20012003rx

Hi everyone,

My RX300 is making a popping noise. It is not from the engine or transmission. However, I cannot pinpoint it's location. It only happens when the car is cold. I coast out of a parking spot in drive, apply the brakes rather quickly and push the brake pedal down about 75% of the way. It will make the popping noise then. No noise coming from the ball joints. I haven't replaced the brake pads recently, so I don't think they are shifting. Could it be that my struts need to be replaced? Any ideas what it could be the root of this problem?

Thanks!

20012003rx

Thanks for all your replies! lol jk.

I took my car to my mechanic, and he said it could be the front right lower ball joint. Another guy told me to check my outer tie rods. So, I'll check the tie rods and ball joints and let you all know what the problem is in case you guys have a similar problem down the road!

hypervish

Thank you for the update.

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

Check the sway bar bushings. Could be strut stiction also. (Could be a whole sh_tload of other things, too)!

20012003rx

Thanks, I'll check them out.

I jacked up the front of my RX and the passenger side wheel had some play. I could wiggle it back and forth fairly easily. I ordered two new lower ball joints (one for driver side and one for passenger side). If it doesn't stop the noise I'll check the sway bar bushings. The tie rods had some play, but it was fairly hard to move them by hand, so I think those are still ok. I'll post again once my mechanic replaces the ball joints!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone!

20012003rx

So I finally took my car to my mechanic and had him replace the front lower ball joints. He said the screw on top of my passenger side lower ball joint was loose and the pin was the only thing keeping the bolt screwed on. He replaced both of the front lower ball joints anyway, and the popping noise went away. However, I'm doubting they needed to be replaced, and the screw on top just needed to be tightened. Oh well... I replaced them so now I won't have to do it later on. In case you guys are having the same problem, I'd check all bolts first before ordering parts and spending time replacing them.

Good luck to you all! I hope this helps you guys in the future!

2KHarrier

Thanks for the update. Glad it was a fairly easy fix and nothing more serious