Just want to keep this RATTLE topic going until we have the fix.
This is what I've posted to date on the subject:
I had a similar rear noise on my 08 Urban Runner.
This noise was noticeable when driving relatively slowly over expansion joints or divots in the road (voids in the pavement.....not bumps)
The noise increased incrementally, but became really noticeable after my
SE Oregon deer hunting safari where BLM roads are the worst I've traveled (4.5 hours to go 11 miles)
Originally I thought the noise was associated with the rear brake springs or possibly rattling brake pads. I had a brake expert at Les Schwab inspect and he found nothing out of order. My intent of taking it to Les Schwab was to get proof for the Toyota Techs that there was actually a problem and not just my imagination.
In my frustration, my next step was to have my dealership put it up on a hoist to do an inspection.
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.
Sorry, no pics. The Tech was too fast for me.
Update: My rear-end noise fixation is is starting to whisper softy in my ear, "I'm back". What's really strange is that when the Tech took me for a drive immediately after he replaced the shock, I didn't hear anything.
Now, I'm starting to hear a faint thump-knock-clank noise again. My "fixation" is now on the XREAS system. Could it be that when this hydraulic shock system is disconnected there is a small amount of fluid lost and this introduces air, which in turn makes this noise??? Thinking back in time, I first noticed this noise not too long after having my Cornfed front lift kit installed in which the XREAS lines were disconnected.
The other culprit just may be other noisy rear bushings, but how do you convince the Toyota Techs that they need replacing, unless they're really loose or, as in my case, misaligned.
Anyway, as new discoveries happen, I'll post.
Update 1/10/11: Took into dealership for one last try before my warranty
ran out. They took it for a test drive and said all was "normal".
I kick myself for not riding along in order to find the right kind of "divot" or crack in the road surface.
My next move is for me to get in the back and have my wife drive.
I'll report my new findings, if any.
UPDATE: We'll.........that was a "FUN" trip with my wife at the wheel and me in the back on my hands & knees. People were starting to stare, which in turn, made me feel like the weirdo these people were staring at.......Yes, I heard the rattle (wife didn't)......no worthwhile intel.
Update 2-9-11: Still in pursuit of my rattle.
Today I drove a back street that has provided a pretty good "control" for me.
There are a series of divots, cracks & holes that cause the rattle to happen.
Step 1: Drove course with no brake action....rattle there.
Step 2: Drove course with brake peddle depressed lightly ...rattle there.
Step 3. Drove course with brake peddle depressed moderately...still there.
Update 10-18-2015 Rattle still there...BUT, I noticed only when the outside temp is below 60 degrees.
I took my rig in about a 1 1/2 years ago to have the Tech check it out as I was sure it was the XREAS system that was compromised when the same Toyota dealer installed my front lift kit. Arrived at Dealership in AM (Shop 45 degrees & making rattle) The Tech found nothing after spending 3 hours checking everything out (Shop was 65 degrees & NO RATTLE).
***Since then I can absolutely verify the below 60 degrees rattle.
All summer long....no rattle. Fall time hits....rattle.
Oh well, that's what my XM-Radio is for.....just crank it up a bit.
