machine gun sunroof noise

[corrado]

Hoping someone else has had/fixed this.

Well you know how the stock roof wind deflector adjusts up/down according to speed? Mine is failing (binding?) and making a terrible noise. its only happening when that deflector is moving, not the actual glass panel. anyone know whats going on?

 

[BobbyZee]

We have stock wind deflector? I thought they were all after market or 'dealer options' just like leather on SE. I have Sunroof with wind deflector but donot think it really bends, unless extremely higher speeds maybe...never tried that.
Is the rubber seal between deflector and roof intact? Mine was off at one off from one side and used to hit the roof at higher speeds, winds. Simple glue fixed it.

 

[ClockWork]

If lowers above 54mph and raises again below 46mph. Yes - those are exact values. The sunroof on the 4R is notoriously troublesome. Mine stuck open once and I had to force it close with my hands. Works fine now - but I'm still wary of it. Check to make sure there are no obstructions.

 

[Spiggie]

Mine did this as well.. something is blocking it or it is pushed down/off the track. Came back from europe an found the 4runner sunroof was pushed down into the car.. no glass broke though. they had to replace it all for around 1600 if i remember.. so see if it is on track or not!

 

[corrado]

Thanks for the responses, but let me clarify:

the sunroof slides back and fourth with no obstruction or problems. the issue is only with the black plastic wind deflector that raises/lowers at the speeds mentioned above. So when i'm driving w/ the roof totally open, at 54mph i get a terrible grinding noise when the deflector tries to lower. then i get it again at 46mph when it tries to go back up. that deflector also retracts right before the panel closes/opens, so i hear it then also... fun fun.

 

[Spiggie]

Also happened in my case. It is probably being blocked by something so it cant move.

 

[mpfjax]

This is an old post, but maybe someone will still respond. Mine makes a popping noise (sounds like plastic breaking) when the automatic wind deflector goes up and down. Makes me not want to use it for fear it will break. Anyone with any ideas or solutions?

 

[JB.]

Many mechanical parts work better and last longer when they're used (like the low range and diff lock transfer case actuators, for instance).

Imo, the moonroof is an extreme example of this principle. I like and use mine often (measured year to year) but wasn't using it consistently within any given year. When it started exhibiting some pops and groans, I lubed it as best I could and started trying to operate it every day. Even then, the first use of the day would usually elicit some unnerving sounds, but subsequent uses would be smooth. After a few weeks like that, it mostly sounds smooth even on first use. I intend to continue using it many times a week from here on out (and keep it lubed, of course).

 

[tnichols]

Mine made the same noise and even got stuck open once. Toyota dealer got it shut for me and told me I probably needed to have the tracks and cables replaced. About $2200 total. I did extensive research on this site and found a TSB that describes the problem and solution. Apparently the lubricant toyota used on these can harden. This causes the noise you hear. You have to take apart the wind deflector assembly and clean off the old lubricant then relube and put it back together. It took me about two hours and cost me $6. Now it works and sounds fine. Sorry I don't have the link to the TSB but if you dig around a little bit on this site you will find it.

 

[AleksV]

this happened to me as well, but maybe 3 times, in the past 8-9 months of having the 4R.