rattles

[wreck111]

Has anyone noticed any rattles in the left rear of a 2003 4Runner? If so any idea's?
Also the heated seats are very weak, how can we get them hotter.
Thanks in advance:50cal:

 

[jharris2]

The only noise I've noticed is from the right rear. It seems to be the seat belt buckle tapping against the plastic. Maybe you have the same thing on the left?

 

[wreck111]

I thought this to so I locked it in place, even took the cover off the back that covers the luggage department.

 

[Good Times]

left rear inside... hmmm

did you check your jack? that's located back there...
maybe somethings loose in that area.

just a thought

 

[TOYOTY]

I just brought my 03 runner in for a rattle that seemed like it was coming from above the dome light. It would rattle/vibrate after I'd hit a bump in the road. I noticed a slight rattle when I bought the vehicle, but thought it was the rear seat belt. It got louder recently and when I tap on the headliner, I hear the rattle.

I brought my rig to the dealer and after the they took it apart, the noise had shifted from the center to both sides of the roof! It was hard to first see my new vehicle in 2003 pieces, but to not have the problem fixed? All they did was follow the TSB and add extra foam.

What I'm thinking is that it is the wiring harness for the dome light which the dealer agreed with, but wouldn't fix because of the TSB. Well, suffice to say they broke many clips and those are on order and the toyota regional manager is supposed to be contacted.

I notice now that the fit of all the pieces isn't as perfect as it was, but does complaining about it really get anywhere? Did you find out any more about your rattle? Anybody have a similar problem or thoughts? Thanks for the input.

 

[wreck111]

Rattle

Nothing yet, I took out the cover and all the tools still there. Other than that and the weak heated sets I love this SUV, much better than my 2001 ML320.

 

[doubled]

I have noticed a rattling sound from the right rear as well. I have thought that it might be the rear cargo cover. The cargo cover has springs on each end and my 4runner seems to make more noise from that rear side when i take a left hand turn. I'm thinking that the cargo cover is shifting--and rubbing against the plastic holster. But i haven't experimented enough yet.

 

[jharris2]

And I'm getting a sqeaking noise in the rear area. When I climb back there with someone else driving, I can't quite trace it, but it seems to come from around the right rear door or the right half of the rear seat.

Anyone hearing this type of noise?

 

[Iman74]

***Better Late Than Never***

I too had that squeaking noise and was also convinced after hearing it so long it was on the right rear. But low and behold it's not in the right rear. It's on the left rear (even though I heard it on the right) and it's the left passenger seat where it clamps onto that bar that keeps it from folding forward. I didn't have any lithium greese so I used Vaseline and it doesn't squeak anymore.

As far as rattles I had two that come back from time to time. It's a combination of the jack and the tools. After I removed the tools to change a tire, I yet to put it back the way Toyota has it. I went as far as using bunji cords and that stopped that. As far as the jack, I had to use a tool to make the fit a little tighter than you would get using your hand. Other than that, I am a happy camper.

 

[juandixon]

my rattle noise from the rear was a loose jack. just tighten the jack and make sure its not moving.

also the stock crossbars if not tightened well, will make a rattling sound.

 

[gaslight]

I read somewhere that someone discovered it was the rear seat latch. Does that sound about right? All they did was to wrap some electrical tape around the metal bar that the latch catches. It solved the problem for them.

 

[Iman74]

Makes sense, since squeaks are really nothing more than loose dry metal rubbing against each other. So covering it with electrical take would take that out of the equation. That's a good idea, I might just do that if it comes back.

 

[gaslight]

Hey its worth a try. Not sure if I read it here or at Yotatech.

 

[jharris2]

There is apparently a known problem with teh rear seat latch -- the dealership told me they had replaced several. If the electrical tape works, take it in and have the latch replaced.

Since the latch on the passenger side was replaced, no recurrence of the squeak.

 

[tkr128]

I have a problem with the rear seat latch on the driver's side. It only makes noise when there's someone in the seat, otherwise it's not there. I'll try the electrical tape suggestion. Thanks!

 

[Iman74]

There is apparently a known problem with teh rear seat latch -- the dealership told me they had replaced several. If the electrical tape works, take it in and have the latch replaced.

Since the latch on the passenger side was replaced, no recurrence of the squeak.

See I heard that the squeak too is a known problem but my dealership is not aware of either one. It finally took me getting frustrated to the point that I was willing to yank out the baby seat (anyone that has installed them knows it's something you don't take out for anything) and did a lot of driving and trial and error to narrow it down to the source.