Popping noise from the front end after upgrading tires

Nees1212

New Member
Mar 1, 2018
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I have a 2004 that I recently put 5100s on the front set to the middle notch. At the same time, I had new sway bar end links and steering rack bushings installed along with a small spacer on the rear coils. It road and drove so much better. I had this setup with the 265/65r17 tires for about 2 or 3 weeks. I then upgraded to 275/70r17. For a little over a week, I had no issues at all. It drove great. This past weekend, a popping sound developed in the front end that you can feel through the floorboard at times. It sounds like it’s coming from the passenger side. It occurs when turning on uneven pavement and occasionally going straight and hitting dips in the road. It doesn’t occur when hitting small potholes or manhole covers that are recessed below the pavement some. I looked under the truck and saw my inner cv axle boots were leaking some grease. I repacked them and put new clamps on yesterday. No more leaks, but the noise is still there. I got up under there and everything appears tight. There’s no play in the tie rod ends, steering rack, or sway bar. I lifted the front passenger side off the ground and there isn’t any play in the tire top to bottom. Left to right there is the tiniest bit of play (less than 1/2 inch). There was the slightest bit of grease on the ball joint boot, but I don’t know how long it’s been there. I have no clue what could be causing the noise. Anyone have any ideas on what else I could check? The noise is almost like something binding and then popping loose.
 

Nees1212

New Member
Mar 1, 2018
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Thanks. I’ll double check that. If they are hitting, is there any fix for that?

I ended up just taking it into the shop this afternoon. They cannot find anything wrong with it other than the sway bar bushings being shot and the need for some rear shocks. Both items on my to-do list. Ball joints and tie rod ends are in good shape. Axles appear good although they did give me a little crap about my hose clamps on the inner boots.
 

Nees1212

New Member
Mar 1, 2018
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Shop cannot find anything wrong with the front suspension. Spindle isn’t hitting the coil. I’m completely stumped on what it could be.
 

Nees1212

New Member
Mar 1, 2018
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Loose heat shield for the cats?

No. Just fixed that rattle not to long ago. This seems like something popping free. It didn’t start until after I got my tires on, but that can be pure coincidence. I marked up multiple areas to make sure nothing is rubbing. I do have to take it back in this week as after putting in new pads yesterday, I found that my tires are wearing unevenly in the front. It looks like they have them set with a positive camber causing the outer edges to wear quickly.
 

DoLittleDailey

New Member
Feb 2, 2017
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After I lifted mine it started making the same, or similar, noise. Regular mechanic couldn't diagnose. Took it to a front end and alignment specialist. My issue ended up being the LCA bushings.
 

Nees1212

New Member
Mar 1, 2018
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After I lifted mine it started making the same, or similar, noise. Regular mechanic couldn't diagnose. Took it to a front end and alignment specialist. My issue ended up being the LCA bushings.

Awesome, thank you! I was back up under there tonight, and I did find that a bolt was broken on my skid plate. That is part of the noise I’ve been hearing lately. I’ll look into getting those replaced.
 

Nees1212

New Member
Mar 1, 2018
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44
After I lifted mine it started making the same, or similar, noise. Regular mechanic couldn't diagnose. Took it to a front end and alignment specialist. My issue ended up being the LCA bushings.

Just wanted to say ‘thank you.’ I had the bushings replaced over the weekend. Everything was seized up in there. Now there’s no more popping sounds.
 
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DoLittleDailey

New Member
Feb 2, 2017
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Just wanted to say ‘thank you.’ I had the bushings replaced over the weekend. Everything was seized up in there. Now there’s no more popping sounds.
This community has helped me in the past, I'm glad I was able to return the favor! Your welcome, take care.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
 

Whocares

Recognized Member
Mar 28, 2018
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Just wanted to say ‘thank you.’ I had the bushings replaced over the weekend. Everything was seized up in there. Now there’s no more popping sounds.
Did you buy a new control arm? If so, did it come with the bushings?
 

Elkynut

New Member
Nov 18, 2018
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Just wanted to say ‘thank you.’ I had the bushings replaced over the weekend. Everything was seized up in there. Now there’s no more popping sounds.

How many miles were on your Sequoia when you lifted it? Ours has 102k and lift kit is coming soon (good ole Dobinson backorders). Thanks!
 

GTV

Active Member
Dec 5, 2018
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I had the exact same noise in my ‘00 2WD Tundra after leveling the front with 5100’s a few years ago. When you raise the front suspension the sway bar end links are now too short and it puts them in a bad angle with the sway bar. Mine ended up snapping two brand new end links. I picked up links that were 1” longer and the issue went away.
 

Adam

New Member
May 19, 2017
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I had the exact same noise in my ‘00 2WD Tundra after leveling the front with 5100’s a few years ago. When you raise the front suspension the sway bar end links are now too short and it puts them in a bad angle with the sway bar. Mine ended up snapping two brand new end links. I picked up links that were 1” longer and the issue went away.

Do you know where you picked up longer links? Having same problem and notice my sway bar and end links are at a compromised angle.