Squelch/slurp when starting to drive forward

[AntleredRuin]

OK, so I don't think this is an emergency at all; it's more out of curiosity.

Ever since I bought my 4runner (about 2.5 years ago) almost every time I start to drive forward when it's been sitting for a while (like if I'm backed into a parking spot and just pull straight forward), there is a slight 'slurp' from the front end. If I reverse to back out of a parking spot, then put it in drive, it does not happen.

Barely noticeable, and I cannot feel anything. No crunch, shudder, binding, etc.

It's just one small slurp, that's it. Never any louder, quieter, more often, less often, etc.

It's a 2wd Auto tranny, so no front diff, CVs, etc. I've replaced the LBJs and the front brakes (for the usual reasons) but the noise is still happening. I replaced the entire driveshaft last week, and still happening.
Transmission fluid is always in good condition. I check it every oil change and do a drain and fill every 10k.

I'm not really worried about it, as I've put over 50k on since I bought it, and it's not changed at all. Honestly, I've been meaning to ask this for a while, but just keep forgetting.

Any takers?

 

[NegroTundra]

Honestly, I've been meaning to ask this for a while, but just keep forgetting.

Funny you should say that. Last week I was thinking "man I keep forgetting to post about the weird sound I hear every time I put this thing in Drive". Haha

The only difference in mine compared to yours, is mine ALWAYS does it, even if I first reverse for 15 ft out of my driveway, then put it in Drive. Almost sounds like a rush of fluid mixed with air that lasts about 1 second, right? I'm driving a auto 98 with 212k that I bought with 178k, its always done it. Previously I had an auto 99 that I drove for 35k that always did it. 10 years ago, I drove a 03 tacoma with the 3.4L and a manual, it never did it. So, I bet is something wanky with the auto. I'm like you though I'm not worried with it.

 

[meeceboy78]

I also have this odd noise. i will be keeping my eye on this thread.

 

[thegipper]

One of you guys should post a video of the sound because I have no clue what it could be....

 

[AntleredRuin]

OK so I was gonna take a video during my lunch break, but of course the noise didn't happen.

Yeah, it sounds like a squelchy water hose with air in it or something. Just for a second.

Hmm, thought. I may have been fibbing when I said that it was doing it when I bought it. (I don't fully remember; I just know it's been doing it as long as I can remember.) I installed a transmission cooler a couple weeks after buying it. I wonder if the transmission fluid is draining from the cooler slightly when sitting, and putting it in drive and activating the pump starts it again?
Do you guys have coolers?

 

[gamefreakgc]

My transmission used to "lurch" a bit when shifting to R and make an odd noise due to the transmission itself moving. Any chance this might be the same deal?

Otherwise I'd just chalk it up to fluid in your heater core moving around or something. Try doing it with the heater valve all the way to cold.

 

[Kanoe]

Is it coming from the heater core? I always get that for a day after messing with the cooling system, but it always has worked itself out for me. I wonder if a bad rad cap could prevent air from exiting properly...

 

[AntleredRuin]

I don't feel any lurch at all. It happens both with the AC full blast and with the heater full blast.
It happened on my old radiator through 2 different caps, and on my new radiator with another new cap (3 total).
Radiator is thoroughly burped, coolant temps stay a steady 183-188.

 

[gamefreakgc]

I don't feel any lurch at all. It happens both with the AC full blast and with the heater full blast.
It happened on my old radiator through 2 different caps, and on my new radiator with another new cap (3 total).
Radiator is thoroughly burped, coolant temps stay a steady 183-188.

Come to think of it now, I know what you are talking about! I have the same noise when shifting to D as well. I believe it's just increased flow from the water pump. I know exactly the sound, and it's completely normal. Carry on friend.

 

[T4R2014]

What about that ABS pump burping when it cycles? My two 96's do the burp thing immediately when the key goes to the ACC (or maybe start?) position. Meanwhile my on 98 it cycles after I put it in drive and get moving.

 

[phattyduck]

What about that ABS pump burping when it cycles? My two 96's do the burp thing immediately when the key goes to the ACC (or maybe start?) position. Meanwhile my on 98 it cycles after I put it in drive and get moving.

Oh, that's a good one! My '99 makes a single noise after maybe 20 feet of driving forward. Not trans related as it has done it with the original 2WD trans and the 'new' 4WD trans. It is sort of a click/squish type noise. If the headlights are on, you can see a quick dim with the noise.

ABS cycle/test would make sense... (waiting until the brakes have been off for some period of time while the car is moving, so it wouldn't make the noise backing out of the driveway, etc.)

-Charlie

 

[thecole1098]

I know the sound you guys are describing any my 96 does it as well. It's either the tranny fluid in the valve body moving around when selecting a different gear or the ABS pump cycling.