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Popping Noise in Front End

Discussion in 'General Tundra Discussion' started by PMR, Feb 16, 2018.

  1. Feb 16, 2018 at 7:29 PM
    #1
    PMR

    PMR [OP] New Member

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    South East Tennessee
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    2017 White 1794
    Icon Stage 6 Lift w/ Billet UCAs Icon RXT Leaf Pack Icon Six-Speeds w/ BFGATKO2 285-70-17 TRD Exhaust TRD Sway Bar TRD Skid Plate TRD CAI TDR Shift Knob Weathertech Floor Mats & Window Visors 2018 Tundra LED Headlights Interior and Exterior LED Upgrade
    I know this has been discussed in other threads, but I just experienced it and fixed it based on those threads and wanted a fresh fosho fix thread for others to benefit from.

    I have a '17 1794 with about 8500 miles. at about 2000 miles I installed a Icon Stage 6. I ran the stock wheels with 285/65/20 BFGATKO2's until two weeks ago. I changed the add a leaf springs to the Icon RXT springs (huge improvement) and put on the ICON Six Speed wheels with BFGATKO2 285/70/17's. I chose this size cause I hate cutting and trimming. Ride is perfect. They are also C rated tires which has pros and cons. Pros is the soft ride which far outweighs the cons of a C rated tire.

    Anyway to the main point. Just last week I noticed a true popping noise from the from end specifically at slow speeds when the suspension would flex. This would happen turning into elevated driveways or turning and braking at slow speeds. Today, prior to researching the forum, I re-torqued all the suspension bolts, the lug nuts, and really looked everything over and under. But the popping persisted. I started to freak thinking it was brake caliper related and maybe related to 17" wheels being a tight fit for our big brakes. On this forum I read that it may be the TRD SKID PLATE. YES IT WAS. The rear of the TRD skid plate is mounted directly to the cross member of the frame. There is enough flex in the frame to make some awkward noises and most notably a popping noise against that skid plate.

    FIX - The skid plate does not need to be removed. Just loosen the back two bolts enough to put some high density rubber between the skid plate and the cross member. (Need a 17mm socket and a 17mm boxed wrench for the lock nut). I used that adhesive diamond plate looking rubber that you put of the tongue of a boat trailer so you don't bust your ass. Walmart and Advance sell it in 18" x 5" or so strips. Just cut what you need. Then tighten the two bolts up tight against it, and you are done. Completely silent front end. Will sleep well tonight and can't wait to drive it more tomorrow. Literally a 5 minute fix to some annoying and nerve racking noises.

    Peace Out !!!
     
  2. Feb 16, 2018 at 7:59 PM
    #2
    bobeast

    bobeast really old member

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    Thanks. I'm seeing (or should I say hearing) the exact same symptoms on my 2nd gen to which I added the TRD skid plate. I'll have to give this a try.
     
    Rica25 likes this.
  3. Feb 19, 2018 at 11:01 AM
    #3
    bobeast

    bobeast really old member

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    Hollister, CA
    Vehicle:
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    - Bull Bar - LED Bunny Burners - AMP retractable running boards - Headlight leveling retrofit - P3 Brake Controller - 60% rear seat delete - relocation of Sub to rear wall - Bilstein 5100 x4, top setting with 2 shims per side - Coach builder +2 rear shackles w/carrier bearing drop - Firestone Air bags - on-board compressor with auto-leveling - Dual Undercover Swing Boxes. - P285/65/R20 (34.6") BFG TA KO2's - TRD Front skid plate - Pop & Lock Tailgate lock - Remote Tailgate mod - LED Headlights - Nav Bypass - iPhone integration - Serius/XM retrofit - 25% front tint - Bizon electric tonneau cover - Power folding tow mirror upgrade - 2010+ leveling Headlight mod - Auto-fold mirror mod. - one-touch lane changer mod - Flash to open garage opener mod - Rigid H/L fog light upgrade - Pushbutton / Remote start mod.
    Dude...You are officially my hero! I did this today and the annoying pops and cracks I've been hearing for 6 months are completely gone. Thank you, thank you.....and did I mention thank-you?

    For anyone interested in this "mod", this is what I used.
     
    Tundyfundy, Law323 and Stulloh like this.
  4. Feb 19, 2018 at 11:54 AM
    #4
    Mike's Custom Toys

    Mike's Custom Toys New Member

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    Glad you found it. There is nothing more annoying than tracking down suspension noises
     
    Rica25 likes this.
  5. Feb 19, 2018 at 12:55 PM
    #5
    PMR

    PMR [OP] New Member

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    Icon Stage 6 Lift w/ Billet UCAs Icon RXT Leaf Pack Icon Six-Speeds w/ BFGATKO2 285-70-17 TRD Exhaust TRD Sway Bar TRD Skid Plate TRD CAI TDR Shift Knob Weathertech Floor Mats & Window Visors 2018 Tundra LED Headlights Interior and Exterior LED Upgrade
    bobeast, a previous thread alerted me to what it possible was, so I can't take full credit. I fixed mine Friday night. I was so jacked, I drove in and out of my driveway about midnight soaking up the silence. I woke up Saturday morning like it was Xmas. That popping was annoying and kinda nerve racking. Glad it was so simple..
     
    avssuc and Rica25 like this.
  6. Feb 19, 2018 at 1:09 PM
    #6
    ToyotaTundraMike

    ToyotaTundraMike Not A New Member

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    But what do you do if you have the same symptoms and no skid plate?

    :frusty:
     
    WVI likes this.
  7. Feb 19, 2018 at 9:23 PM
    #7
    bobeast

    bobeast really old member

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    Hollister, CA
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    - Bull Bar - LED Bunny Burners - AMP retractable running boards - Headlight leveling retrofit - P3 Brake Controller - 60% rear seat delete - relocation of Sub to rear wall - Bilstein 5100 x4, top setting with 2 shims per side - Coach builder +2 rear shackles w/carrier bearing drop - Firestone Air bags - on-board compressor with auto-leveling - Dual Undercover Swing Boxes. - P285/65/R20 (34.6") BFG TA KO2's - TRD Front skid plate - Pop & Lock Tailgate lock - Remote Tailgate mod - LED Headlights - Nav Bypass - iPhone integration - Serius/XM retrofit - 25% front tint - Bizon electric tonneau cover - Power folding tow mirror upgrade - 2010+ leveling Headlight mod - Auto-fold mirror mod. - one-touch lane changer mod - Flash to open garage opener mod - Rigid H/L fog light upgrade - Pushbutton / Remote start mod.
    After beating your head into a wall, try spraying some silicon lubricant spray edge-on to your leaf springs.
     
    TelemarkTumalo, Rica25 and Tundyfundy like this.
  8. Dec 18, 2018 at 2:05 PM
    #8
    LifeCycle

    LifeCycle Build..build..build..

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    oh wow!! i tried this mod today and lo and behold..no more "popping/knocking" which I thought was from steering knuckle or suspension issue!!!! you guys deserve all the credit!!!!!!
    You guys are amazing!!!! thank you for sharing this and I going absolutely frustrated over what I thought was a suspension/steering/wheel issue!!! I did it today and now I am sooooo relieved how quiet the truck sounds when I turn/ back up/ hit bumps when turning...been in and out of dealer and they could not figure it out and now I can cancel my appointment at 4wheel parts who installed my suspension because the noise is G O N E..gone!!! Thank you much !!!!
     
    avssuc and Tundyfundy like this.
  9. Dec 18, 2018 at 3:48 PM
    #9
    PMR

    PMR [OP] New Member

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    WORD !!!!!
     
  10. Dec 18, 2018 at 4:09 PM
    #10
    pdiddy

    pdiddy New Member

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    Icon 17 rebounds, total chaos UCA's, general grapplers 35's, corsa exhaust chopped, fox 2.5 DSC coilovers, DAP, white knuckle sliders, voodoo bed rack, baja lights everywhere, VLEDS, bedslide, C4 front bumper, warn winch, victory high hitch with dual swing out rear bumper
    thanks i will try this dyi
     
  11. Feb 27, 2019 at 3:30 PM
    #11
    Etf007

    Etf007 New Member

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    Just got my 2019 and added the trd skid plate. Heard same noise. Came accross this thread. Thanks guys!! Once the snow melts I’ll be fixing it up
     
  12. Jun 5, 2019 at 8:08 AM
    #12
    TundraPRO-36

    TundraPRO-36 New Member

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    I’ve had this issue for months and getting worse. I was having the same exact issue as OP - creaking/popping while loading the suspension at low speed turning while going up or down hill... but also straight over bumps. The dealer said it was my brakes/calipers but I was totally doubtful. Guess what.... it wasn’t that. Came across this thread and just tightened the rear bolts on the TRD skid plate to specs.... 38 ft-lbs. Noise is gone! You guys are awesome!! If the creak/pop comes back again I’ll try adding the rubber strips.

    Thanks all!!
     
  13. Jun 5, 2019 at 8:30 AM
    #13
    scpete24

    scpete24 Duuuuuuude

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    For all those having this same problem, it is the skid plate for sure. Mine did it and I took it to the dealership they installed a spacers for the skid plate and I also added some rubber near the back between the skid and front cross member and all is good now. I get all your frustrations as it bugged the shit out of me for awhile until I figured it out thanks to this forum!
     
  14. Jun 5, 2019 at 6:40 PM
    #14
    pyst

    pyst New Member

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    THANK YOU!!! Bought my 2015 Crewmax brand new and self-installed the skid plate the same week. Less than 30K on it and have been suffering with the popping suspension for the past 4 years with no help from the dealership. Was literally looking to trade it in on something else.... when my last ditch effort found this thread. Problem solved, Problem gone.
     
    TundraPRO-36 likes this.
  15. Jun 5, 2019 at 6:54 PM
    #15
    AZTundra

    AZTundra No Longer a New Member

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    Not related to the skid plate, but another creak/pop sound question. After my truck has been sitting for a bit and I open, then close a door (doesn't matter which one) I hear one creak that definitely sounds like it coming from the exhaust piping. I installed the TRD Exhaust about a month ago. Anyone else run into this? If so, where should I be looking? Thanks in advance.
     
  16. Nov 13, 2019 at 4:43 PM
    #16
    jkyle92083

    jkyle92083 New Member

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    I have been searching the internet for a solid week trying to find this post. I cannot wait till daylight to confirm. Was at the dealership yesterday and they were stumped. Thank you.
     
  17. Nov 17, 2019 at 4:53 PM
    #17
    jkyle92083

    jkyle92083 New Member

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    Worked like a charm. I cut up an old bicycle tube. Not a sound now.
     
  18. Nov 17, 2019 at 5:51 PM
    #18
    Rica25

    Rica25 Got Bam? IG ......@TNDRA08

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    any pics of where to put the foam
     
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  19. Jan 4, 2020 at 9:30 AM
    #19
    ward305

    ward305 New Member

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    Went through the pain of registering just to say Thank you! I have an '06 Sequoia - so the screw size is 14. Just heard the noise this Saturday morning and didn't have time to address it for several days - but then saw this thread - thanks for saving my weekend from being ruined from the worry of this. Take care!
     
    reneaux and jkyle92083 like this.
  20. Mar 8, 2020 at 6:49 PM
    #20
    Greywind Tundra

    Greywind Tundra New Member

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    I just bought my truck and noticed this. So happy it’s not a problem. I’ll be fixing this week, thanks so much!
     
    Rica25 likes this.
  21. Aug 29, 2020 at 3:48 PM
    #21
    runningman26.2

    runningman26.2 New Member

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    Thank you so much! New 2020 Tundra TRD Pro poppin’ like Orville Redenbacher no more...
     
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  22. Aug 29, 2020 at 5:46 PM
    #22
    palehorse

    palehorse @grey_ghost_trdpro

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    So glad this old thread came back to life. I will be silencing my skid plate now
     
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  23. Sep 17, 2020 at 10:08 AM
    #23
    DeesCrewMax

    DeesCrewMax New Member

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    I'm hoping this is the issue. I had NO pops or noises before i took my truck to the dealership for an oil change with my aftermarket skid plates. I would have expected them to use the "access panel" in my RCI skid, but i'm suspicious they pulled the whole engine skid off and somehow introduced this annoying noise that occurs on slow turns over bumps (every single time i pull in or out of my driveway). This thread gives me hope. Thanks for sharing the wealth.
     
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  24. Sep 17, 2020 at 10:14 AM
    #24
    palehorse

    palehorse @grey_ghost_trdpro

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    Finally did mine Tuesday. Night and day difference. Truck is silent now.
     
    Rica25 likes this.
  25. Sep 26, 2020 at 12:20 PM
    #25
    itsmerh85

    itsmerh85 New Member

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    Did this fix this morning, worked beautifully, my truck is perfectly silent now. I used the hard foam insulation roll, similar to what another posted linked above, but found it at Lowe’s. I’m super relieved the creaking wasn’t a suspension issue. Thanks OP!
     
  26. Oct 15, 2020 at 6:35 AM
    #26
    RudyTheCuban

    RudyTheCuban Rudy

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    Geez! I love this forum! My nerves were wrecked over the popping sound, and I had my suspicions about my TRD engine protector shield!
    Thank you all for the information, just made my day!
     
  27. Oct 15, 2020 at 8:16 AM
    #27
    dynamite08

    dynamite08 New Member

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    Glad someone re-pinned this. I referenced it myself a couple weeks ago when i had the same sound. All fixed and thanks again!
     
  28. Oct 15, 2020 at 9:08 AM
    #28
    blackoutt

    blackoutt YEAH BUDDY!

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    I've heard this pop too! I just loosen the RCI skid bolts and re-tighten not as overtorqued with blue loctite. No foam needed. Happens to me everytime I put the skid back on and get over-enthusiastic.
     
    Last edited: Oct 15, 2020
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  29. Oct 15, 2020 at 3:28 PM
    #29
    Skippy

    Skippy Standing for the Flag

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    Tundyfundy likes this.
  30. Oct 30, 2020 at 8:27 PM
    #30
    Jarred940

    Jarred940 New Member

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    Thought it was the skid plate as the noise was centered in the front end. After loosening and retorquing the bolts on the skid plate, noise was gone. Thanks for this thread, been hearing this noise since I bought the truck and finally decided today to remedy it. For reference, the front bolts with the tow hooks are 17mm socket, torqued to 43 ft-lb, the 4 bolts in middle are 12mm socket, torqued to 21 ft-lb, middle allen is 5mm allen socket, torqued to 21 ft-lb as well and the two bolts with nut in back are 15mm socket with 15mm wrench, torqued to 38 ft-lb. Will see how long the noise stays gone and report back if I hear it again. Might add insulation after that.
     
    Last edited: Oct 30, 2020
    AZTundra likes this.

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