Front End Clunking Sound when hitting small bumps

[Arizona_Commuter]

This is a great forum! Thanks in advance for all your help! I attempted searching for this topic but couldn't find a good match. I have a 2007 Yaris Sedan, 60K miles. Everything suspension related is all stock. Yesterday, for the first time, I noticed a clunking sound when driving over bumps in the road, on speed bumps, the curve getting into my driveway etc. The sound lasts as long as it takes the tire to rebound to it’s normal riding position (fractions of a second). This is a new sound that has never been present before. It’s a deep grinding sound, like what I imagine a quick fart from a t-rex would sound like. (not sure how else to describe it).

Again, thanks for all your help.

[johnny_vitz]

like what I imagine a quick fart from a t-rex would sound like



:bellyroll:

[Kaotic Lazagna]

I was going to say a blown strut, but then you said a grinding sound (blown strut/shock would produce a hollow thump sound on bumps). Maybe it's the spring sagging and coils clattering against each other?

[ilikerice]

that or a worn bushing maybe? lower/upper ball joint... confirmation anyone?

can you make the sound by pushing on the car to make the suspension compress while its not moving?

i guess if that doesnt work, try puting it on stands, then take a hydrolic jack and jack up the tire as far as it will go with out lifting it off the stands and release the jack to see if you can duplicate the noise..
please have a friend with you while doing this.

try to listen for that sound and get back with us.. if possible.. can u get a video up and let us hear it?

[Hershey]

Could be related to control arm(s) . http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27658&highlight=control+arm+bolt and http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34022&highlight=control+arm+bolt . Let us know of your findings .

[Liu997]

Check the clearance of the tire. I know it may seem obvious but my yaris had some weird sound and it was actually a piece of bumper that bent and started rubbing against the tire.

[Arizona_Commuter]

Thanks guys for your help!

Kaotic – the sound could be classified as a hollow thump, I’m bad at describing noises (hence the t-rex reference).

Ilikerice – Yes, I can make the sound by pushing down on the passenger side front fender area (directly above the tire) and rocking the vehicle. The sound is made when the vehicle is at it’s lowest point and only when it’s rocked really hard.

Hershey – I thought you were on to something with your link, however, my bolts are all in tact. I’m wondering though how much the stealership would charge me to check if there’s a Service Bulletin on the vehicle (should be free if it’s a recall right?)

Liu – bumper is good, thanks

I know proper forum etiquette, when the problem is solved, I’ll be sure to close out the thread with the solution.

[CTScott]

Can you shoot a video of it, so we can hear it and see the motion that results in the noise?

[thepartsmancometh]

Ive had the front (rearmost) lower control arm bushings make some noise at extreme travels (like hitting a big bump, or extreme driveway angle). No excess play, Silicone shut em up

[Hershey]

I would take it to a shop where they could possibly look at the control arms and front end ( struts , bushings , etc. ) for free . Best of luck and keep us updated .

[ilikerice]

If it was a recall, you would get something in the mail.

Service bulletins are just common issues that toyota finds regularly and is a guide to help techs to identify some quick diag. They are not a safty issue. Just common complaints that have a common fix.

Toyota will probably charge half hour diag fee.. and if they need more time they will let you know.

[Hartside]

I had that on our mk1 Yaris (1999 - 2005) and it turned out to be a broken drop link onto the anti roll bar, which is a very common problem. Haven't looked under our 2008 Yaris to see if the set up is the same, maybe others can advise

[Arizona_Commuter]

Problem Solved! I pulled up to my driveway today, my neighbor happened to be standing outside (he's much more mechanically savvy than myself) and I asked him about it. He had me turn my wheels all the way to the right (the noise was coming from the right side), had a look and within about 4 seconds, showed me where the nut that connects the sway bar was clinging to life by about half a thread. Tighten’d-r-up and boom, problem solved. I had spent some time down there but didn’t notice that one. Sometimes it’s the silliest things! Thanks guys for all your help.

[Kaotic Lazagna]

Congrats on solving the problem.

[auxmike]

Good thread.
Even better the problem was solved! I'll look at mine next time I do my oil change...

[ilikerice]

this is one of those threads where it should say [RESOLVED] in the title now... admins?

[Hershey]

:thumbsup: