Just redid all my control alarms and recently developed a “pop” sound while turning and moving slowly (Like pulling into / backing out of parking spot)

2008 / 115k mi / no air suspension

SHORT VERSION: Could struts and mounts Be causing using this?

——- details below ——

It’s not a constant repeated popping, more of a one or two instance That happens pretty frequently. There is also a very faint “rattle/chatter” over small road imperfections.. though that may be more in my head than anything?

Took it to the local Toyota dealership, and they diagnosed it as struts and mounts. Does that sound right? Quoting $1300 parts and labor.

I’ve heard of instances with rack and pinion, with wheel bearings, and control arm bushings, but not sure I’ve heard about a pop while turning on struts… Thoughts?

I see KYB Gas-A-Just struts for $103ea on rockauto are apparently same as OEM and Mounts aren’t too bad.
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...ion,strut,7584

Thanks in advance!

 

My car had the rattle on small bumps. I didn’t let it get bad enough to get the pop. tt was the ball joints on the upper control arms. Did you replace the entire control arms or just the bushings?

 

Thanks for the reply!

All 8 arms plus all ball joints are brand new from ~1-2k miles ago. Should not be the cause.

 

Sounds like a upper arm is binding. Did you preload the arms?

 

Thanks for the reply! Interesting note.

I stressed this strongly with the mechanic (a buddy), and he assured me they were pre-loaded. I am 95% confident they were.

 

Hope so. Can you jack the car up in front and turn the wheel lock to lock? If you hear it still than has to be a arm issue. Have another person get close to each wheel and listen.

 

Johnnyg66: If he jacks up the car, won’t that unload the arms and make them work better? I’m not sure that this test is going to prove/show anything.

With then engine running and the car sitting on the ground, can you turn the wheel lock to lock without the pop?

 

Yes, turning doesn’t seem to cause the pop, only once the car is rolling.... and usually only once or twice.

Usually driveline (driveshafts/axle shafts) will make recurring patterns of pops and clicks in my experience but could be wrong.

Ordered the struts and mounts from rockauto for $300. Going to get them thrown on by my Indy and have him give it a good look while installing too.

 

I got you. Yeah, my idea may not have proven it. The strut mounts may be bad. Of course when they undo the uppers and such to install the new struts your issue may clear. Hope so anyway.