Please help! I come back from college and...

J

Jbot

New member
Hey all
I just returned from my first quarter at college, back to my beloved 4runner. She has been siting by the side of my house for about 3 months, and has only been moved twice, during that time period. One of these times was to replace the seal on the transmission/driveshaft (2WD), which was done at an auto shop. I check that everything is okay before I drive for the first time, and everything looks good. But after a little driving time I notice a ticking noise, it sounds like metal on metal, and only happens below 40mph. It has gotten a little louder since then. My first thought was the driveshaft but I also think it could be the brakes? But I am not sure, I've checked all I can, but to no avail, I really don't want to spend $$$ to get it checked, just to be told it was something I could have found myself, so here I am, askin the experts on the forum. Any help would be much appreciated, as I am at a loss.
Thank you!
- J
 
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What area of the truck is it coming from? Very hard to diagnose noises on the internet, especially if you don't know the exact area of the noise.
 
the kid said:
check the tires, and for small rocks lodged into the tread...
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Its not that type of noise, but i checked and there is nothing lodged in between the tread or in the tire.

It seems to be fading now, and only occurs when i brake.
 
It could be a small exhaust leak, after 40 MPH there might be too much wind noise to hear it though. See if the sound increases or if there is faster tapping as you get on the accelerator. Have someone rev the engine while your'e outside the car tying to pinpoint where exactly on the car the noise is coming from.
 
Ritz Carlton said:
It could be a small exhaust leak, after 40 MPH there might be too much wind noise to hear it though. See if the sound increases or if there is faster tapping as you get on the accelerator. Have someone rev the engine while your'e outside the car tying to pinpoint where exactly on the car the noise is coming from.
Click to expand...

Okay so i checked and there is no noise when reving the engine. It is only when im moving. doesn't sound like an exhaust leak. i cant pinpoint the noise either since i have to be moving. as far as i can tell it is coming from the back half, underneath.
 
It's probably just rust buildup on the rotors or drums. Engage your parking brake a few times while the truck is moving to wear off a rust ridge if one is present.
 
If you're getting a ticking sound only when your moving, it's something with a rotation on it. I doubt it's going to be brake related, since they would most likely be more of a grinding noise rather then ticking. See if you drive shaft have an play in it, no more then about 1/16" to 1/8". You could have a bad u-joint. Also, jack up the front end, and check you wheel bearings. Grab your wheel at 9 & 3, and shake from side to side.
 
I had a similar noise with mine. A slight ticking/grinding noise, only when moving and in Drive. When I am cruising and pop it in Neutral, the sound is gone. I replaced the rear u-joint on Saturday. The sound was gone for a bit, but seems to be back.
I think it may be something with my exhaust, as the sound is more pronounced when I give it some gas. I think I may have something loose in the cat or muffler, or a small exhaust leak. Go under and try to move the exhaust parts...beat on them a little bit and see if anything rattles.
 
MStudt said:
If you're getting a ticking sound only when your moving, it's something with a rotation on it. I doubt it's going to be brake related, since they would most likely be more of a grinding noise rather then ticking. See if you drive shaft have an play in it, no more then about 1/16" to 1/8". You could have a bad u-joint. Also, jack up the front end, and check you wheel bearings. Grab your wheel at 9 & 3, and shake from side to side.
Click to expand...

Rust buildup makes all kinds of noises. Are you saying a noise when braking isn't brake related? Especially when there's been no changes prior to the noise except sitting for a long period of time?
 
BlackCat914 said:
Rust buildup makes all kinds of noises. Are you saying a noise when braking isn't brake related? Especially when there's been no changes prior to the noise except sitting for a long period of time?
Click to expand...

I never said brakes didn't make all kinds of noises; I said chances are the brakes are not ticking. Rust build can cause a bit a squealing noise after it's been sitting for an extended period of time. Often times that noise will almost unnoticeable after your first couple stops. But yes, I think the clicking is unrelated to the brakes.

If the noise is coming from the the rear end then that would mean he has an issue with the drum brakes. Drum brakes do build up rust on the inside of drum, and that is why your brakes grab firmly after not driving it for a while. After the first couple stops, the brakes tend to smooth out to a more normal stopping habit.

Changes or not, u-joints can go bad over night. Has the OP ever greases the u-joints on the drive shaft? If not, they could be bone dry and needle bearings could be shot. If that's the case, then that's your ticking sound.

Ticking from the rear could be anything from a rock in the tire, bad u-joint, loose pinion yoke, or a worn out bushing somewhere. Chance are since it is a ticking and not 100% constant noise. I'm choosing the think it's not the brakes. If I were going after this issue, I'd start with the drive shaft, and go from there. It's easier to inspected a drive shaft then to dig into the drums.
 
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MStudt said:
I never said brakes didn't make all kinds of noises; I said chances are the brakes are not ticking. Rust build can cause a bit a squealing noise after it's been sitting for an extended period of time. Often times that noise will almost unnoticeable after your first couple stops. But yes, I think the clicking is unrelated to the brakes.

If the noise is coming from the the rear end then that would mean he has an issue with the drum brakes. Drum brakes do build up rust on the inside of drum, and that is why your brakes grab firmly after not driving it for a while. After the first couple stops, the brakes tend to smooth out to a more normal stopping habit.

Changes or not, u-joints can go bad over night. Has the OP ever greases the u-joints on the drive shaft? If not, they could be bone dry and needle bearings could be shot. If that's the case, then that's your ticking sound.

Ticking from the rear could be anything from a rock in the tire, bad u-joint, loose pinion yoke, or a worn out bushing somewhere. Chance are since it is a ticking and not 100% constant noise. I'm choosing the think it's not the brakes. If I were going after this issue, I'd start with the drive shaft, and go from there. It's easier to inspected a drive shaft then to dig into the drums.
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I'm going to say that a noise that is only present when braking like he states it is is probably going to be brake related. But what do I know, I only do it for a living. And it makes perfect sense, he said the more it's driven the less it's happening, and now only makes noise during braking. Which is a perfect scenario for rust buildup. BTW, I hear brakes tick all the time.
 
Jbot said:
Its not that type of noise, but i checked and there is nothing lodged in between the tread or in the tire.

It seems to be fading now, and only occurs when i brake.
Click to expand...

If it only occurs when you brake, it is most likely brake related. Although it doesn't entirely rule out the rotating parts, ie: drive axles and shafts. Pull the wheels off, rotate parts, listen.
 
BlackCat914 said:
I'm going to say that a noise that is only present when braking like he states it is is probably going to be brake related. But what do I know, I only do it for a living. And it makes perfect sense, he said the more it's driven the less it's happening, and now only makes noise during braking. Which is a perfect scenario for rust buildup. BTW, I hear brakes tick all the time.
Click to expand...

I stand corrected.

*FYI, I completely missed the OP's 3rd post*
 
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Jbot said:
Hey all
I just returned from my first quarter at college, back to my beloved 4runner. She has been siting by the side of my house for about 3 months, and has only been moved twice, during that time period. One of these times was to replace the seal on the transmission/driveshaft (2WD), which was done at an auto shop. I check that everything is okay before I drive for the first time, and everything looks good. But after a little driving time I notice a ticking noise, it sounds like metal on metal, and only happens below 40mph. It has gotten a little louder since then. My first thought was the driveshaft but I also think it could be the brakes? But I am not sure, I've checked all I can, but to no avail, I really don't want to spend $$$ to get it checked, just to be told it was something I could have found myself, so here I am, askin the experts on the forum. Any help would be much appreciated, as I am at a loss.
Thank you!
- J
Click to expand...


I have been noticing the same sound my 4runner if you ever figure out what it is could you please let know! thanks!
 
IBallEngineer said:
If it only occurs when you brake, it is most likely brake related. Although it doesn't entirely rule out the rotating parts, ie: drive axles and shafts. Pull the wheels off, rotate parts, listen.
Click to expand...

Do you have any kind of vibration in the steering wheel while braking? This is usually caused by warped rotors and tends to make the WHOLE vehicle vibrate/pulsate in some way. I've been through your situation twice before, and both issues were easy fixes (although hard to find.)

1) Pull the front wheels off. There is a thin metal plate over the front side of your brake rotors that holds your brake pads in place. There are supposed to be 2 pins and 2 springs holding them down on each side. Make sure those are all there. I lost 1 spring and it caused that friggin plate to scream and hollar like a banshee.

2) Tighten down the heat shield above your muffler. That one will also scream like a raped ape once it's loose enough. Same goes for your front skid plate.

Both of these issues started off as a simple little, "what was that noise?" and eventually turned into, "Holy shat, I can't stand it anymore!"

If you DO have a pulsation while braking, I'd suggest you go get your rotors resurfaced. This is extremely common on Toyota's of this time period. Not only does it keep the vehicle from feeling like a wild bucking horse, but it will help to save wear and tear on your brake pads.
 
BlackCat914 said:
It's probably just rust buildup on the rotors or drums. Engage your parking brake a few times while the truck is moving to wear off a rust ridge if one is present.
Click to expand...

BINGO!

Okay so ive been driving around town, and that bloody noise was infuriating, even though it was becoming less frequent. so i took the wheels off and looked at the brakes. I just replaced rotors, pads, and shoes before i left so i know what its supposed to look like ect. I couldnt see anything wrong so i put wheels back on and came on here to see what else you guys had for me. Saw BlackCat's post, thought about it, drove around the block with parking brake on, and there we go, the mystery solved. Seemed to be a build up on the drums.

Thanks BlackCat, much appreciated

- J
 
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