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Rattle right before downshift when under load

Discussion in '4th Gen 4Runners (2003-2009)' started by Gibbstobyj, Sep 4, 2019.

  1. Sep 4, 2019 at 12:33 PM
    #1
    Gibbstobyj

    Gibbstobyj [OP] New Member

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    I did a few quick searches to see if my problem popped up in another thread, but didn't find it. If you happen to know of one, I'd love to check it out. I'll keep searching too.

    I've got a 2007 4Runner sport with the V8. I bought it in Spring 2017 with 147k and I'm now at 167k. I absolutely love driving this thing and it's been great to me so far. However, in the past 2 months it's developed a rattle that has me a bit worried. It's always interesting trying to translate sounds into words...here's what I've got....

    Under what I'll call regular load, cruising around town with gentle acceleration from stop signs and lights, I do not experience the rattle. It's only under the heavier load like getting up to speed on the highway or passing someone that I get the rattle. The rattle occurs only for a split second right at the time of shift (up and down) and it lasts for literally just a fraction of a second, maybe 1/10th of a second. The best way I could describe the sound is metal bearings shaking around in a metal can. Also, if it's helpful, there's a very clear beginning and ending of the rattle. No building up to it or fading out of it. After the shift is done the sound is gone until the next shift. Again, the rattle only occurs under load and right at the point of shifting.

    I've snooped around for loose items, but can't find anything.

    Any thoughts? What other details can I provide that could help in diagnosing?

    Thanks in advance!
     
  2. Sep 6, 2019 at 1:03 AM
    #2
    Libagui

    Libagui New Member

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    Maybe a bad U-Joint
     
  3. Sep 6, 2019 at 4:37 AM
    #3
    lyodbraun

    lyodbraun New Member

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    Does it do it at idle ? Maybe the catalytic converters on it’s way out ? Or maybe a heat shield loose ?
     
  4. Sep 6, 2019 at 4:45 AM
    #4
    4scooter19

    4scooter19 New Member

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    Exhaust rattle?

    Edit... Check the studs on your exhaust manifolds.
     
    Last edited: Sep 6, 2019
  5. Sep 6, 2019 at 7:52 AM
    #5
    Gibbstobyj

    Gibbstobyj [OP] New Member

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    @Libagui my cousin is mechanic and I took him for a drive last night ro get his take and he also threw out a bad u-joint. You might be onto something. Any ways that I could test for that?

    @iyodbraun. No noise at idle. Also no noise when I just rev the engine in park. I do need to crawl around below and check heat shields, skid plate, etc. But I suspect I'd get the noise with just revving engine in park if something like that was the cause, no?

    @4scooter19. I'l check them, but holy crap if that's the case :eek:.

    I also got time with my mechanic in Tuesday. I always feel like such a rookie bringing a vehicle in because of a noise, but can't think of a better way.
     
  6. Sep 6, 2019 at 9:14 AM
    #6
    chassis

    chassis New Member

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    What do you think it is? Have you done additional diagnosis?
     
  7. Sep 6, 2019 at 9:27 AM
    #7
    Gibbstobyj

    Gibbstobyj [OP] New Member

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    @chassis: no idea. I haven't yet, but I'll do some poking around this weekend. Since I haven't been able to find threads here or info elsewhere in the internet world tying it to an engine or tranny problem, I'm hoping that means its just something that's worked loose.
     
  8. Sep 16, 2019 at 1:27 PM
    #8
    Libagui

    Libagui New Member

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  9. Sep 16, 2019 at 5:01 PM
    #9
    4runningMan

    4runningMan New Member

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    It's not engine knock, is it? Try a higher octane fuel and see if it changes?
     
  10. Sep 17, 2019 at 11:53 AM
    #10
    4x Old Guy

    4x Old Guy New Member

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    I would also lean towards a driveshaft u-joint.

    With the wheels chocked so it doesn’t roll (or vehicle up on jack stands and the parking brake on), trans in neutral, look at the u-joint bearings as you try and rotate the driveshaft back and forth. You should see zero play in the bearings. For finer examination, feel each bearing contacts the end of the spider (the X thing in the middle of the u-joint) and try turning the shaft back and forth. You should feel zero play. If there is play, the u-joint is bad or on its way out and will need to be replaced.

    Sealed u-joints aren’t the best in the longevity department since the lubricant will eventually work its way out and water and gunk will work its way in. If you can get u-joints with grease fittings on them, do it! As part of an oil change have all the u-joints greased (I usually have to point them out to the kid that’s doing the lube). This will keep them lubed, but more importantly, will force the water and grit out. With maintenance, these u-joints will last forever. I still own a 2003 Tacoma 4x. It’s got 250k miles on it and the u-joints (2 on the front shaft, 4 on the rear shaft) are as tight as the day I bought it.
     
  11. Sep 19, 2019 at 2:59 PM
    #11
    Gibbstobyj

    Gibbstobyj [OP] New Member

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    Thanks 4x Old Guy. I'll give it an inspection and report back.

    I did have a mechanic from the garage I used ride along with me. He was able to hear it but was not too concerned about it. I like the inspection for u-joints just as another check. Hopefully, I'll get to that this weekend.
     
  12. Sep 19, 2019 at 3:01 PM
    #12
    Gibbstobyj

    Gibbstobyj [OP] New Member

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    @Libagui That had crossed my mind but, now that I see you mention it, it's crossing again. I bought it used a couple years ago and have no idea what maintenance was done prior. Not sure what mechanic would charge for that, but it might be a good ounce-of-prevention maintenance to try.
     
  13. Sep 19, 2019 at 3:34 PM
    #13
    4x Old Guy

    4x Old Guy New Member

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    The shafts themselves aren’t too hard to get out if you’re up to tackling it yourself. Replace all the u-joints since if one is bad, the rest won’t be far behind. Take the shaft(s) to an automotive machine shop to have the joints themselves pressed out and the new ones pressed in. They can be “pressed” out and in with a good heavy vice, a big hammer, a socket that’s a scosh smaller than the bearings, and fair amount of colorful language, but you run a real risk of smashing something up and having to get another shaft.
     
  14. Sep 19, 2019 at 8:29 PM
    #14
    weve1

    weve1 New Member

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    I suspect the rattling/"marbles in a can" sound that you're hearing under heavy load is actually pinging/detonation. Throw some premium fuel in there and see if it goes away.
     

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