clunk when taking foot off accelerator

[sox203]

Hi everyone, I'm looking for some help with an issue i'm having with my 2000 4runner limited with 139k. The clunking has been going on for about a year. About 2 months ago I had an issue with the tranny which i thought was the cause. After getting it rebuilt and the rig back I was disappointed to find the the clunk is still occurring...

the past month I've really been trying to identify a solid repro for the issue and this is what I have so for. Any thoughts or experience with a similar issue is greatly appreciated.


1. this only happens after I've been on the highway for 10+ miles or so. If I pull out of the driveway it works perfectly. Once it's warmed up it happens at speed and when driving slowly. Also seems to get close to stalling when coming to a stop.

2. This only occurs when taking the foot off the accelerator quickly. If it take my foot of slowly no clunk.

3. I've had the check engine light come on about every 6 months for the MAF, cleaning it will resolve the issue for about 6 months. I cleaned it about a month ago and so far no P0171 code. But prior to taking back to the tranny shop last week it did display a P0420 code. The cat is about 2 years old so I reset the code and so far it has not returned.

Thanks in advance!

 

[fish0281]

Shot in the dark here, but I have heard similar problems on other trucks and it's been drive-shaft related both times... can't remember what the exact cause was though.

 

[Tucson4runner]

Got same problem in same 00 limited. Hope someone can help us.

 

[Bigmikelakers]

I kind of have the same problem a well. Especially if I'm stuck in traffic driving slow for a while. In stop and go traffic, I hear the clunk when I brake then hit the gas before I make a complete stop. I asked my mechanic about it before and he said its pretty common he didn't seem to concern about it. But, its annoying hearing it and would love to find a solution.

 

[BlackCat914]

Probably 2 separate issues. I would clean the throttle plate if it's all carboned up, it'll cause poor/low idle issues. I'd also lube all the grease fittings (5) on the driveshafts and see if it helps with the clunk.

 

[sox203]

thanks, one other thing I've noticed is poor gas milage so I'll take a look at the throttle body\plate and see if it could use some love.

 

[Jons]

Just a guess but check your motor mounts.

 

[imboredeveryday]

check tranny and motor mounts and check drive shaft might need to lube the u joints up

 

[fourwd1]

The slip joint on your rear drive shaft needs greasing.
Common problem on the later trucks.

 

[sooner02r1]

Grease the U joints and see if that helps.

 

[rm2fast]

New U-joints in your drive shafts the needle bearings get old and wore and slop develops therefore when you let of gas it releases the tension and then when you push the gas the clunk is from the slop in the joint.
Put the truck on level ground, chalk wheels, put in neutral and grab the drive shaft and wiggle it up and down side to side you will see excess play if its ujoints

 

[chimpy]

I have 165,000 on my 01 and had the same problem. Last time I had it at the Toyota dealer for an oil change, I asked them to hit those zerk fittings with some grease and that took care of the problem.:biggrin2: