A clunking when in reverse - Toyota 4Runner Forum

Flyer · 05-11-2023, 09:48 PM

These last few weeks, I noticed a bit of a clunking or a thump when in reverse, backing out of the driveway. It is a slight decline. It does not happen every time but maybe 50%+. Anyway, the 4R was in the dealership for a CV boot and brake job and they could find nothing. I have tried to look but can't find anything. It almost sounds like the clunk happens with each tire rotation but I cannot be sure.

Any thoughts on what I should look for? I asked them to check the driveshaft and the u-joints. All that checked out, according to the dealership. They could not reproduce it and they are busy so they may have only tried once. I'm at a bit of a loss.

AndroT100 · 02-14-2024, 02:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flyer

These last few weeks, I noticed a bit of a clunking or a thump when in reverse, backing out of the driveway. It is a slight decline. It does not happen every time but maybe 50%+. Anyway, the 4R was in the dealership for a CV boot and brake job and they could find nothing. I have tried to look but can't find anything. It almost sounds like the clunk happens with each tire rotation but I cannot be sure.

Any thoughts on what I should look for? I asked them to check the driveshaft and the u-joints. All that checked out, according to the dealership. They could not reproduce it and they are busy so they may have only tried once. I'm at a bit of a loss.

Just experienced the same issue with my 03 V8 4x4 SE this evening. In reverse in both 4hi and 4lo. Did it for several time when I was in reverse, then it went away....and then came back!

Did you ever find the reason and repair for this?

Thank you!

Flyer · 02-14-2024, 08:57 AM

I replied. It was the rear axle seal on the right side. take it to a shop with a proper bearing puller.

mochacho · 02-14-2024, 03:30 PM

I had this issue too. Turns out it was my hitch shackle smacking against the reciever.....

Bleu62 · 02-15-2024, 10:06 PM

I wouldn't go straight to the seal yet. I know someone had that issue but start w the small/ easy things first. Grease your driveshaft at full droop and see if that helps, then move to the next thing. Good luck!

patkelly4370 · 02-16-2024, 07:36 AM

Brake pad linear (front/back) movement

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4R005 · 02-17-2024, 11:59 AM

@Flyer Did you applied parking brake on your inclined driveway ? Clunking noise with every wheel revolution can indicate a dragging brake shoe from a partially released brake cable from one or both rear wheels. Happened to my '05 some years back after I had applied the parking brake. Vehicle will give this clunk with each wheel revolution until after several hundred feet and then went away. Root cause was a partially seized driver side parking brake cable. Replaced cable and all is good afterwards.

Flyer · 02-17-2024, 01:55 PM

My issue was the left rear axle seal. The parking brake is good and my garage is level. I never park on the driveway. I thought of that first but that wasn't it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4R005

@Flyer Did you applied parking brake on your inclined driveway ? Clunking noise with every wheel revolution can indicate a dragging brake shoe from a partially released brake cable from one or both rear wheels. Happened to my '05 some years back after I had applied the parking brake. Vehicle will give this clunk with each wheel revolution until after several hundred feet and then went away. Root cause was a partially seized driver side parking brake cable. Replaced cable and all is good afterwards.

4R005 · 02-18-2024, 06:29 PM

@Flyer Thanks for the update on the fix. I'll store that into my memory bank if similar sound is heard from my '05 4R. BTW, what clue ( visible ?) led you to the left rear axle seal ( oil leak/seepage ? ).

Flyer · 02-18-2024, 07:39 PM

Nothing visible but the clunk was getting worse and only coming from the rear left side. The shop took the wheel off and maybe the rotor off too and only then could they tell that the seal had failed and the bearing was toast.

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