Hearing a rattle......

[arouth]

About a month ago when it was snowing heavily in Omaha I was turning a corner and slid to the right and slammed into the curve. No damage or anything b/c I was going pretty slow, but shortly thereafter I would hear a rattling sound when I was driving.

It sounds like the right rear door, but it is hard to tell. Also, I can hear a slight squeaking sound in the area of the front right door.

I've also noticed that the sounds go away when it is warmer and then are more noticeable when it gets cold. My only guess is the the seal of the door expands when its warmer. Beyond that I have no idea.

I would like to avoid a huge bill by taking it to Toyota. What do you guys think it is and how much do you think it will cost to fix it?

 

[toto]

When you slid into the curve, what did you hit? Did you hit the body against something, or did you just slide into the curb? I think it would take a direct hit to mess up the body around the door openings.

Could be a lot of other minor things that are just coincidental. For example, the noise in the back could be the notorious rear seat rattle on the right side. The back of the back seat sits on the latch pretty loose, and it rattles easily. Fixed with some electrical tape around the latch!

Also, could something have shifted in the glove box? Or maybe the dash is rattling a little bit - that sort of thing does tend to be worse with colder temps.

Another idea... maybe it's the running board, if that was possibly damaged in the accident.

Definitely try to narrow down the source of the sound before going to a dealer. Have a passenger listen while you're driving.

 

[arouth]

When I slid into the curve all I hit was the side of the tires. I looked at the body afterwards and there was no damage.

I'll check out all the stuff you said. Maybe it is the seat. Hopefully I can avoid a $200 trip to the stealership....

Thanks for the info!

 

[HRunner]

Recently, I also heard a slight squeaking sound from somewhere under the car.... it's very quiet, but definitely i can hear it with the audio shut. I first thought of the shocks or string because it happened most on speed bump. But now, seems to have it even on a flat road.

I have no idea where the sound came from.

 

[juneau92]

Recently, I also heard a slight squeaking sound from somewhere under the car.... it's very quiet, but definitely i can hear it with the audio shut. I first thought of the shocks or string because it happened most on speed bump. But now, seems to have it even on a flat road.

I have no idea where the sound came from.

You might check the shroud or heat shield I think it is surrounding the muffler. There's been others who've reported a rattle there.

 

[pipspeak]

You have just one rattle? Lucky soul. My 4R has about six different rattles, only a few of which reveal themselves at any one time. Depends on the weather and many other random factors.

The one in the headliner just above my head is the most annoying, but is often cured by a thump.

Number two on the list is the rattle from the passenger-side front door, often cured by the passenger either tugging on the door handle or me opening and slamming the door while driving. I think that one is an ill-fitting piece of trim ont eh door somewhere. You might want to check that, too.

And coming in at number three is the faint rattle that seems to come from the base of the windshield, appearing only on certain road surfaces.

 

[gonzo]

I've also noticed that the sounds go away when it is warmer and then are more noticeable when it gets cold. My only guess is the the seal of the door expands when its warmer. Beyond that I have no idea.

i had this same thing, drove me nuts! i finally figured out what it was. there is a rubberized flap on the inside of the wheel-well up front that probably became dislodged. when you drive, the wind knocks it around and causes a rattling noise. the colder it is, the harder the rubber, the louder the noise. when i put mine back into place it stopped. every once in a while i'll go through a big puddle or something and it will come out, right away i know what it is.

hope this fixes it, good luck.

 

[Koz]

Check the right rear seat latch, put a little piece of electical tape on the "D" ring where it locks.

Koz

 

[cjm5027]

I have a rattle/squeak too in the rear seat drivers side. Its the wierdest thing...Its not the D-ring where it latches although it stops when the seat is folded down. It makes the sound even when someone is sitting in the seat. I think i have narrowed it down to being inside the pillar where the curtain airbag is. I tried getting in there to tighten things up but its damn near impossible.

I duno what to do about it

 

[HRunner]

I was supposed to bring my 4R to the dealer to check out. However, it's raining today and the sound disappeared.

I don't want to be a butthead when the tech guy couldn't hear any squeaking sound at all... therefore, I cancelled the appointment and would reschedule for another sunny day.

I will check out what you guys suggested too.... will report later!

Thanks~

 

[LandShark]

I saw someone mentioned checking the heat shield on the cats. You might also want to check your exhaust hangers. Slim chance, but you might have broken a weld and the pipe might be knocking against the hanger. Might just want to have a quick look if nothing else seems to help.

 

[cjm5027]

I saw someone mentioned checking the heat shield on the cats. You might also want to check your exhaust hangers. Slim chance, but you might have broken a weld and the pipe might be knocking against the hanger. Might just want to have a quick look if nothing else seems to help.

Thanks ill check it out...though i cant hear it outside the car with the windows down

We'll see

 

[mji]

I have a rattle/squeak too in the rear seat drivers side. Its the wierdest thing...Its not the D-ring where it latches although it stops when the seat is folded down. It makes the sound even when someone is sitting in the seat. I think i have narrowed it down to being inside the pillar where the curtain airbag is. I tried getting in there to tighten things up but its damn near impossible.

I duno what to do about it

I've had the exact same problem EXACTLY as you described it above. I read as many of the postings for this topic carefully eliminating outside then interior possibilities. I tried Koz's suggestion about taping the D rings on both sides. It actually appears to be working. Also purchased silicone grease and lubed the rear hatch stoppers. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the taping did the job. Rather amazing. You might want to give it a shot as well.

Mike
chicago

 

[krravi]

"Number two on the list is the rattle from the passenger-side front door, often cured by the passenger either tugging on the door handle or me opening and slamming the door while driving. I think that one is an ill-fitting piece of trim ont eh door somewhere."

I just noticed this today. The weather is getting a lil warmer after months of coldness...

I would like this fixed. Other than this, my 4runner runs like a rock.