New rear end clunk/thump when going over bumps

[mpaquette]

Cold air finally showed up in South Carolina recently and seems to have brought me a new rear end clunking sound. It only happens when I hit some larger road bumps. Any ideas on what I should check when I crawl underneath? I already checked the spare and it's tight. My suspension is completely stock. My 4Runner is a 2010 Limited that I've made no mods to. Aside from replacing the battery and getting new tires, I've made no changes.

 

[Erkelbot]

Exhaust bushings possibly? If you lose a weld or have a bushing die that'll do it...

 

[rigtec]

"...Any ideas on what I should check when I crawl underneath?..."

Hi mpaquette,

Before going crazy trying to find something underneath the truck, look in the two rear storage compartments near the tailgate. My limited was doing the same thing at one time; drove my nuts. One day just for S&G's, I checked where the jack and crank are located only to find some stuff in there moving around in there... who knew?? :noidea:

Rgds!

 

[mpaquette]

Hi mpaquette,

Before going crazy trying to find something underneath the truck, look in the two rear storage compartments near the tailgate...

Yeah good call, thanks. I'll definitely do that first.

 

[Orlyg1521]

Might be this

I've been having a noise the clunking sound from what seems to be my suspension. I researched online, and this is what I found:
NHTSA Reference#10056061TSB Reference#TSB-0040-12 REV1

Description:*TOYOTA: WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP OR COMING TO A STOP, A SENSATION OF BEING BUMPED FROM BEHIND OR FROM THE REAR VEHICLE, A CLUNK OR THUNK NOISE AND TO REDUCE CONDITION, IMPROVEMENTS ARE IMPLEMENTED ON REAR PROPELLER SHAFT (DRIVESHAFT).

Repair Information for NHTSA #10056061

 

[mpaquette]

I crawled underneath and looked around. Didn't see anything out of place, lose, etc. so I took it to the dealer. Of course when I drove the vehicle with the tech, it didn't make the noise. Thanks Murphy. From my description of the sound, the tech thought maybe it was a brake caliper. He checked all suspension parts and couldn't find anything lose. Said he lubed the slides for the rear brake calipers.

Drove back to work, no clunks. When leaving work this evening, my clunk is back. So it seems to be somewhat related to temperature. It's definitely worse when driving it cold and it lessens as it warms up. Muffler or exhaust pipe maybe? Those all seem to be tight as well. Still a mystery.