New Owner Questions

First 4R I’ve had coming from Rams for 10 years or so - just got a ‘23 ORP about a month ago now 22k miles on the clock? Had a few things I’ve noticed and am unsure if it’s normal 4R stuff or something I need looked at.

I have tried to do my searching beforehand and can’t find anything conclusive lol

First is a whining noise from the engine when accelerating heard from 1500 RPM and up and as RPMs rise the whine pitch changes and gets louder with the engine.

Second I’ve noticed any time you push down the brake pedal makes a squishy air releasing type noise right away only last a second or so, also seems like the first little bit of pedal does nothing then towards the end really lays the brakes on.

Third is when shutting the vehicle off a vacuum noise and then a pop can be heard from the front.

Lastly noticed on a road trip when going uphill and losing speed pushing the gas pedal to accelerate more the vehicle will shift to get more power but that shift is a rough clunk.

Sorry for the long post, just looking for some peace of mind and info!

4R Pic Tax:

 

All normal.

1 is just engine noise
2 is the master cylinder/electric booster
3 is the smog pump at shut down. It also runs during cold startup.

Side note: You will hear a humming after a few hours since being parked. Normal EVAP test.

 

Thank you, will worry less and enjoy more!

 

As long as you’re not getting a check engine light, things are good. Enjoy

 

If you need to change out pads, try Akebono, I found on both my runners they firmed up the pedal abit. Changing the fluid made no difference in pedal feel. Enjoy your truck.

 

Ahhhhh the famous brake pedal air noise. Welcome to the 4Runner. She's a beauty you have there. Enjoy!

 

I’ve been driving a 4Runner since 2012 and had totally forgot about the brake pedal air noise as I no longer notice it. You will come to appreciate the quirks of the 5th gen.

 

I would check your ears too!

 

Your down shift "rough clunk" does not sound like any noise my 2017SR5 has ever made.
Under same driving circumstances, Try going from "D" into S4 by moving shift lever to your left-do you get a clunk manually downshifting?
Our drivetrains have Toyotas FlexLock torque converter lock up system. Its controlled by the tranny valve body. When gently pressing gas pedal in D (for more power on a grade) the first down shift is the slipping of the torque converter when it unlocks- RPM goes up some -if that does not provide the result your foot is requesting, the tranny downshifts a gear. Say you are in 5th and hit a grade and your speed starts slowing-more pressure on gas pedal results in slipping TC clutch. If foot requests more power you get the downshift.
This should all happen without a clunk!

As a related topic there are reports of new trannys arriving underfilled with ATF.
Checking tranny fluid level is what I would do to investigate the clunk. It is a complicated process requiring a slight over fill and then a drain from a special plug when tranny is at an exact temperature.
I actually needed a new tranny at 48,000 miles due to a defective FlexLock system.
Fortunately is was covered by Toyota.