MolaKule
Staff member
I thought I would share some results of this noise source that has plagued my 2012 Frontier for some time. Mileage on Vehicle: 97,000 miles.
Now clicking and clacking noises, at least to me, are different noises. Clicking usually indicates a wheel bearing going out or those goofy heat shields getting loose (again).
I took it into my shop to have the front Transfer Case Flange seal replaced because it was weeping fluid as I had intended to go a trip. While in the shop, I asked them to try and determine the source of the clacking noise as well.
The front Transfer Case Flange seal was replaced without any problems. Now the "clacking" noise.
The clacking noise was found to be coming from two sources: 1) the left front CV joint since the boot had degraded and split and it had picked up road crud causing it to fail, 2) the driver's side lower control arm ball joint.
Now the driver's side lower control arm had been replaced about 2 months prior but apparently its ball joint failed again. It is under warranty so no biggie there. Opinion: it seems material quality has degraded with replacement parts.
But the passenger side lower control arm BJ is now also making a slight clacking noise as well.
I have asked the shop to order both the driver's side CV joint and shaft and the right lower control arm as well to be replaced, since not only do I make road trips, but I also take this vehicle to my hunting grounds which is rather remote.
Bottom Line: We OCD gearheads have to be careful to differentiate between "clicking" and "clacking" noises.
Now clicking and clacking noises, at least to me, are different noises. Clicking usually indicates a wheel bearing going out or those goofy heat shields getting loose (again).
I took it into my shop to have the front Transfer Case Flange seal replaced because it was weeping fluid as I had intended to go a trip. While in the shop, I asked them to try and determine the source of the clacking noise as well.
The front Transfer Case Flange seal was replaced without any problems. Now the "clacking" noise.
The clacking noise was found to be coming from two sources: 1) the left front CV joint since the boot had degraded and split and it had picked up road crud causing it to fail, 2) the driver's side lower control arm ball joint.
Now the driver's side lower control arm had been replaced about 2 months prior but apparently its ball joint failed again. It is under warranty so no biggie there. Opinion: it seems material quality has degraded with replacement parts.
But the passenger side lower control arm BJ is now also making a slight clacking noise as well.
I have asked the shop to order both the driver's side CV joint and shaft and the right lower control arm as well to be replaced, since not only do I make road trips, but I also take this vehicle to my hunting grounds which is rather remote.
Bottom Line: We OCD gearheads have to be careful to differentiate between "clicking" and "clacking" noises.
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