Creaking in the right rear

[808Sport]

Has anyone had creaking in their 4th Gen Runner? Mine is in the right rear when I turn left over a bump or when reversing out of my driveway which has a small bump at the edge so water doesn't run in. I thought it was the suspension or possibly the fender flare. Any ideas?

Mahalo Plenty(means thanks a lot in Hawaiian slang)

 

[independent70]

Bent panhard bar (toyota dealer here called it the track bar). My moms 4runner was the same, creaking over bumps, turns all kind of stuff. We got it fixed for free at the 5000 mile service. Take it in and have them look at. Good luck, Joe P.

 

[808Sport]

independent70 thanks for the info, I'll have it checked out. How does that bar get bent? I have only had my truck for 3 weeks and it started maybe a week and a half ago. Thanks again for the help.

 

[Thai]

It's hard to bend the panhard bar. It is usually due to some severe stress over the rear axle...wheel hopping, doing donuts, fast up-and-down flexing of the rear axle (ex: fast off-road racing). I have not seen much of this......until Joe had it! Joe probably is the best person to ask about the different causes for this problem.

I doubt that it's your panhard bar...probably more related to a defective shock absorber. I would check your cargo area for any loose panels, tools, etc..

Good luck.

 

[Bluto]

My 4runner had a similar creak the first 3000 miles. I think it was the running board. They are installed by the dealer.

I'd wait a few miles before going to the dealer.

 

[Derek]

Both of my 4Runners have had this same problem. The creak is most likely coming from the latch that holds the right rear seat locked in the upright position. Try wrapping some electrical tape around the metal 'U shaped' latch and then see if the creak goes away.

 

[808Sport]

Thanks gang, I'll check it out and let you know what I find.

Aloha!

 

[TeCKis300]

Both of my 4Runners have had this same problem. The creak is most likely coming from the latch that holds the right rear seat locked in the upright position. Try wrapping some electrical tape around the metal 'U shaped' latch and then see if the creak goes away.

Bingo! I had the same thing when my truck was just 2 weeks old. Had some terrible thoughts in my head of a some huge defect. Searched the boards and....yup, exactly that. Make sure your rear seats are positively latched and it will go away!

 

[808Sport]

Anyone have a picture on how that electrical tape should be wrapped on the U shaped latch? My problem keeps coming back after I unlatch and latch the seat again. The seat is the 60 side of the 60/40 split.

Thanks in advance for the advice,
Scott

 

[KMX3060]

It's the rear passenger seat. (right side)

Put the tape around the middle. Just a couple of wraps.

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[toyota03]

I had the same problem you are speaking of. It was the reach seat latch,but the dealer put some grease on the latch and it went away. You can try that first.

 

[Whoknows]

I had the same problem -- started in the first week. It would happen when I pulled into my drive slowly -- causing the body to flex. It stopped by itself, though I think that it was likely what others have said -- the latch for the back seat. I noticed for the first time a few weeks ago that it is easy to think the latch is fully secured when it is not.

 

[tkr128]

Mine makes a creak when I release the brakes slowly in the morning. It goes away after driving a little.