Knocking noise when in gear
- Thread starter Ace_Laserna
- Start date
the_antihero
New member
I have the same symptoms and was told by a reputable shop that this is "normal" for a T4R with 180K miles and I shouldn't be worried. It didn't come from the factory making this noise so I sought a second opinion at another reputable shop. They isolated the noise originating from the front of the engine. They disconnected the alternator belt and the noise disappeared. As far as I know, my vehicle has not exhibited any other signs that the alternator was going south. I've made an appointment to replace the alternator with an OE unit next week ($400). Hopefully, this will resolve the issue once and for all.
Two things: ^This makes me feel better considering I am nearing 300K miles and also you can save a bundle and do the alternator yourself. It is a very simple job if you have any skills at all. There are write ups on here that will walk you through it.
c310sar
New member
i have the same exact issue, or at least i believe its an issue?, but yea mine sounds as if its knocking. i know the exact sound you're hearing.
i havent gotten around to checking what that might be, but i do hear it a lot in other suv/trucks, like my dads suburban, when it gear stopped at a light, and my uncles silverado, so that makes me believe it might just be normal? who knows, but if you find it to be an issue please let me know! i will learn off this bro, thanks!
c310sar
New member
nice 4runner bro, i have an 02 same way black emblems, no running boards, tinted, slightly lifted, i love it
infamousRNR
Senior Member
260k miles with cat knock
i noticed ticking inside my engine going about 65mph and also when at a stand still.... at the stand still i could tell it was something on my exhaust and probably the CAT falling apart as i just got a CEL that says Catalytic converter basically is shot...
the engine compartment i think is a belt. check your tension.
Let the truck warm up to normal temp, shut it off, crawl underneath, pound on the cat wearing a glove or wrap your hand up with something and see if the cat is coming apart inside. Mine had a similar noise and it was the cat coming apart.
BTW, I want that Tundra! 05 quad cab on 37's?!? I think I creamed my pants a little!
i noticed ticking inside my engine going about 65mph and also when at a stand still.... at the stand still i could tell it was something on my exhaust and probably the CAT falling apart as i just got a CEL that says Catalytic converter basically is shot...
the engine compartment i think is a belt. check your tension.
t4runner604
New member
Cracked flex plate. Had to replace mine at 290xxx kms. Park beside a wall and listen for noise. I noticed mine at a mcds drive thru haha.
Asaspades93
New member
I had this happen twice to me. The first was a rotted exhaust hanger that was allowing the pipe to knock against the frame while stopped at a light and in gear, it went away in neutral and park. The second time it was the heat shield on the cat coming apart on one side. I just wrapped a hose clamp around the cat and it hasnt returned, yet
the_antihero
New member
update: installed the new alternator and the noise was still there. I had my old one reinstalled and was not charged. The symptoms are: knocking sound coming from the front engine area, exists only when (1) warmed up to operating temp, (2) when it is under load in Drive, Reverse, and when the AC is on, (3) seems to alleviate or disappear when shifted to neutral or Park, and (4) disappeared when alternator belt is removed. A little closer to isolating the issue but no solution found yet
2002 Motor area Ticking sound in gear, none in gear
2002 Motor area Ticking sound in gear, none in gear... changed timing belt and water pump, same sound... started immediately after an oil change at 186,000 miles.... won't go away and can't pin point... oil pump? what have those of you with a similar noise found? Thanks
2002 Motor area Ticking sound in gear, none in gear... changed timing belt and water pump, same sound... started immediately after an oil change at 186,000 miles.... won't go away and can't pin point... oil pump? what have those of you with a similar noise found? Thanks
SWOLF
New member
I have the same knock. Sounds like a main or thrust bearing. I checked the crank thrust and it felt and sounded similar. I need to get a dial indicator on it. I have seen over tightened drive belts cause main bearing noise but that was a Honda TSB. Which could explain why after a T belt there is noise or the alt belt removed it go away. Every thread I have read on the low engine knock has no real answers. I'm in no hurry to pull the pan just yet...
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marknor2002
New member
knocking noise while in gear
Hello I am new to the forum. I have a 2001 4Runner Sport 2wd. The vehicle has been dealer maintained and have the records from every major service done on the vehicle. It is extensive from timing belt changes to valve rebuild and suspension work. The 4Runner has 306000 miles yes that is correct. The vehicle is as clean as you would find with 120000. Owner was meticulous on maintenance. However the 4Runner too has developed a knocking sound only after the vehicle has warmed to operating temperature. The knocking only occurs when the vehicle is in gear and stops when I take it out of gear. The 4Runner shifts out just fine. I am trying to pinpoint location of knocking. Since there does not seem to be many maint records from previous owner in regards to transmission I am thinking it could be a bad flex plate or torque converter.
Hello I am new to the forum. I have a 2001 4Runner Sport 2wd. The vehicle has been dealer maintained and have the records from every major service done on the vehicle. It is extensive from timing belt changes to valve rebuild and suspension work. The 4Runner has 306000 miles yes that is correct. The vehicle is as clean as you would find with 120000. Owner was meticulous on maintenance. However the 4Runner too has developed a knocking sound only after the vehicle has warmed to operating temperature. The knocking only occurs when the vehicle is in gear and stops when I take it out of gear. The 4Runner shifts out just fine. I am trying to pinpoint location of knocking. Since there does not seem to be many maint records from previous owner in regards to transmission I am thinking it could be a bad flex plate or torque converter.
marknor2002
New member
On a side not....just got back in my truck. It had sat in the parking lot for about an hour and a half. Started up put in gear and no sound what so ever. Moved the 4runner to another parking space and still not sound in gear. It seams say after twenty minutes of driving and coming to a stop light the sound is louder at that point.
beancat425
New member
Knocking noise, rear right 2002
I have a "knocking" noise in the rear that only happens when people/weight is in the car. Had exhaust work done when I purchased it used a couple months ago and it's done it ever since. If I put in neutral, it stops. Crazy!
I have a "knocking" noise in the rear that only happens when people/weight is in the car. Had exhaust work done when I purchased it used a couple months ago and it's done it ever since. If I put in neutral, it stops. Crazy!
Lamberti21
New member
I just got my truck checked out for having the same exact issue. Shop I took it to said it was the timing belt. Pulled the cover. Ack and it was rubbing in something. He mentioned that the tensioner and bearing inside of it may start going bad, creating this noise. Gonna do a timing belt kit and go from there
I had zero sound coming from my engine until I had the timing belt replaced. Took it back to complain about the noise (it was slight, but present whenever in gear) and was told it could not be the belt.
Perhaps mine is also the tensioner incorrectly installed. At any rate that was 75K ago and I have just lived with it. We shall see in another 25K when I change them out again if it goes away. I will use a different mechanic (that's what I get for trying to save $200).
Goodtimesgonebad
New member
Sorry to bring this thread back from the dead but I'm having the exact same problem. Ive only noticed it after driving on the highway for 20 minutes or so. As soon as I stop and let it idle the noise starts up and will eventually go away. Not sure what it could be. If I put it in park it goes away and I can't hear it when I accelerate. Any ideas?
