Weird Sound.. Can You Diagnose?

[Brian757]

Now I think this is a farcry because my explanations are going to be super vague. There isn't too much going on with this sound but it concerns me.

When I first start up my engine, after its been sitting for awhile, a loud squeeling will come from behind the steering column. It sounds like hell and will start up for a few seconds, cut off, squeel again, and then cut off for the last time. It only does it when I first start her up.

CLARIFICATION: I have been outside of my truck and its not from my belts, it is from within the dash. Its weird.

Also, my throttle response is being a bit laggy. Im concerned it might be fuel pump? I dont know.

Does anyone know what that sound could be?

 

[Jc12]

i dont see it being your fuel pump as that is more of a whirrr noise when starting.. and located at your fuel tank, right? can you clarify "within the dash", do you mean firewall area or literally in the dash?

 

[kball]

Which way is "behind" the steering column? I'm going to guess your alt belt or you!

 

[1blink]

Is your speedo acting up at all?

 

[02_SE_Runner]

Is your fan on when you start it up? (Heat/AC) It may be that, I had a loud squeal on startup, sounding like it came under the dash area (middle/passenger side). I took a look at it, cleaned up the fan, greased whatever had to be greased, and was good to go.

 

[cfranck1]

Does it happen when you just turn the key on but not start the vehicle? or do you have to start the engine?

Maybe something to do with the hydroboost brake booster??

 

[KidVermicious]

Is your speedo acting up at all?

I think the 3rd gen has an electrical speedo, doesn't it?

 

[Brian757]

Which way is "behind" the steering column? I'm going to guess your alt belt or you!

Its in between my steering wheel and firewall. It isnt in the engine bay. I just replaced my alternator belt and it is running fine, nice 'n tight

i dont see it being your fuel pump as that is more of a whirrr noise when starting.. and located at your fuel tank, right? can you clarify "within the dash", do you mean firewall area or literally in the dash?

Yeah. Its probably not my fuel pump.

Is your speedo acting up at all?

Nope. Its not acting up at all.

Is your fan on when you start it up? (Heat/AC) It may be that, I had a loud squeal on startup, sounding like it came under the dash area (middle/passenger side). I took a look at it, cleaned up the fan, greased whatever had to be greased, and was good to go.

Yupp. The fan starts up with the crank of the engine. I get air instantly.

Does it happen when you just turn the key on but not start the vehicle? or do you have to start the engine?

It only does it when I actually start my engine.

Maybe something to do with the hydroboost brake booster??

I have no clue what this is, but it intrigues me. Hmmm... <-- That sounded creepy.

 

[cfranck1]

Maybe a video or a sound clip of it??

 

[Brian757]

Maybe a video or a sound clip of it??

I figured thats the best bet. Okay. Well I will try to snag a video clip of it happening and post it.

 

[Brian757]

UPDATE: So my truck has been laggy with throttle lately and it has been worrying me. I will give it gas, hear the RPMs build, but no gain in movement, until, wham, and then i jolt forward.

Also, I hopped out of my truck today and heard dripping, I looked underneath my vehicle to find red liquid drenched all over my underbelly. I hope this isn't transmission fluid. It could be coolant, but I am not running low. Wherever the leak is, it has drenched my engine bay and runs underneath the middle of my entire truck.

Story: About 6 months ago I got my rear differential's gears replaced because I had a mishap and cracked gear teeth and basically brought it to AAMCO to rebuild. I'm hoping this is an easy fix, because I am running low on 4runner funds at the moment. I am trying to keep up with these maintenance jobs but its one thing after another.

(My phone died before I could take anymore.) -> I will try to post more later.

 

[Love4myRunner]

UPDATE: So my truck has been laggy with throttle lately and it has been worrying me. I will give it gas, hear the RPMs build, but no gain in movement, until, wham, and then i jolt forward.

Also, I hopped out of my truck today and heard dripping, I looked underneath my vehicle to find red liquid drenched all over my underbelly. I hope this isn't transmission fluid. It could be coolant, but I am not running low. Wherever the leak is, it has drenched my engine bay and runs underneath the middle of my entire truck.

Story: About 6 months ago I got my rear differential's gears replaced because I had a mishap and cracked gear teeth and basically brought it to AAMCO to rebuild. I'm hoping this is an easy fix, because I am running low on 4runner funds at the moment. I am trying to keep up with these maintenance jobs but its one thing after another.

(My phone died before I could take anymore.) -> I will try to post more later.

That's pretty bad dude.. I cant tell if that is trans fluid or coolant plus I can't see the cause from those pics. Need more info to be of any help to you.

 

[Brian757]

That's pretty bad dude.. I cant tell if that is trans fluid or coolant plus I can't see the cause from those pics. Need more info to be of any help to you.

I know. My phone died so I was underneath my truck looking stupid at midnight. I will try to post some better pictures tomorrow and hopefully spot the location. I have been having issues with my automatic transmission transitioning gears. It is very knocky.

 

[Love4myRunner]

Did you check your fluid levels after the explosion of fluid?

 

[kball]

That looks like trans or power steering fluid. Since you are having trans issues I'd say start with checking that out. I wouldn't drive it much until you determine if you are low.

 

[quicksilvr]

I'd bet that's transmission fluid. Stop driving the truck immediately and figure out what is actually wrong. Cause it ain't good from the looks of it.

 

[Brian757]

I found the leak. I woke up early this morning to diagnose it a bit before I headed to work in the T100.
The leak is located at the neck of the hose coming out of the radiator. It is the ATF hose, and is leaking ATF.

My transmission dipstick read at the "Cold" line, and my truck had been sitting overnight so its accurate.

My radiator is full of coolant.

Underbelly soaked:

Paper towel. Grease and liquid. (I wiped my motor, it was dirty, so that isn't solely ATF.)

THE PROBLEM:

QUESTION/POSSIBLE SOLUTION?: (NOTICE: This is not the original problem I have posted, it does not correlate to the sound.)

1) Replace my Radiator? (I know the hose isn't leaking because it is tight as hell. So it has to be the neck in which the hose connects.)

2) Do the B&M Trans Cooler Install. (This is scaring me. I don't want to experience the Milkshake...)

3) Would this directly relate to my sloppy automatic tranny shifts? Would it be the lack of pressure with the ATF?

 

[kball]

Since you're still getting a reading on the dipstick I'd say you lost less than 2 quarts. Is that enough to make a difference with shifting? Maybe. I'd replace the rad for now. Do the bypass later if you want. After going through this I would definitely want to.

 

[Brian757]

Since you're still getting a reading on the dipstick I'd say you lost less than 2 quarts. Is that enough to make a difference with shifting? Maybe. I'd replace the rad for now. Do the bypass later if you want. After going through this I would definitely want to.

You make an extremely valid point. I feel like doing the B&M would only fix my tranny lines and I would still have a bad radiator. When does a radiator usually go? I would have a lot of comfort knowing that I have a new radiator.

Can anyone point me in the direction of a cheaper online OEM one?
Or would this suffice?
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_radiator-ready-rad_19920161-p?navigationPath=L1*14922%7CL2*15022%7CL3*15952
OR,
http://www.toyotapartszone.com/oem/toyota~radiator~assy~16400-75181.html

 

[downpour11]

I think a lot of guys on here are replacing em with the Koyo. Here's a link to a Koyo that's cheaper lol win win

96-02 Toyota 4Runner KOYO Radiator A1998 1640075181