Needle Bearing “clunk”

I know another needle bearing post. But after going through others it seems everyone has “humming” issues. I don’t have that, but what I do have is a “clunking” noise.

I only hear it when I’m off-road and it sounds exactly like a strut aggressively unloading. You know the sound most coilovers or struts make when they have spacers or a lot preload. Well I’m my case it should not be unloading like that. I just installed the Bilstein 8112 that have the 2 stage rebound bypass that eliminates the feeling of a strut unloading when you come off a rock or dropouts. I seem to only hear it on the drivers side, not the passenger side.

So I guess the question is, do I have a faulty coilover or is my needle bearing toast? Or is sir something else? KDSS? I do have the Dr. KDSS system as well.

 

I have the same clunk from the rear when driving over obstacles with stock shocks. Front is quiet.

 

What makes you ask if the needle bearing could be making these clunking sounds? Sounds like your question is suspension related.

 

Not the needle bearing. No one has described clunking as a symptom, and I've never experienced that in 2 trucks with needle bearings going out either.

Almost certainly suspension related.

 

Left CV axle can do that due to slop in stock design in which needle bearing is crucial component. On the other hand, if you don't have cyclical noise in 2WD then your needle bearing is not worn yet.

 

Do you think it could be the KDSS ram going out? The truck only has 42k on it so I would be surprised if it’s the KDSS RAM. I’m trying to eliminate all possible issues.

If it’s not the bearing, or the KDSS, what else could it be other than the strut?

 

Well when I explained the issue to the vender I purchased the 8112’s from, that was his response. Telling me it’s probably my needle bearing going out. So I figured I would post on here to see if anyone else has had similar problems.

 

Of course the 8112 vendor is not going to say it's the part they sold you...

 

I have no knowledge of KDSS. I just know what it's not!

 

KDSS cylinder can Clank in cold weather but goes away during warm season. Not an issue or malfunction, just the way it works sometimes. Do this trick: climb under the front of your rig, grab left CV axle and wiggle whole thing side to side. Is it same Clank you are hearing?

 

Funny story, I told my buddy to get under the 4runner, grab the drivers CV, and push up and down…. When he gives it a yank, immediately I hear “oh that’s bullshit!!”

So I suppose it could clank if it’s loose enough.

 

It was in the low 40’s not sure if that’s cold enough weather? But I’ll get under it this afternoon and see if there is any slop in the CV.

 

I think all have slop to some degree. Just a matter of how much.

But if it was loose enough to clunk, you would definitely have to be hearing the regular needle bearing sound in 2wd.

 

My groaning/clanking noise is definitely from the front passenger side drive train (not driver side). When you take your foot off the accelerator or down the slope urban/city roads. Really bad in cold weather

Apart from that I have grown to like the TRD Sports

 

@LuLu have you checked the front wheel well liners? Those things are sneaky bastards, and make all sorts of outsized noises if the retaining pins dont hold them tight in the holes. If you put a zip tie on them and you still hear that noise, definitely keep taking it in until the dealer does something about it.

I seriously doubt these needle bearings ever get bad enough to be the source of clanking. And if it was (Im not saying it is) Id have the damn thing towed in for that, as I would worry worry a CV being loose enough to clank is a sign of imminent catastrophic failure.

 

@McSpazatron ... Thanks for the advice. I did act on your suggestion. Armed with a 10MM to tighten all nuts and bolts in all the Wheel Wells. Most were in fact loose. Some Plastic pins were also loose. Weather permitting. I will look under that passenger wheel again this evening.

I haven't driven it yet. Because i work remotely from home. Will drive at lunchtime to ascertain any positive changes.

As a side Note - Does anyone know how to permanently disable the Door Auto unlock when you approach the vehicle.?

I keep all keys in a faraday pouch now.