Pressure buzz/sound when turning or starting to accelerate.

[el_chapu-bling]

I'm a n00b at mechanical problems. I don't even know if this is "normal" for my 4Runner, but I've never heard anything like it on any other car...

Whenever I start my car and start to accelerate, or whenever I start to make a turn from a stop (at a light, etc.), my 4Runner makes a sound as if its releasing pressure from somewhere. I feel something on the steering wheel column when this happens, and it happens everyday.

I don't know if I'm making any sense here. The sound is like a "fffzzzzzzz" type of sound and is not loud, but it's also not low. I can also feel the vibration on my steering wheel (column) when it happens. Another time when I hear/feel this is when going downhill on dirt, bumpy roads--everytime I hit a hole while pressing on the brake pedal it happens as well.

Anybody else experience this? Is this normal? Is it a sign of something going (or already) bad? What part is it?

Thanks in advance!

My truck:

2000 4Runner 2WD V6, automatic -- 84K miles

 

[makakio]

If it's followed by a 'ping' chances are it's your brake system. Toyota added a pressurized braking system that cycles typically when you start the car and often after you've come to a stop or have been using the brakes a bit - it makes that pressure noise and typically sounds like it has a little blowoff "ping" at the end. Annoying as all hell but normal. I do not, however feel it through my steering column...

 

[el_chapu-bling]

I think that is what it is then...

I guess I forgot to mention that I also feel it on my brake pedal, since I've also felt it when braking.

I shouldn't be too alarmed then if it's "normal".

Thanks.

 

[jev2022]

noise

I hear it too. Sound like the noise when the power antenna is going up or down right? I've always wondered what that was. I guess it does make sense it is the braking system working.

 

[alotawatts]

It does sound like the ABS system. fzzzzzzzzt - snap sound. It would be unusual to only here it when accelerating or turning after a stop though ?

 

[jev2022]

brakes

It does make sense. Just picture the brake system re-pressurizing after using it to come to a stop.