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Clunking sound coming from front end

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by Voss, Dec 22, 2021.

  1. Dec 22, 2021 at 9:59 PM
    #1
    Voss

    Voss [OP] Dust in the wind

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    After the last trip off road I’ve had a loud clunking sound from the front end. Happens often, over small bumps and even on flat roads while turning. The sound is similar to a bad/failing lower ball joint but I replaced mine recently. I’m wondering if bad tie rod end links would make a similar sound? I know mine have tears in their grease pouches…
    80C0E58A-4960-4393-8F22-6D786CBC35FD.jpg

    The clunking happens a lot and doesn’t take much for it to happen. Having replaced the lower ball joints less than 5k miles ago, I’m thinking it’s something else… any ideas of what it could?
     
  2. Dec 22, 2021 at 10:12 PM
    #2
    SouthWestGA

    SouthWestGA New Member

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    Tie rods and upper ball joints can certainly make those noises,as well as worn lower strut mount bushings (the bushing the lower strut bolt goes through)

    Don’t forget bad cv joints too they make noises
     
    DaWhiteTundra and Voss[OP] like this.
  3. Dec 22, 2021 at 10:20 PM
    #3
    Voss

    Voss [OP] Dust in the wind

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    Thanks! Most on that list are fairly new. Between CV and tie rods. Hopefully just the tie rods.
     
  4. Dec 22, 2021 at 10:23 PM
    #4
    SouthWestGA

    SouthWestGA New Member

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    Don’t feel too bad. I replaced everything on my wife’s car front end over the past two years. Except the upper ball joints,i put on some OEM upper control arms gently used ones with low miles. Now 40k later the upper ball joints are knocking lol.
     
    Voss[OP] likes this.
  5. Dec 22, 2021 at 10:28 PM
    #5
    Voss

    Voss [OP] Dust in the wind

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    Ill be happy if it’s the tie rods lol.
     
  6. Dec 22, 2021 at 10:29 PM
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    MS22

    MS22 New Member

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    I had a clunking in the front end and turned out to be a sway bar link. Good luck hopefully nothing too bad
     
  7. Dec 22, 2021 at 10:34 PM
    #7
    Voss

    Voss [OP] Dust in the wind

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    I’ll check their torque. Never know
     
  8. Dec 23, 2021 at 3:38 AM
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    Tundra2

    Tundra2 Zoinked

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    I had a clunk that occurred only when I was moving left to right. (Turning) Turns out one of the two bolts holding the lower control arm on was loose on the drivers side. :eek2:

    The frame is slotted to allow the cam sleeves to move the arm into a differing positions to set your alignment. My issue is the cam plate gad come completely out of the channels which allowed free play. Oooooof.

    Link to what I be talking bout https://www.tundras.com/threads/wha...t-gen-tundra-today.2558/page-964#post-2240266
     
    Last edited: Dec 23, 2021
    DaWhiteTundra, Voss[OP] and w666 like this.
  9. Dec 23, 2021 at 5:31 AM
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    Jack McCarthy

    Jack McCarthy Working remotely from the local pub

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    Stabilizer links?
     
    Voss[OP] likes this.
  10. Dec 23, 2021 at 12:51 PM
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    nickrick78

    nickrick78 New Member

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    It could be any part in the steering or suspension. Best thing to do is have someone bounce the truck up and down and/or have them wiggle the steering wheel back and forth, while you look underneath at each part for excessive movement
     
  11. Dec 23, 2021 at 12:52 PM
    #11
    JLS in WA

    JLS in WA New Member

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    It’s not just torque, the end links go bad.
     
  12. Mar 17, 2024 at 10:47 AM
    #12
    Brian2170j

    Brian2170j New Member

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    My 2006 Tundra drove me crazy for a couple years with the front end clunking when turning. Came across a post from someone, amd wanted to pass on the great tip. Check the four bolts of the cross member that attatch to the transmission. All four of mine were loose and causing the clunk. Hope this helps someone else. Wish I could find the person who made the post and and give credit to the person that helped me.
     
  13. Mar 17, 2024 at 10:55 AM
    #13
    shifty`

    shifty` I’ll teabag a piranha tank

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    (see signature for truck info)
    This is only true for 2WD trucks. It's one of many topics covered in the megathread in the sticky section at the top of this 1st gen forum, which if you haven't read yet, you should...
     
    Diablo169 likes this.

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