Popping noise when steering (on both vehicles now?!)

"BaconSandwich is tasty." (baconsandwich)
03/30/2020 at 11:43 • Filed to: None

I’m trying diagnose a popping noise we are getting on the van (2008 Toyota Sienna). It seems to only happen at low speeds, and when turning. It’s coming from the passenger side. I can’t reliably recreate it, but it’s happened a few times, and has been loud enough that it’s definitely possible to notice. It reminds me of the sound of popping knuckles (the human, biological kind - not the steering kind). It seems to pop once, then doesn’t do it again.

Anyone have any ideas what it might be?

I’ve heard something similar on my car (2001 Honda Civic), and have been unable to figure out what it is. At least on the Civic, it was definitely related to the rotation of the steering wheel, not the rotation of the tires. (I was originally thinking it was going to be CV joints - I haven’t replaced those - yet). I best heard it when making a tight left turn pulling into the garage (from the back alley). And of course, the next time I went to drive my car, the noise was gone.

DISCUSSION (10)

HammerheadFistpunch > BaconSandwich is tasty.
03/30/2020 at 11:53

Have you checked the sway bar end links and bushings? I have this problem on the GX but I’ve been too lazy to order the bushings (I have the links).

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > BaconSandwich is tasty.
03/30/2020 at 11:56

U pper Strut bearings. check those. I have exper ie nced a pop/clunk noise when turning (un related to acceleration) when those suckers are failing.

BaconSandwich is tasty. > HammerheadFistpunch
03/30/2020 at 12:02

I replaced the sway bar end links on the Civic about two years ago. Noise has happened since then. As near as I can tell, the sway bar bushings on the Civic are fine, but it may also be difficult to tell without pulling everything apart. It’s quite possible the bushings are cracked where I can’t see them. I mean, the car is 19 years old now.

EDIT: I haven’t checked them yet on the van. I’ll do that next time I get it up on the jack stands.

BaconSandwich is tasty. > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t
03/30/2020 at 12:05

Definitely a possibility. I’ll have to have a closer look at them nice time I pop the hood.

Captain of the Enterprise > BaconSandwich is tasty.
03/30/2020 at 12:11

My expedition did something similar and it was tie rods

TRivet > HammerheadFistpunch
03/30/2020 at 12:54

Have you checked the sway bar end links and bushings?

2nd this. Had this on numerous vehicles.

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > BaconSandwich is tasty.
03/31/2020 at 00:02

Jack up the front, and start wiggling suspension stuff. I would guess, tie rod or ball joint

BaconSandwich is tasty. > gmporschenut also a fan of hondas
03/31/2020 at 00:17

I'm really hoping they aren't bad. We had the entire steering rack replaced back in November at a reputable shop. I would have hoped they would have noticed bad tie rod rod ends. :(

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > BaconSandwich is tasty.
03/31/2020 at 00:33

That was 4 months ago, can they suddenly go bad?

BaconSandwich is tasty. > gmporschenut also a fan of hondas
03/31/2020 at 00:38

Not that I know of, but I'll admit I don't know much about the longevity of various steering components.