Knocking sound from under-carriage 2007 4Runner SR5 V6 4x4

[michael90630]

I just purchased a 2007 4Runner SR5 V6 4x4. I have only driven it approx. 500 miles. All on pavement - no off-roading.

From yesterday, I am noticing a sort of knocking sound coming from the undercarriage maybe just around just under the front passeneger seat. It only happens in high speeds say 80-85 mph on the freeway and it is intermittent. However, it is very clear and noticeable when the radio or other inside noise down. The noise will surely start and kind of dies off when I slow down.

If I were to compare with some other noise, it would sort of be like the clicking sound you hear on your CV boots are gone and the CV joints make the sound when turning your vehicle.

My first reaction was maybe something i.e. garbage bag, small branch or something is stuck underneath and so I checked thoroughly last night and everything is clean. Nothing seems to be loose or flapping around.

Has anyone encountered something like this? Any guess what it could be?

Obviously this is a bummer! Heck it's a brand new Toyota 4Runner and I did not expect to run to the Dealer and leaving my vehicle for a day for a check-up.

Any suggestions will be appreciated.

 

[2k3T4R]

Check your roof rack cross bars to make sure the adjustment knobs are tight. I had a similiar problem and thought it was underneath but turned out to be the cross bars.

 

[michael90630]

Thanks 2k3T4R

You're right on! I tightened them and the noise seem to have disappeared. I did a quick test drive and was relieved to see the noise go away.

 

[2k3T4R]

Hopefully that was it. Personally I hate going to the stealership when the problem is not obvious, they have a tendency to play dumb.

 

[G-Spotter]

That was the same thing happened to me. Got my 07 T4R from the dealership with just 7 miles on it, drove to Vegas the next night. And I have that vibrating noise all the way. A day old car and already have a this annoying noise especially on high speed.
I called my salesman and told him about it and he said just bring it back and we will look at it. Still had the annoying noise from Vegas back to Socal. And when I got home I check everything under and the side mirrors if there is anything loose. And found the 2 roof rack crossbars slided all the way to back and the knob was very loose. I position the crossbar to where it suppose to be and tighten the knob and the noise disappeared.
I dont know why the dealership did not tighten those knob before they gave it to me. Good thing it didnt got blown away on the freeway and hit somebody while I was driving.