The noise diagnosis thread - post your tips

[Qwerty]

I have a recurring , annoying, noise that I just can't bloody pinpoint.

I've searched for this noise about 10 times now can't find it. Have had suspension place and mechanic both look at it. Was told they can't find it but def can hear it.

Turn the music up yeah , but I'm a bloke and these things are designed to drive us nuts

This particular sound is a sharp medium volume "clack" or "crack" sort of sound which occurs whenever the vehicle rides over a sharp small bump, and often when the balance of vehicle changes at slow speed, such as turning into driveway.
On a paddock or gravel road it occurs very very frequently, and because it coincides with bumps, it's adding a clack sound to every bump you feel which over time makes you think you're driving a go kart.

Def not cv or suspension that I can tell. Does not transmit through the vehicle, audible only.

The noise only ever occurs when moving. Impossible to replicate standing still.
My next step is to strap myself to the bonnet by my ankles and get the mrs to drive around in paddock.

I'm positive it's the front end but starting to think mayyyybe leaf springs transmitting noise forward?

So , post up your tips and tricks fellas, whether it's a squeaky windscreen or a clunking diff, this thread is the thread of noises.

[Rocket55]

Rear leaves clanging together, mine did it. Drop your tyre pressures to test if it still does it when there is no "impact" over the bumps.

[Qwerty]

Hmm such a sharp / strong clack sound? My leafs Definately creak a bit.

At 14 psi it does it less but still does it.
Seems to correspond to movement of the front of vehicle like going up or down a kerb it will CLACK , and CLACK.

Almost like a fishing sinker tapping loudly onto chassis. Infact I shoukd go check a mate hasn't done that !

Other thought was a rock or something inside chassis, I've found rocks and pebbles galore in my lower control arms and such from a few muddy nights last year. (Bloody mud always good idea at time).

Better not be the mrs bloody earrings !!

[mattwhite]

Front or rear qwerty?

[Rocket55]

Hmm such a sharp / strong clack sound? My leafs Definately creak a bit.

Yep.

[Qwerty]

Front or rear qwerty?

I'm positive it's front because it corresponds with things like mounting and un mounting a kerb. No particular side.

She's just had new shocks , cv, diff mount and alignment done , and they went searching for it but couldn't find it either. They put it on a shaker machine of all sorts , couldn't replicate it unless driving it.

I've loosened and re tightened several bolts, and found a body mount bit loose but no joy.

[Rocket55]

Worn LCA bushes, allowing me teal to metal contact during dynamic loading, there's a thread on it somewhere.

[Qwerty]

Hmm it's just had a once over by wilkinsons suspension though who reckon suspension is fine. All bushes etc are in good nick. (They replaced shocks for tough dogs as I bent one).

[Qwerty]

Can I visually tell if lca bushes are cactus ?

Had her aligned on Monday.

[SandJunkie]

Hey Qwerty, not too sure if it's the same noise your talking about, but i occasionally hear a noise also when hitting a sharp bump or pothole and it had me baffled also.
A few weeks ago before going for a wheel, i took my H/T's off to throw the muddies on and while i had the front wheel off, i hit something against the stone guard on the brakes, gave it a couple of taps and realised that this was the noise i was hearing from hitting sharp bumps.
Does not do it often, gota hit the sweet spot of the bump with the tyre for it to rattle.

[Qwerty]

Yeh I've been starting to think brakes. Might have to rip wheels off an have a look. What was actual fix in your scenario?

I also going to look at lcas as rocked suggested but have to trust my suspension guys that they reckon all ok (and don't wanna undo a $80 alignment)

[Qwerty]

Altho it does do I sometimes when steering into a corner (no bump impact). Dynamic load as rocket says.

Could be bloody anything, and angry bolt somewhere.

[SandJunkie]

Yeh I've been starting to think brakes. Might have to rip wheels off an have a look. What was actual fix in your scenario?

I also going to look at lcas as rocked suggested but have to trust my suspension guys that they reckon all ok (and don't wanna undo a $80 alignment)

Didnt do much about it, made sure all was tight, i just avoid potholes and the like, with the 31'' KM2's i have not noticed it, prob due to more cushion, It put my mind to rest a little.
They are pretty thin plates but could be whole other kettle of fish if noisy just cornering mate.

[andy666]

Check the bushes in the front of the leaf springs on the drive.

[Alby]

Qwert take it for a run without the misses in it and you might find all the annoying noises are gone

[kyle300exc]

My Hilux did something similar and had me stumped, the only explanation I came up with was straightening the tabs out on the LCA either side of the adjustment bolt. They get knocked around pretty easily. Took a bit of smacking with a lump hammer but fixed the problem, as small amount of movement in the diff there is it was enough to make that loud noise.

[SandJunkie]

Qwert take it for a run without the misses in it and you might find all the annoying noises are gone

[Qwerty]

Qwert take it for a run without the misses in it and you might find all the annoying noises are gone

Suggested this , she said something about hoping the exhaust pipe wasn't too hot as that's only place id be sticking todger into !

[Qwerty]

[quote="kyle300exc"]My Hilux did something similar and had me stumped, the only explanation I came up with was straightening the tabs out on the LCA either side of the adjustment bolt. They get knocked around pretty easily. Took a bit of smacking with a lump hammer but fixed the problem, as small amount of movement in the diff there is it was enough to make that loud noise.[/quote
Hmmm. Well as you know i had diff mount replaced a few days ago (unrelated injury). I have bashed the lca mount tabs before and had to bash them back out (mechanic did it for me).

Guess I gotta bite bullet and pull it all down. Just didn't wanna lose fresh wheel alignment !

[Qwerty]

do you gents reckon i *should* do something about the noise?

I mean it's not a clunking type noise that feel through the car.

But by same token if it means something's about to crash on my next 4wd troip...