I’m concerned: popping noises coming from front driveer side

after my concern the other night about a pop and reduced quality ride that we all chalked up as ice buildup, but now I’m getting a very significant popping noise coming from the front driver side wheel area.

Symptoms:

• Popping when turning primarily right, yet it’s happening when going straight too
• Stops popping when turning left unless I’m at slower speeds until the steering wheel has gone more than 39 degrees
• Driving straight it pops quieter and less
• Turning right it pops significantly until after 30 degrees and then it really feels like it’s being taxed and gets louder and much more harsh
• Going over bumps when turning right it sounds like there is great potential for breaking, if not already

I’m automotive retarded except for how to drive, but I’m concerned it might be CV issues and am taking it to the dealer in the morning. It’s cold as balls today or I would get under there to trouble shoot.

Anyone have any ideas, and am I in a position of detriment if I drive 80 miles to Denver under these conditions?

@zackbremer @KevinK @csuviper @dcsleeper408 @Hattori @anyoneeslethatcananswerquestions

 

@ColoradoTJ

 

Also, if I’m able to get under there then what am I looking for?

 

Ok. I’ll try it

 

Based of the description I can see it being the CV. Tires rotating it still pops-louder turning right. First thought for me is Right inner side axle..
Do check the BJ's upper and lower for any abnormal play/wear.

 

Grab the wheel and shake it, see if there's any play. Look underneath for any fluids or grease. Visually inspect the upper ball joint/ UCAs and the CV boot as well as tie rod ends. Hope it nothing serious.

 

I tried it but couldn’t detect anything, nor could I replicate the pops. I don’t know enough about what things are suppose to look like under there but don’t see anything dissimilar from the the passenger side. The UCA ball joints look to be in tact, but it’s also not lifted up so with all the tension it seems to be intact from where I stand

 

Would wheeling it potentially be the culprit, because in all transparency I’ve really only put probably 300 miles of heavy off road use on it and only really about 75 of that would be considered “pucker zone”

 

Wish I could but we got a foot of snow last night and I don’t have a garage

 

Just for grins..... you should check the other side too.

 

There’s not a torn boot. I am sharp enough to look at that obvious of diagnostic

 

@ToyTec Lifts any ideas? Could it possibly be a suspension issue or poppy UCA?

 

You don't have something stuck between the wheel and brakes, right?

 

No
That’s what I checked for the other night, and i washed it last night with the hot water pressure washer DIY bay hoping it was ice buildup.

 

Wanna bring it in for a diagnostics run?

Shoot me a message and I will get with my manager on figuring out the earliest date I can get you in.


Thanks!

 

Yeah, didn't seem likely. You can check the half shaft if you've got someone to help you but I don't think that's it from your description of where you hear the noise. But have someone turn the wheel while you're looking at it and look for play. It's next to the brake master cylinder.

 

Sure! I’m gonna get it to the dealer in the morning in case it’s a CV issue, or nothing related to suspension. But yes, let’s plan on getting it in to you guys too. I have some questions and have some ideas

 

My “half shaft” has been giving me trouble since I was in high school, but I’m not sure that would make turning right a problem

On a serious note, I did have my son turn the wheel and I didn’t notice anything out of the norm, but again, I’m retarded

 

I've been trying to diagnose a popping sound for the last few weeks on mine, too. Mine only happens when brakes are applied and wheels turned left or right while at a standstill. Brought it to a shop and they couldn't pinpoint it. I think I've narrowed it down to CV's or possibly brakes. Changing rotors and pads in the next week, then I'll do CV's if it's still there.

 

How many miles do you have, and when was the last brake job?

 

I'm at 82000. Brakes have never been touched. I did the rears last week, just waiting on one more rotor for the front. All the original rotors look good though, and all the pads still have some meat left. I did notice I have a small tear on one of my lower ball joint boots. I'll replace that later this spring. But in my limited experience, ball joints squeak, creek, and groan rather than pop or click. It's happening on both side of my truck, too.

 

Do you have a TRD skid plate?

 

No
RCI and it’s fit very well for a year already. That was one of my first things to check....loose skids

 

Does it only pop when driving? Not if you're at a standstill just turning the wheels?

 

Just here to make sure you know BJ doesn’t mean blow job.

 

I hear installing ADS eliminates pops.

 

Whats the position of the tie rods and are they clearing the coil seat? That's a rather common thing i see here

 

and they allow you leap tall boulders in a single bound