3rd Gen 4runner hood Rattle Fixed!

[nissanh]

I've been noticing and annoyed by a rattling sound (like a metal nut hitting against a body panel) coming near the bottom of front windshield area. Initially thought a loose door hinge... but it wasn't.

removed the wiper cowl and then check the hood hinges and found there is a significant play when hood is fully closed.

Planning on getting new hinges but I am quite confident my fix is a permanent fix and cost nothing. Made two thin rubber washers out of an old link bushing and then placed/glued it around the bolt holding the fender to the body of the runner.

The runner is VERY Very quiet!

2nd picture is when hood is closed (Viewed between the gap: fender-hood)

 

[HiLife]

As these rigs get older, it's good to know what areas to look at if it starts to squeak. Cuts down in hunting. Thanks for taking the time out and posting your find.

 

[nissanh]

^You're welcome!

I really spent good amount of time searching for this noise. Even pulled the bottom drivers dash and kick panel!

The rattling was so bad I stopped driving the runner for some time, and guess what, last 2-3 days I drove the runner leaving behind all my other vehicles.

 

[TravThePro]

The sound for me was a rattling squeal and that noise was so severe from the hood hinges that I stopped driving it offroad. New hinges are the actual fix for this, but this could be a great way to not have to realign the hood body mounts. I hope it works long-term + would suggest greasing or putting some sort of a coating to prevent noise in the future.