My 05 has developed a loud rattling noise that only occurs when I go over a bump. I know that it's definitely coming from the rearend. It sounds like a loose shackle but I can't find anything. Any ideas????

Have you checked your jack and tools?

I havent but I know the noise is coming from the outside. I've driven over bumps with my head out the window. It's definitely coming from the exterior rear end somewhere. It's fairly loud.

I guess the next thing I would look at is the exhaust hangers. Also mine had loose bolts and a missing clip along the upper edge of the rear bumper. You have to open the rear hatch to see the row of 10mm bolts (all were loose) and there is a clip on each side. It made a pretty good clunk when I hit a bump. Good luck.

I've noticed that mine has a noticeable clank anytime I hit a pothole, sharp bump, etc. Seems to come from the wheel well areas. I imagine mine is normal but a thought for your situation anyway.

Check your license plate. The bottom of my plate is unsecured and was whapping the body. I stuck on some rubber feet on the back of the plate and problem solved. I noticed it most when I closed the doors.

Its probably your emergency brake. Mine made the same noise oin the rear when I went over bumps. The dealer said the spring was loose so they installed a new hardware kit and the noise went away.

Already took care of the license plate so I know it's not that. I'll check into the exhaust hangers.

08Urbanrunner08 - What did they charge you for the hardware install?

Thanks guys!

It was covered under the warranty

Vehicle: 2008 Urban Runner

Mileage: 17K

Problem: Rattle or clanking noise coming from driver's side rear wheel well area when driving over expansion joints, pot holes or rough rocky roads at slow speeds.
First occured at about 7K while out driving rocky roads at slow speeds during deer season. Noise has incrementally increased since.

Actions taken: Dealer inspected under-carriage with no clues as to noise (May, 2009).
I inspected under-carriage at least 6 times still with no clues.

Les Schwab (tire, brake, alignment specialists) inspected rear brakes, including the emergency brake assembly.(Jan. 2010)
***NOTE: This time we may have a clue . There seems to be excessive slop of the E-Brake shoes. The shoes have 2 circular spring which are located at "ten o'clock" and "two o'clock".
These springs may be weak on this year and model 4Runner.
With this new information I will head back to the Dealership and hopefully take care of this problem.

"Simple task", you say......we'll see. First, they have to acknowledge the rattle. Second, they have to be willing to risk shop time and parts for something that may or may not resolve the problem. In my heart-of-hearts I know there is a problem with the brake assembly. There isn't a TSBs regarding this due to the difficulty in isolating the noise area and considering it may be on a limited run of 4Runners, such as the 08 Urban Runner.

I just so happen to work at this Dealership as a driver for new cars so I need to keep a happy-face on when working with the techs.
They seem to get grumpy when they hear too much unsolicited advice.

*** Any one else have similar noise or rattle or clanking?

Attached Images

 

Have the exact same issue on my 07 V8 Limited Edition.
When going at anywhere over 40-50 and any bump and I hear a rattle in the back

I finally got a free day to take my 08 Urban Runner into the dealership.

The rear knock, clank, rattle was solved.


Here's what they discovered:

*** Left Rear shock had "fluid misting" on it.
This was indicated by dust which was collecting on the upper shock tube. This was not visible to me while the rig was on the ground; only after it was lifted on the hoist.

*** Left Rear shock top bushing appeared to be misaligned, sort of mushed-over to one side.

Here's what they did:

*** Replaced shock, which included new bushings.

Not sure if the noise was associated with the shock OR the bushing.

The noise increased incrementally, but became super noticeable after my
SE Oregon deer hunting safari in the Trout Creek mountains...BLM road are the worst I've traveled (4.5 hours to go 11 miles)


Note: My fixation on the rear brake springs being the culprit was flat wrong. But I was so sure........Lord, please deliver me from my fixations.


Sorry, no pics. The Tech was too fast for me.