Scraping sound above 65mph

[Davidson]

Hey guys,

Just purchased a 2007 4Runner 2wd used from a Mini Dealer about a month ago. I've noticed on the freeway that once I hit 65mph, I hear intermittently a scraping-like sound, sort of like a rumble strip but it's much more subtle and no vibration, only sound. It sounds to me like it's directly underneath the driver seat, but passengers in the rear have said the same.

I can't notice any pattern to it: happens when I accelerate, decelerate, coast, in neutral, uphill, downhill, at curves and straight shots, etc. It appears to only happen in fifth gear but also only above 65mph...It really sounds random.

It's still under limited warranty from the dealer so they will check it out this Saturday. I'm not as familiar with the 4Runner yet as most of you so I'm looking for some general input before I go in so that I can identify possible sources of the noise.

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[hearno]

Wheel bearing maybe?

 

[earthrealm]

exhaust het shields?..or paartially broken exhust pipe?

 

[HokieRunner]

exhaust het shields?..or paartially broken exhust pipe?

This is probably the first place I'd look too. The heat shields can rust out around the bolts and it could be a loose exhaust or broken exhaust hanger. I'd think you'd feel some vibration if it were a brake dust shield or suspension component.

If it's a heat shield those can usually be fixed with a bigger washer on the bolt.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

Yep, check the heatshields, I had this vibration/noise on both of my heatshields on my 03

 

[Davidson]

Okay, I'm gonna check the heat shield out when I get home. Thanks for the help.