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Front passenger side noise

Tiny
CHABINORICHARD316
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 TOYOTA AVALON
  • 3.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 195,000 MILES
When driving, whether smooth road or bumpy, there is a popping sound coming from the front passenger wheel. I've already replaced the wheel bearing and outer tie rod. I can also feel the vibration through the floorboard. What could be causing this?
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Saturday, July 25th, 2020 AT 9:49 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,179 POSTS
Hi,

Have you checked the ball joints? Also, am I correct is understanding it happens on a smooth surface and doesn't require bumps to cause it? Is it loud enough that you could record it and upload it for me to hear?

I attached two pics below. The first one shows ball joint location. Simply lift one front wheel at a time and place your hands at 6 and 12 o'clock and see if there is play in the joint.

The second pic shows the stabilizer bar in the front. Make sure the stabilizer pins are not loose / worn. Also, take a pry bar and check for excessive play in the bushings on the bar as well. When checking the pins, the vehicle should be on the ground.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Saturday, July 25th, 2020 AT 10:03 PM
Tiny
CHABINORICHARD316
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Yes, it happens on a smooth surface. I'll try to record the noise in the morning, as it's after midnight.
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Saturday, July 25th, 2020 AT 10:13 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,179 POSTS
Hi,

Sounds like a plan. Let me know. Also, check the things I mentioned in the last post.

Take care,
Joe
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Sunday, July 26th, 2020 AT 1:50 PM
Tiny
CHABINORICHARD316
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I tried to upload a video with audio, but it won't let me. Now, I can also feel a wobble coming from the passenger side wheel. Luckily, there is a mechanic who works from his home right up the street from me, and I'm taking it to him later this week. Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions!
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Monday, July 27th, 2020 AT 3:33 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,179 POSTS
If the wheel is wobbling, don't drive it until it is checked. If a ball joint lets loose, the wheel can collapse up into the fender and cause damage.

Let me know what he finds. Also, you are very welcome. I did nothing. LOL

Take care,
Joe
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Monday, July 27th, 2020 AT 7:59 PM
Tiny
CHABINORICHARD316
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
  • 1998 TOYOTA AVALON
  • 195,000 MILES
I've replaced the front wheel bearing, ball joint (lower), and outer tie rod, but when driving I can hear and feel a popping or clunking noise from the passenger side front wheel. I took the wheel off and used a pet bar to test for play in the lower control arm, sway bar and link, tie rod and found everything seems right. I can slightly turn the CV axle and it will move in and out slightly, but I'm at a loss as to what it could be. The noise only occurs when the vehicle is in motion (around 15 mph and above).
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Sunday, August 2nd, 2020 AT 5:52 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good evening,

This sounds like a CV joint in the axle since it happens when you are moving. The joint may be worn out and the bearing could have play and is scored.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/popping-noise

I would suspect the CV shaft would have to be replaced.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-cv-axle-joint

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-cv-joint-works

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-cv-axle

Roy
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Sunday, August 2nd, 2020 AT 5:52 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CHABINORICHARD316
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thanks, hopefully it won't cost too much to have it replaced.
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Sunday, August 2nd, 2020 AT 5:52 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
You are welcome.

Roy
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Sunday, August 2nd, 2020 AT 5:52 PM (Merged)

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