jim1000

I have a 1999 4Runner V6 2WD with about 115,000 miles.

Recently, I hear a rattling/clunky noise coming from the rear of the vehicle when I go over bumps, potholes, etc.

Anytime I drive over a bumpy pavement, I hear this rattle that sounds as if I had a plastic box in the rear cargo area being tossed up and down.

There is nothing in my cargo area, so it can't be noise from any item that I am carrying around.

Any ideas on diagnosis?

bwhyit

I have the same problem. Anyone else had the same?

ozziesironmanoffroad

i know i say this for a lot of CLUNKS, but how tight is your spare tire?

bwhyit

It's not the spare. Doesn't sound that low pitched. I even removed it previously with no change.

misterzee

There's a cargo space in the right quarter panel, did you check real good in there?
Perhaps a possum crawled in there, and you're hearing bones rattling.



Watch the Possum

ozziesironmanoffroad

WCorbett

I have the same problem in my 91 4runner and its pissing me off.

86toysr5

my 86 did that in the front and it was the shock bushing gone

WCorbett

^ I suppose that could be my problem because everything else about my shocks are shot.

Ron Helmuth

this might sound stupid but of course trying to diagnose a sound over the Internet is likely not the best way either, but here goes...

I was getting ready to install my new Coleman Safari Roof Rack basket and I had loosened up my factory roof rack to slide them around for roof cleaning at the car wash. I did that on a Friday then spent all day Friday and Saturday wondering what the racket was coming out the back end of my rig. I checked all the seats and backs and the seat belts and the lift gate and so on. Never once remembering that it was only me that had loosened up the roof rack. Sure enough once I got the new basket in place and tightened everything up my noises were gone. Also I removed the "ribs" within the factory track, as they are now covered up by the basket anyways.

Noise is a funny thing I sometimes swear I hear things backwards-like out of my right ear when the sound is to the left. I could have sworn the noise I was hearing was inside the vehicle but there was nothing inside to make the noise. Did I mention I am no spring chicken myself anymore? 46

So long story now short-

check your roof rack or any other outside the vehicle attachments.

dirtoyboy

Did you try jacking the truck up and seeing what is making the noise? that might be a start! Most likely a bad bushing somewhere

WCorbett

Ya the rack would make sense other than I dont have one.

Wazioc

I had a rattling noise in the back when I would hit any sort of small bump, but it was definately metal on metal... ended up being one of the the bolts through the rear sway bar. I tightened it back up and no more rattle.... now I have one up front that sounds like a penny in a jar... cant figure out what it is...

SoCalPaul

If you pumped too much grease into the drive-shaft slip joint, it could keep the joint from compressing, but this would usually make a loud clunking noise in the drive line. Otherwise get a rubber mallet & start hitting things.

Check all your bushings, the shock tops are likely suspects. Shake them & see if they move. Also check your sway bars. If you start lubing rubber bushings, make sure your lube is rubber safe. Regular petroleum lubes could degrade the rubber bushings.

Paul

904_runner

I don't agree with get a mallet and start hitting things, but other than that, everything else is very valid points!

The shock tops on mine kept breaking so that was my noise on my truck along with the swingout tire carrier.

SoCalPaul

I did say a RUBBER mallet. I also assume that people would use common sense & not whack with all their strength, although I should have said carefully & gently hit things & listen for a rattle.

Paul

I almost forgot to mention the obvious: U-Joints. Twist them back & forth & check for play. Grease them.

Runnin on Empty

hey Jim,

I had a rattle in the back end, took a while to track it down. I finally went onder there and started shaking the hell out of the spare tire then i could hear it. excellent bumpy road simulator.

Mine ended up being this metal strip inside one of the back frame rails (almost like a thin leaf spring kind of thing inside the frame chanel, anyone know what this is?). Anyway, jamed a block of styrofoam in there now its gone.

P-Lo

I'd just jack up the rear end, give it a good looksy and tighten every bolt I could see just to be sure. It shouldn't be a big surprise when things are not tight especially after you have any type of service done (i.e. tire change/balance/rotation). Those service guys don't always tighten everything.

T4L

Check your exhaust. Make sure all the hangers are still intact.

4runner114

i had the same problem, mine was coming from my right rear shock boot cover thing