200 Series VX Wagon Front Right Clunking Noise

[Hugo N]

Can anybody help, as Toyota Aus apparently doesn't have an answer.
My Landcruiser has a clunking/hit noise and feel under my heels when driving turning left, that happens at slow speeds when there is a change in camber/direction/elevation from the present direction to one to the left, either upwards or downwards. This is especially bad when there is a bump on this left hand turn.
It feels as if it is something to do with the suspension, but my local Toyota dealer cannot find any fault.
Any ideas/knowledge would be appreciated.
Thanks Hugo

 

[ctiley]

I'd bypass that dealer and go to either a suspension place (like Pedders - not recommending them, as I've never used them, but that's the type of place I mean) or a specialist 4WD mechanic that does Toyotas as a preference. Even another dealer may be helpful. It sounds like either a collapsed bush or a faulty strut to me. Is there tyre wear? If so, that could indicate a suspension bush.

 

[Hugo N]

Thanks for your reply ctiley.
The Cruiser goes back into the agents tomorrow to try and fix the problem - this time they intend taking off the bullbar/checking mounting, as they suspect there might be something there causing the problem.
They have previously checked the suspension, and said all is in order, but I like your idea of a faulty strut.
I will keep you posted on outcomes.
Regards Hugo

 

[ctiley]

That could be the case as there was a recall early in the 200 Series era where they modified bull bar mounting for the Toyota genuine bar. Your car may have been missed if it is a genuine bar or an aftermarket could have been poorly mounted. There is usually a sticker on the inside of one of the doors, I think it is on the passenger side. Your dealer should be able to tell you if it was done off the Toyota database. I can see the history of my car on the "My Toyota" website at toyota.com.au. - all their programs they have done since it was new.

 

[Hugo N]

Thanks Bud, I will follow it up with them.
Regards

 

[ctiley]

Just a thought, if it was supposed to have been done and was missed it should still be done at no cost to you as it was a recall in 2009

 

[Hugo N]

OK Thanks for the info.
At no stage have they mentioned anything regarding payment, as it was brought to their attention almost immediately after purchase (purchase date Sep 2017 new), and falls under any, and all warranties.
The bull bar appears to be genuine Toyota as requested and paid for, (although I can't find any sticker), and was installed by them a couple of weeks after purchase.
Regards, Hugo

 

[Bob Winckel]

Can anybody help, as Toyota Aus apparently doesn't have an answer.
My Landcruiser has a clunking/hit noise and feel under my heels when driving turning left, that happens at slow speeds when there is a change in camber/direction/elevation from the present direction to one to the left, either upwards or downwards. This is especially bad when there is a bump on this left hand turn.
It feels as if it is something to do with the suspension, but my local Toyota dealer cannot find any fault.
Any ideas/knowledge would be appreciated.
Thanks Hugo

Hi

Can anybody help, as Toyota Aus apparently doesn't have an answer.
My Landcruiser has a clunking/hit noise and feel under my heels when driving turning left, that happens at slow speeds when there is a change in camber/direction/elevation from the present direction to one to the left, either upwards or downwards. This is especially bad when there is a bump on this left hand turn.
It feels as if it is something to do with the suspension, but my local Toyota dealer cannot find any fault.
Any ideas/knowledge would be appreciated.
Thanks Hugo

Hi Hugo
Actually I noticed a similar clunking from the front of our 2013 200 late last year when towing the van around tight turns in hills. Mainly left turns just like you mentioned. Did you find out what the problem was? I havent yet. Ps vehicle was just serviced before.

Bob

 

[Hugo N]

Hi Bob, & ctiley (previous posts)

I haven't entered any new post for a few weeks now, as I was waiting to confirm that the problem has
been resolved - I haven't had any noise for 2 weeks with normal driving.
What Toyota found was that a bolt (Toyota bolt, 27mm long 6mm dia with 20mm washer on), had been lodged between the body and chassis approx 150mm from the front right body mount, which is why all of the clunk noise and feel was below my heels. They are not sure how it got there, but that it had wedged itself in a "valley" section of the chassis, not allowing it to free itself, even when the body mount was loosened, and then re-torqued again.
They said that the noise and feel was the stress (jammed) friction of the washer and bolt under body roll. This was the problem I had when mainly going around a left bend with differing camber and with a bump in the bend.
I haven't been on any very bumpy roads yet, but presume the problem has now been resolved.

To Bob, not sure if the two problems are similar, but I would suggest you ask them to check all of your body mounts, as the flexing of the body on any "loose" mounts could be causing your problem. I would not expect it to be the same, but maybe also ask them to do a visual check for anything stuck between the body and chassis. Hope this helps.

Regards
Hugo

 

[Bob Winckel]

Hi Bob, & ctiley (previous posts)

I haven't entered any new post for a few weeks now, as I was waiting to confirm that the problem has
been resolved - I haven't had any noise for 2 weeks with normal driving.
What Toyota found was that a bolt (Toyota bolt, 27mm long 6mm dia with 20mm washer on), had been lodged between the body and chassis approx 150mm from the front right body mount, which is why all of the clunk noise and feel was below my heels. They are not sure how it got there, but that it had wedged itself in a "valley" section of the chassis, not allowing it to free itself, even when the body mount was loosened, and then re-torqued again.
They said that the noise and feel was the stress (jammed) friction of the washer and bolt under body roll. This was the problem I had when mainly going around a left bend with differing camber and with a bump in the bend.
I haven't been on any very bumpy roads yet, but presume the problem has now been resolved.

To Bob, not sure if the two problems are similar, but I would suggest you ask them to check all of your body mounts, as the flexing of the body on any "loose" mounts could be causing your problem. I would not expect it to be the same, but maybe also ask them to do a visual check for anything stuck between the body and chassis. Hope this helps.

Regards
Hugo

Thanks muchly for this Hugo. I will have a look myself in the area you mentioned and get the group that service the vehicle to check the area. Actually the first I heard/felt the noise was after the last service. Coincidence? Also it was after decelleration, then sharp turn and then acelleration with caravan behind as in sharp uphill left turn. All the best, Bob

 

[Hugo N]

Hi Bob, & ctiley (previous posts)

I haven't entered any new post for a few weeks now, as I was waiting to confirm that the problem has
been resolved - I haven't had any noise for 2 weeks with normal driving.
What Toyota found was that a bolt (Toyota bolt, 27mm long 6mm dia with 20mm washer on), had been lodged between the body and chassis approx 150mm from the front right body mount, which is why all of the clunk noise and feel was below my heels. They are not sure how it got there, but that it had wedged itself in a "valley" section of the chassis, not allowing it to free itself, even when the body mount was loosened, and then re-torqued again.
They said that the noise and feel was the stress (jammed) friction of the washer and bolt under body roll. This was the problem I had when mainly going around a left bend with differing camber and with a bump in the bend.
I haven't been on any very bumpy roads yet, but presume the problem has now been resolved.

To Bob, not sure if the two problems are similar, but I would suggest you ask them to check all of your body mounts, as the flexing of the body on any "loose" mounts could be causing your problem. I would not expect it to be the same, but maybe also ask them to do a visual check for anything stuck between the body and chassis. Hope this helps.

Regards
Hugo

 

[Hugo N]

Oops not sure what happened with reposting my previous reply.
Bob, on both occasions you have mentioned the noise happens whilst towing a caravan. If possible, try the same piece of noisy road without the caravan, before you start further investigation. It may possibly be due to increased load on the front of your vehicle, when you have the caravan equaliser bars/system attached.
Regards
Hugo

 

[ctiley]

It's amazing how noise and vibration transfers through a vehicle. Things you suspect are in the front can be in the back of a vehicle. Glad you have found it. Enjoy your new vehicle, now without the clunk.

 

[Hugo N]

Thanks Bud, and for your interest and ideas on what the problem could have been.
Regards
Hugo

 

[ctiley]

Thanks Bud, and for your interest and ideas on what the problem could have been.
Regards
Hugo

Remember the Supercheap advert where the guy demolishes the dashboard of his car only to find an ear-ring rolling around in the ashtray? This was close to a similar situation by the sounds of it.