Hey guys, new to the forum. Been lurking around since I bought a 4runner last week. It is a 1998 Limited 4wd in Anthracite Metallic, and I really like the thing so far. The previous owner took great care of it and it's in great shape. I'll add a picture at the end of the post.
On to the weird noise I am getting. At first I thought it was a steering issue, but the circumstances when it happens are very interesting. I had a chance to go to the empty lot behind the grocery store and reproduce the sound. It is a very quiet click, followed by a groan that lasts about a full second. It comes from the front of the 4runner. The sound happens after every start of the vehicle, after I have started moving, whether I am turning or not. This morning, on my way to work, I found that the sound will only occur if I have accelerated slightly, it won't do it if I am just coasting with the brakes off. So this is either related to a certain low speed, or it is related to getting the RPMs just over idle. After the initial sound, it doesn't happen until I restart the 4runner again, no matter what I do.
It sounds a little like a vacuum valve from an old truck or something like that. Or maybe it's the power steering pump groaning after starting up? My coworker listened to it and he thinks it may be the abs unit actuating or something. Any ideas would help, thanks!
On to the weird noise I am getting. At first I thought it was a steering issue, but the circumstances when it happens are very interesting. I had a chance to go to the empty lot behind the grocery store and reproduce the sound. It is a very quiet click, followed by a groan that lasts about a full second. It comes from the front of the 4runner. The sound happens after every start of the vehicle, after I have started moving, whether I am turning or not. This morning, on my way to work, I found that the sound will only occur if I have accelerated slightly, it won't do it if I am just coasting with the brakes off. So this is either related to a certain low speed, or it is related to getting the RPMs just over idle. After the initial sound, it doesn't happen until I restart the 4runner again, no matter what I do.
It sounds a little like a vacuum valve from an old truck or something like that. Or maybe it's the power steering pump groaning after starting up? My coworker listened to it and he thinks it may be the abs unit actuating or something. Any ideas would help, thanks!
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