Annoying Rattling/Clanking (Yes I used search function)

[J053619]

Hey guys some serious help is needed :help:

Recently my 4runner has had this annoying rattling/clanking when I go over small bumps and put holes. The noise is similar to a thin sheet of metal slapping against another thin sheet of metal.

I have given the search bar a good hardcore pounding trying to find possible solutions and have tried almost everything suggested:
- Removed the skids in case they might have been lose, but that was not the case and have re-installed them.
- Installed new suspension (toytec boss); I thought I might have messed up xreas during the daystar install but as I expected that was not the case.
- Installed new uca’s, I've read the ucas occasionally make noise, this also did not fix the issue.
- Removed the front sway bar since it’s been said the sway bar bushings tend to wear out, and replacing the bushings clears the noise. Don’t have new bushings so I completely removed the front sway bar.
- Noticed my spare tire carrier wobbles so I zip tied it tight (don’t have the spare in that location, I have it inside the truck).
- Brake pads being loose, I don’t think this is it, the noise it makes sounds like something has a lot of room to move and doubt it would come from here. Also when I was installing the toytec lift, I tried moving them and they would not budge enough to possibly produce what I’m hearing.
- Thought it might have been my new borla exhaust however the noise was there before I installed it.

I suspect it may be the cv axles since they both lost grease when I initially installed the daystar lift. I must mention, that there is no popping when I turn the wheel fully in both directions, so I’m not sure if it’s really the cv axles. The noise occurs on multiple bumps on the road; when it’s a smooth speed bump the rattle isn’t really there unless I speed through it. I have youtubed sounds from damaged cv axles and nothing sounds similar to what I’m experiencing. I’m very hesitant to redo my cv axles alone, and will be extremely pissed if that doesn’t end up fixing this issue.

I will try to drive the truck later and see if I can get a recording of the noise. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

I can’t bear to drive my 4runner like this, I always hear the noise since I drive with all the windows down!! :frusty:

 

[NuclearN8]

heat shield is loose or spare tire tool bag clip isn't attached would be my guesses...

 

[MarkinWMich]

Hey guys some serious help is needed :help:

Recently my 4runner has had this annoying rattling/clanking when I go over small bumps and put holes. The noise is similar to a thin sheet of metal slapping against another thin sheet of metal.

I can’t bear to drive my 4runner like this, I always hear the noise since I drive with all the windows down!! :frusty:

I agree with NuclearN8. Check your heat shields. I have had 2 corrode and vibrate completely through the fasteners. They are obnoxious noise makers when loose.

 

[J053619]

I will try removing the shield tonight, however when i was underneath i couldn't get it to rattle. Maybe the excessive motion while driving through bumps is better at moving it than I am. I pray that this is the issue.

 

[preacher35]

Hey guys some serious help is needed :help:

Recently my 4runner has had this annoying rattling/clanking when I go over small bumps and put holes. The noise is similar to a thin sheet of metal slapping against another thin sheet of metal.

I have given the search bar a good hardcore pounding trying to find possible solutions and have tried almost everything suggested:
- Removed the skids in case they might have been lose, but that was not the case and have re-installed them.
- Installed new suspension (toytec boss); I thought I might have messed up xreas during the daystar install but as I expected that was not the case.
- Installed new uca’s, I've read the ucas occasionally make noise, this also did not fix the issue.
- Removed the front sway bar since it’s been said the sway bar bushings tend to wear out, and replacing the bushings clears the noise. Don’t have new bushings so I completely removed the front sway bar.
- Noticed my spare tire carrier wobbles so I zip tied it tight (don’t have the spare in that location, I have it inside the truck).
- Brake pads being loose, I don’t think this is it, the noise it makes sounds like something has a lot of room to move and doubt it would come from here. Also when I was installing the toytec lift, I tried moving them and they would not budge enough to possibly produce what I’m hearing.
- Thought it might have been my new borla exhaust however the noise was there before I installed it.

I suspect it may be the cv axles since they both lost grease when I initially installed the daystar lift. I must mention, that there is no popping when I turn the wheel fully in both directions, so I’m not sure if it’s really the cv axles. The noise occurs on multiple bumps on the road; when it’s a smooth speed bump the rattle isn’t really there unless I speed through it. I have youtubed sounds from damaged cv axles and nothing sounds similar to what I’m experiencing. I’m very hesitant to redo my cv axles alone, and will be extremely pissed if that doesn’t end up fixing this issue.

I will try to drive the truck later and see if I can get a recording of the noise. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

I can’t bear to drive my 4runner like this, I always hear the noise since I drive with all the windows down!! :frusty:

Yup, the first thing that came to my mind was HEAT SHIELD.

 

[anotherrunner83]

my guess is a heat shield as well. there is also a small guard/shield just forward of the t-case that protects the universal joint for the front drive shaft. give that guy a check as well.

 

[Nyc-Runner]

I had the issue with the heat shield to. I noticed it while on the highway one day and then stopped and couldn't find and but once i started driving again i heard it instantly. So i stopped and put it in reverse and out the parking brake on and it kept rattling, turns out the head shield was so corroded it was just sitting on top of the drive shaft so it was just clanking around. Pulled it right out!

 

[J053619]

Thanks guys, definitely will look into this when i get home. I'd finally be able to fully drive & enjoy my runner without any noises bothering me

 

[onthejob]

I agree on heat shield. I've been without a heat shield for 3 years and no issues.

 

[CBR]

similar to the heat shield, i had a piece of the cat fall off and wedge its self between the frame and the converter. the converter is very close to the frame rail, look around there too. This made a similar noise to what you're describing.

 

[J053619]

I just got home and tried moving the heat shields, but the bolts aren't that rusty nor are they loose. Ill just try taking them off in a bit, and see if that helps. If not ill check what you mentioned CBR.

 

[J053619]

Update: I drove the runner around with the heat shields still on just so everyone can hear the rattle/clanking I was talking about. In a few I will remove them and drive around again to see if it eliminates the problem.

Rattle/Clanking Video (skip to 0:45)

 

[Billynath1988]

I had a similar problem which actually turned out to be 2 things happening at once. Heat shield bolt rusted out. Fixed by putting larger washer in.

Now I have discovered that the Exhaust Joint/flange that goes from the y pipe to the rest of the exhaust on the passenger side squeaks and rattles as it bounces up and down. The hanger looks fine but might be worn enough to allow this motion which causes a noise. Ill be changing it tomorrow and let you know how that goes.
I have the V8.. if that matters for this.

 

[Dylan]

I'm not sure if you notice the noise coming from a particular area of the car when you're inside with the windows rolled up. I recently had a similar issue, among other maintenance related items, that sounded like a clunk in the rear left of my runner. It was noticed right around the time I had completely done all my brakes. I thought it was the rear-pass side brake system. Turned out it was my bottle jack loose in the rear left cargo area. I hope your issues is that simple of a fix.

 

[illboxyourpes]

Update: I drove the runner around with the heat shields still on just so everyone can hear the rattle/clanking I was talking about. In a few I will remove them and drive around again to see if it eliminates the problem.

Rattle/Clanking Video (skip to 0:45)

I have this same sound on the same instances/scenarios. I haven't been able to pinpoint the cause of my noise yet and it's frustrating.

 

[MarkinWMich]

I listened to the sound clip you posted. Check your cv axles again. Specifically, when you grab the axle shaft, give it a good shake. It is supposed to have a good amount of play, especially, in and out from the inside joint. However, if you are recieving any metal-to-metal noise, it is, at least, low on grease.

I have learned that some cv axles can have all sorts of, sometimes subtle, signs and symptoms as it wears or grease is low. Those "classic" tight turn "clicking" or acceleration shudder behavior is typical of highly worn cv axles.

Some people are generally in tune with their vehicles, hear and feel all those subtle things, and drive repair technicians crazy because they can't track it down.

 

[J053619]

Thanks for the input on everything guys. So far i think (and hope) i might have found the culprit. I took my lunch break to get under the truck and lightly tap everything underneath. I checked all the bolts on the heat shields and believe it or not, they all look almost new. I tried rattling it again and not luck moving them, i did bend them however lol.

I did manage to find a hanger loose on my exhaust, which might explain why it was rattling before the borla install as well. I will fix it tonight when i remove the daystar spacer that i accidentally put on my toytec springs during the swap. :doh:

 

[oljedi11950]

My experience was heat shields & I had posted about the "rumble strip" issue . Replaced my exhaust manifolds with pacesetters & no more noise . Lost the shields on that part of manifold , was a great relief to not have tranny or torque converter probs ! Might check those?

 

[J053619]

MarkinWMich, I really think this is it now. I spent my time after work under the truck for 3-4 hours removing the daystar spacers off my toytec rear coils and while under it, I mocked up something so the hanger stayed put. I put insulation on the borla as well to prevent it from clanking against anything and the noise is still there.
I even took a heat shield which felt like it was loose. Yet the noise is still there.

oljedi11950, I'm hoping I don't have to replace the exhaust manifolds. I'm already going to replace the sway bar bushings since I've stripped the bolts from removing them so many times.

Anyway, tomorrow I'm dropping it off at Firestone for an alignment and will see if they can find the reason for the noise without me directing them to the cv axles. The issue is if it were the cv axle, wouldn't the noise be consistent? The noise doesn't happen on every bump, but it only occurs on bumps.

I may just suck it up and replace the axles in a week, because I am sick of searching and trying every clank/rattle fix i have come across :smash:

I used to come to t4r.org to enjoy the pics and threads, now i'm starting to dislike this place because it means i'm still dealing with this effing noise :frusty:

 

[theliman]

MarkinWMich, I really think this is it now. I spent my time after work under the truck for 3-4 hours removing the daystar spacers off my toytec rear coils and while under it, I mocked up something so the hanger stayed put. I put insulation on the borla as well to prevent it from clanking against anything and the noise is still there.
I even took a heat shield which felt like it was loose. Yet the noise is still there.

oljedi11950, I'm hoping I don't have to replace the exhaust manifolds. I'm already going to replace the sway bar bushings since I've stripped the bolts from removing them so many times.

Anyway, tomorrow I'm dropping it off at Firestone for an alignment and will see if they can find the reason for the noise without me directing them to the cv axles. The issue is if it were the cv axle, wouldn't the noise be consistent? The noise doesn't happen on every bump, but it only occurs on bumps.

I may just suck it up and replace the axles in a week, because I am sick of searching and trying every clank/rattle fix i have come across :smash:

I used to come to t4r.org to enjoy the pics and threads, now i'm starting to dislike this place because it means i'm still dealing with this effing noise :frusty:

Hey man. I recently re-did my brakes as well, and afterwards have noticed a rattle on the driver's side on almost any bump - usually but not always on sharp, quick hits, and definitely on bumps. It was driving me crazy, making me nervous since I did my own suspension, and I was following this thread hoping for an answer.

Anyway, I finally went underneath today to test out my exhaust heat shield and noticed my brake line was not re-bolted on to whatever connects the upper control arm to the wheel (that description tells you how mechanically inclined I am). Anyway, please don't be insulted, but thought I would check since your rattle sounded similar and it also started after doing brakes. Worked for me!