Squeek/creak over rough surfaces

Hi I did some light offroading (fire roads with some bolders in it; a few times only 3 wheels were touching) in my mostly stock 2021 TRDP. I have 2” lift with Bilsteins. Today I did even more mild. It was basically just a dirt road with some dips in the road here and there. However, today I noticed what sounds like squeek/creak when going over the bumpy sections now. It sounds like the squeeks you hear coming from an old trucks bed when it’s bouncing around. I have no idea what would cause a similar sound on a 4yo 4Runner.
I’m reaching out because I have no idea where to even start looking or how to diagnose the problem but I want to learn.
Any suggestions or help figuring this issue out?

 

Start with any suspension bushing and spray lithium grease on them. Dirt and crud probs.

 

Thank you. I think you are right. After scrolling through YouTube I am leading towards body mount bushings. Anybody know of any videos on how to replace those? I have been searching but cant find any.

 

Might also want to check the hood latch. They’re known to be a squeak nuisance

 

Most likely not body mounts......Check your engine splash guards that are connected to the front fenders and frame. Those clips like to squeak.

 

Lube the hood and rear hatch latches and see if that helps.

 

Check the e-brake brackets as well by the rear tire on both sides. Mine were contacting the cable making a squeak while going over bumps/getting in and out. Just bend the brackets away from the cable if yours are touching.

 

Sheesh, is there anything on a 2021 TRDP, that doesn't squeak?

 

I am literally going through this now with Eibachs. Squeak - creak after off roading in Moab. I got a mechanics stethoscope and pin pointed it to the driver shock. The whole spray it with lubricant works for like a day. I am leaning on its the isolator at the top of the shock is worn. I am taking it to a off-road shop here in Fort Myers. Get a stethoscope and use it to pinpoint where the sound is coming from

 

Hi Derek, how come we haven't seen your offroading pics from Moab? If you posted something let me know where they are!

 

hey sir. Here are some

 

Awesome!

 

thanks buddy. We are addicted to Moab now. Its so beautiful. After Moab we headed to Fort Myers for the winter, then will return to chicago. The squeak ive pin pointed to the shock but I dont know what is causing the squeak on the shock. No oil is leaking and when i do a bounce test the shock responds correctly. I am at that point where ive chased this noise for weeks, I already spoke to the 4x4 shop and they said they would be able to tell me exactly whats wrong with it

 

Didn't mean to high jack this thread.....

Here is my input, look at the bottom of the shock for this spherical bearing that sometimes has an O ring, in some designs these are made out of rubber, in some others they are metal. Either way these accumulate sand and dirt and overtime they erode with friction and they eventually go. I would spray lubricant first and if the sound goes away, maybe is here the issue.




Others have mentioned the mount on the cab, look and make sure this stud is center correctly and not angle as this will tell that the thick washers are out place. I can't find a pic on this one but will look.

Good luck all!

 

its funny you say that because I swear the noise is louder at the bottom of the shock

 

So i just went out and soaked the bottom with PB Blaster Silicone and the squeak is gone. Im not going to celebrate yet but it is a promising sign

 

Yeah, lots of dirt and very fine dust gets in there and hard for these things to stay super clean so these rings just go over time. At least gives you a starting point of where the noises might come from.

 

Thanks brother. I was laser focused on the top of the shock and didn’t even think about the bottom

 

If nothing else is discovered look at the plastic wheel well shields plastic rivets. A shot of WD40 on each silenced squeeks I had.

 

Did you take them out and hit them with spray

 

Nope , just popper the top-sprayed and repushed them closed. Got them wet so their hole got some lube in them as popping the center up loosened them.

 

The hood latch is the problem. Put a smidge of grease on it and you will see. This squeaking usually happens when driving offroad all day. It takes all of ten seconds to solve.

 

For me. It’s definitely not the hood latch. It’s the shock. 100% certain

 

The way the OP explained the situation, it really sounds like the hood latch. Theoretically, it might not be the cause, but it should be the first step in his diagnostic process.

It’s a common cause of squeaks in the conditions the OP decribed, and it’s easy and free to try first, before changing out body mounts, suspension, or other insanely expensive parts cannons.

 

no i get it, start with the basics