not drive very extensive lengths and the engine oil never gets truly heated up. Hence why there is a 'SPA campaign' on these certain motors. Unofficially, some idiot is attempting to sue Toyota for their slidge motor so we get to reward opportunists for not changing their oil! There is a another sludge motor that one of the techs is working on that the guy is complaining he wants a rental car because he was given one on his last sludged motor :rolleyes:

Anyhow, this whole clicking noise has gotten me interested. At this point it seems that the technician has re-traced his steps. Out of curiousity have they parts-warrantied out your ball joints (hence replaced them again, in event that the part was faulty)? I am just throwing different things out there. It is seeming less and less likely that the repairs made caused the noise, but then again it is hard telling not knowing. :D Have they had one of the regional guys come out yet? If your didn't live so far away I'd tell you to come down and see our dealership... LOL, that has to be the first time I have referred someone to us for a hard to diag noise! ;)

Anyhow, the shooting trip sounds like a lot of fun. We have been meaning to go shooting all summer long, but never got to it. But, yeah, sure why the hell not. Where is Mulberry and I25? That's where ya all are meeting tomorrow at 10am, right? Hey, then I could listen to your noise! :D

[spindleshanks]

Sounds good. I'll have the Taco there, along with quite a few fun toys. Should be just an hour drive to the meeting place, at exit 269, Hwy 14 E at Ft. Collins.

[blown4runner]

sounds like fun... been wanting to releave a little stress! Anything we need to bring?

[spindleshanks]

If you have anything to shoot up (old computer monitors/TVs, bottles/cans, etc..) bring it along. Bringin' any guns? We can always use 12ga. shotgun shells, .45ACP, etc. I've got $100 worth of ammunition as is so we should be alright. Bring some snacks if ya feel that way. We'll see ya there!

[blown4runner]

Only bringing a 9 and a 22 rifle. Well see ya tomorrow

[spindleshanks]

So, uh...the clicking noise stopped... Yup. Stopped entirely. On the highway yesterday, I heard a thump, something hitting the undercarriage. I thought nothing of it, maybe some road debris or something. It may have been unrelated. But now the clicking is gone, and at some time since I got my ride back from the dealership, it lost its alignment, too. The steering wheel is a few degrees off when I'm driving straight ahead (it's not because of wind or the bank of the road, I tested) so go figure. I'm bringing it back next week for realignment, and til then, I'm just glad the noise is gone.

[blown4runner]

Well stranger shit has happened... As long as the noise is gone, that's all that matters, just hope nothing important fell off ;)

[Lysmachia]

Reminds me of the time (5 weeks ago) that I lost my 4WD in Moab and then it magically fixed itself once I got back to Boulder. We never heard a pop or snap or anything. It's so anoying when something like that happens because then you wonder if it will happen again!

[blown4runner]

So, uh...the clicking noise stopped... Yup. Stopped entirely. On the highway yesterday, I heard a thump, something hitting the undercarriage. I thought nothing of it, maybe some road debris or something. It may have been unrelated. But now the clicking is gone, and at some time since I got my ride back from the dealership, it lost its alignment, too. The steering wheel is a few degrees off when I'm driving straight ahead (it's not because of wind or the bank of the road, I tested) so go figure. I'm bringing it back next week for realignment, and til then, I'm just glad the noise is gone.

Hey, um... out of curiousity there weren't any tools left under your truck after repairs made... such as a wrench in your skid plate???

[DriftinCO]

clicking, clacking and screeching...three of the worst sounds to hear from our trucks

[spindleshanks]

Hey, um... out of curiousity there weren't any tools left under your truck after repairs made... such as a wrench in your skid plate???


Some of the best tools in my box came from careless mechanics...the others I found hitchhiking throught the rural San Luis valley. Suckers!

[blown4runner]

Some of the best tools in my box came from careless mechanics...the others I found hitchhiking throught the rural San Luis valley. Suckers!

Yeah, I've been on the other end of the stick several times. Mostly interior tools like I think I am on my 5th door panel remover tool, left countless pocket screwdrivers in peoples cars. And the sad thing is those tools are probably still rolling around in some clueless woman's minivan covered in all the useless shit they drive around with. Oh well.

[spindleshanks]

Yeah peoples cars are a damn mess. I changed oil when I was in high school, and we repeatedly got yelled at for vacuuming out the ashtray and all the roaches in it.

[blown4runner]

Yeah peoples cars are a damn mess. I changed oil when I was in high school, and we repeatedly got yelled at for vacuuming out the ashtray and all the roaches in it.

Oh man, minivans are the worst... and for as much damn money they spend on those things ya think they would keep them some what livable... half their shit is broken because their damn monekeys have been hanging off every part, touched every button and (tru) shoved coins in the damn CD player... hee, hee and then they expect us to warranty their shit. I'd just love to tell one of them to take responsiblity and get a grip on their fuck trophies. :D

tru story: my mom went to get her minivan detailed and they called it "the van from hell" :eek:

[tacotoy]

tru story: my mom went to get her minivan detailed and they called it "the van from hell" :eek:

youre that bad of a kid? lol

[blown4runner]

youre that bad of a kid? lol

no, I'm a lot worse :D

[tacotoy]

youre still a kid? lol

[blown4runner]

damn straight tootty... I'll always be just a kid :D

[tacotoy]

lol...... im just going to leave that alone lol

[blown4runner]

good cuz, this week has been way to long and is never going to end and I haven't made any sense since last Sun night.

[tacotoy]

i dont think you made any sense sunday night either lol

[blown4runner]

i dont think you made any sense sunday night either lol

true :D Fawk I don't remember the last time I made sense :D

[tacotoy]

huh??????? what did you just say?

[tacotoy]

bla bla bla bla bla bla if you read this far im bored! bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla




this is all we see when you type lol

[blown4runner]

this is all we see when you type lol

exactly :rolleyes: