Hey guys I just got the (3rd gen) 4runner back from the shop for a clutch replacement and I upon starting and accelerating thought that there was much more engine/road noise coming from the general area of the transmission. It may be that I just got used to driving my girlfriend's car that is quieter but it really made an impression on me and it seems a lot louder. Is there any padding between the transmission or the body that they may have left out or something else that may be causing this issued. Or is it all in my head? Thanks in advance.

This ad is not displayed to registered members. Register your free account today and become a member on Yotatech!

After taking a closer look under the transmission is seems there are clips (possibly for padding?) that do not have anything attached, above the transmission. Any thoughts or anybody know?

No there is no padding or sound deadener.

Just got off the phone with the dealership, they said something should be there but he wasn't sure whether it was a shield or sound absorption mat...there are also those plastic pins there as well. Can anyone else confirm?

Thanks for the response scuba! Would like to get a couple more confirmations as things just don't add up right... also there could be differences between the 4runners.

Well, there's a shift boot, but I figure you'd have taken that our when you started the clutch job and put it back in. Pics??

I didn't do the clutch job myself. I didn't have any time to mess around with it as I'm in the middle of a semester at school. But it just made an impression on me that starting the 4runner and accelerating were noticeably louder. I guess a broader question would be what could possibly have happened (if anything at all) that would cause this issue?

I'll try and post a picture of the plastic clips I'm referring to. I appreciate the feedback

Check under the leather shift boot/ console trim for one of these:

I opened up the boot assembly pictured above and noticed that part of the body was bent, I'm guessing when they were lifting the transmission back up into place. This caused the rubber isolation and boot assembly to not sit correctly and let road noise directly through. I hammered it back in and now it is just like it was before.

Although this problem is solved I have noticed a lot more "shutter" when starting from 1st gear. The whole transmission violently shakes. This used to happen occasionally but now it happens very frequently. Is this associated with machining the flywheel. Or what could possibly be there problem there. I will call the shop about it Monday but just wondering.

Thanks for all the help!

I'd asked for info for my first clutch replacement in a yota and space-junk posted this link.....
I found it useful, it might make for some interesting reading for you.

Looks like you solved the noise issue, but just so you know, the only padding under there is the small heat blanket that goes on the firewall and kind of wraps down. In no way is that going to effect transmission noise. that must be what your dealer was talking about.

Thanks for the responses and help. The "shuttering" or "chatter" in the transmission has considerably gone down, or is almost nonexistent. Every once in a while it will not catch right but the shaking is much less severe and only happens for a split second. I will wait maybe another week and see if the problem completely goes away as the link above stated that although the problem mainly results from improper torquing of the pressure plate, it can also occur while breaking in the clutch. I'll keep everyone posted. Thanks for the help again!

Sounds to me like your clutch skills need some work.

How many miles did your last clutch last ??

138,000 miles...I don't think it's my clutch skills I've been able to drive a clutch since my feet could reach the floorboard.

Another question...When I got the 4runner back initially the clutch engaged very early in the pedal release. Now it is engaging up high like it used to be before I got it replaced. This isn't to say that it has been slipping or anything (at least from what I've been able to notice) but I was wondering what causes this mechanically or is this what should happen?

Thanks for the help guys...

Any thoughts on the difference of clutch engagement since it came out of the shop?

I think whoever installed the clutch for you may have contaminated the disc surface with oils or some kind of liquid which would cause a chatter upon contacting the friction disc, probably just an over-looked situation aggravating for the time being and could cause premature wear of the disc surfaces.

Also, if the clutch is shuttering like that upon engagement/ dis-engagement it would indicate the possibility of the the clutch pedal free-play being out of spec. Sounds to me like the technician may have rushed through the process or wasn't quite competent enough doing this job. Keep an eye on it, if the problem persists or worsens I would go back to the technician and have him verify your concern, chances are that clutch is now damaged.

Thank you very much for that response dubbsbetty...I certainly hope that the clutch hasn't been damaged but will be taking it back to them first thing tomorrow.

Glad I could help! If the technician made the mistake they need to be held responsible and correct the mistake