Engine & Transmission Noise / Trip Prep

[dkerr]

Pre-Trip Maintenance Help – Engine & Transmission Rattles
Hey everyone,
I’m getting my 2000 4WD ready for a trip out west and would love some input.

I’ve got two rattles I can’t pin down:

Engine area – slight rattle at low RPMs, not a loud knock or tick.
Transmission – irregular sound when parked, almost like metal shavings being tossed around.
Most people say “flex plate” for the engine rattle, but I’m not convinced. The trans was rebuilt once, and I’ve done regular drain/refills (~every 30k). Temps are fine even on mountain trips using low gear and O/D off.

Main question:
Would you dig into these noises now, or leave them since I’ve had no real issues?

Here’s what’s already been done in the past year:

CV Axles
Front & Rear Brakes
Rear Axle Seals
Trans fluid drain/refill
Coolant flush (Toyota Red)
Front & Rear diff oil
Driveline greased
Anything else I should check before heading out?

Thanks!

 

[phattyduck]

Engine area – slight rattle at low RPMs, not a loud knock or tick.

While driving or not moving? Under load, coasting, etc.?

-Charlie

 

[dkerr]

While driving or not moving? Under load, coasting, etc.?

-Charlie

Both are while not moving with the engine at idle and transmission in Park.

 

[jgue467]

Double check the Transfer Case vibration damper is on tight - mine was a bit loose (only 2 bolts/nuts) and would only rattle when idling in gear (and really could only hear if window was rolled down like at a drive thru).

 

[Hungryhawk]

Distances in the West are large. I suggest getting a AAA membership and purchase the premier grade. If you have AAA upgrade to premier. Premier allows a 200 mile tow once a year and 100 mile tows a few times. You can cancel after the year if you do not wish to continue. Your rig is older with lots of miles and potential issues with long hours driving.
Some sort of sun unbrellas or awning and folding chairs will make scenic stops more enjoyable.
Regarding the noises-make a improvised stethoscope with a piece of hose - 1/2" or so is fine. Be very careful and note all moving parts to stay clear of. Hold one end to a part and hold other end to your ear. You might identify a part making the sounds?

 

[spartacus]

Check that exhaust piping/muffler also heat sheilds are all good.

 

[dkerr]

Thanks to all for the help. Did some digging around under the truck and lo and behold the inspection plate / dust cover for the flex plate is completely missing so I suspect this might be the culprit.

 

[dkerr]

Transmission needs replacing

Alas, I took it to a transmission shop and they believe the planetary gears have gone and the transmission needs to be rebuilt.

I know a lot of electronic ink has been spilt on this forum regarding transmissions, but any help would be greatly appreciated

This is the same shop that rebuilt my transmission 5 years ago (and 57,000 miles ago).

Am I crazy to think that's a short amount of time for a rebuild to last?

Either way, I'm going to go get a second opinion, as well as a quote for a replacement with a remanufactured OEM.


Doing a transmission swap myself seems doable. I'm about to have two weeks off which seems like a reasonable amount of time to get it done and I have a decent amount of experience (Steering rack, CV axles, LBJ's, Valve cover gaskets, breaks are all things I've replaced) as well as tools and jacks.

If I do it myself where's the best place to buy a remanufactured Toyota transmission? I don't love the idea of a junk yard transmission as this is my daily driver.

Thanks.

 

[phattyduck]

If I do it myself where's the best place to buy a remanufactured Toyota transmission? I don't love the idea of a junk yard transmission as this is my daily driver.

Thanks.

A time machine... It has been a few years since the Toyota remans have been available, I think.

-Charlie

 

[dkerr]

Update on Transmission

Here's the update if anyone's curious.

After waiting around for a shop to get open for a second opinion, I got a recommendation for a bigger transmission shop that's been in town for years. Talked with them on the phone and they looked at it later that day and the next.

They looked it up and down and found nothing wrong with the transmission. Ultimately, they said there's nothing they could sell me and that the noise I'm hearing would need to be much louder to warrant spending 3 or 4k tearing open the transmission.

So I guess I'll just drive it 'til it blows up!

I'll keep an eye on transmission temps with my Scan Gauge, probably install a transmission cooler, and maybe invest in AAA if I go long distances .

 

[spartacus]

Inline Transmission cooler will help off road.