Gravel/ grind Noise under occasional hard braking

[xcmountain80]

I have mechanical mystery. My 384,000 mile 2002 4Runner makes an odd noise min occasion. Scenario 1 braking hard on the down side of a bridge approaching a red light. Scenario 2 any braking with a trailer load of 3,000 lbs or more. Each scenario makes a noise and vibration that I can feel in the floorboard. It almost sounds as if you're driving down a pea gravel driveway. My first inspection is wheel bearings. Do I have not noticed any abnormal play as I just rotated my tires. This set of bearings has at least 100,000 miles on them.

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[St Runner]

Sounds like your ABS is activating. Normally an issue with the earlier 96-98 models, but you could have a sensor issue. Try pulling the front sensors and clean them and see if that helps.

 

[xcmountain80]

I pulled the ABS sensors last night and what do you know. They were covered in debris. Wiped them with a microfiber and placed them back. Brakes seem to bite harder now.

Thank you


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[xcmountain80]

Noticed the noise again today but just once.


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[TrunksGen3]

Sounds like your ABS is activating. Normally an issue with the earlier 96-98 models, but you could have a sensor issue. Try pulling the front sensors and clean them and see if that helps.

Brilliant, thanks I've had the same issue since going off-roading in mud last week. Is there a special tool or procedure for removing them? Mine seem pretty solidly stuck in there!

Thanks

 

[St Runner]

Honestly I have never taken my sensors out for the same reason, they were in there tight and I knew I would break them before they came out. I pulled the abs fuse and pulled the abs bulb in the dash and I have never had any issues since. Mind you my driving is different from most everyone on here, I don't drive over 40 mph and I have never seen ice on the road except when a tourist dumps his cooler out before putting it in the car. Lots of pb blaster and let it cycle a few times would be my best suggestion

 

[xcmountain80]

Easy to remove, 10mm socket, wiggle wiggle, pull. I used a dab of RTV when reinserting because I tore the original rubber seal.


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[thor999]

Shot in the dark, push your dust shield away from the calipers something. I had a rock lodged in one of my vehicles that was making the most awesome intermittent grinding noise recently.

 

[xcmountain80]

Thank you but I do not have dust shields.


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