I sometimes hear a pop that sounds like it's coming from the left front end of my 2015 Lexus RX350. It happens when making a slow turn usually going forward with the wheels turned left but it did happen the other day backing into a parking spot with the wheels turned right. The car was in a right front end accident a year ago. What should I be looking for and could this be a problem caused by the accident? The right front suspension was replaced after the accident. Thanks for any help.
Yes, accidents can damage the "other side". Jack up the left front and do the pull and push test with hands at 12 and 6, then 9 and 3 to check for play in the suspension components. Check the strut mount and bushing under the hood for play.
Thanks, I went out and jacked up the car and didn't get any play. Also checked the strut mount and didn't see anything noticeable, pushed the front end down as best I could and mount looked normal.
Also, inspected under the wheel well for any damage (thinking maybe wheel was catching and popping the plastic) but didn't see anything noteable.
Appreciate the response. Any other thoughts?
The other suspect might be your CV joint
Went out and looked at the CV joints, boots aren't cracked and everything looks dry. Checked both the driver side and passenger side, looked at the connection to the transmission and to the wheel. I did watch one of Scotty's videos on CV joints and the sound is similar but mine isn't nearly as bad. I get a single pop and the videos made repetitive pops (or clacks or whatever you want to call it). I also don't get the noise every time.
lets address the situation with the accident first. Sometimes when the car is repaired their may be some bolts tightened..but not tightened enough which causes it to make a snap noise. its because it was not torqued down enough it slipped...theb it sometimes moves back to its original place...make that turn then again it snaps again. The only way to check for this condition is to put a wrench or socket on the parts that were replaced and parts taken off and put back on for proper torque and tightness.
Now the other..the CV axle issue. Yes when making a turn they can make a snap noise due to the maximum angle the CV bearing is moving to if its worn or grease is getting thin within or maybe even leaked out thru the years.
But as a betting man...i would bet the accident scenario before the CV axle...but your results may vary...
CV joints looked good when I looked earlier today, at least from what I could tell. Could very well be a loose part in the new suspension on the passenger side, it sounds like it's coming from the driver front but that could be deceptive and I wouldn't rule out the passenger side. I'll have to dig out my invoice to see what they replaced but when they were working on it they said the "entire suspension". I'll put it on jack stands and examine/tighten what I can but I don't think I'll take things apart trying to chase this down unless it get worse, right now it's intermittent.
Appreciate the help from both @glen_stet and @dion, if you can think of anything else let me know.
Yeah..its not an easy task......Just have to tighten bolts and go from there...Teltale signs are sometimes but not aways are l like tiny rust marks which indicate slight movement and wear.. Use a flashlight to examine throughly...it may take more time than labor to find this...good luck.