1990 T4r: SR5, auto, 4x4, 3VZE

Past couple days rubbing sound, as best as I can determine from the front brakes, more passenger side. Occasionally, there is a rubbing sound then a clunk. Not sure if it has any thing to do with the issue but there is the clickiity-click of relays sounds coming from behind the instrument panel, more so than usual. After the episode drives and brakes w/ no problem??

Intend inspecting the front brakes, thought I would check if any member's have had similar experience, and/or could offer comments or advice?? .

 

Sounds are pretty tough to diagnose. Brakes can rub, tires can rub, worn components can clunk... I would jack up the front, spin the wheels and have a look and a listen. If you can narrow it down to a particular side, take off that wheel and have a look.

 

I thank you for U'r input!! Lifted the vehicle and inspected the passenger side rotor, calipers and brake pads, all look good. Further check found one of the CV boot on the passenger side torn so possible problem; regardless, I will replace then go from there. Suspect replacing CV can be a pain in the backside so doubtful I will replace driver's side, appears OK perhaps project down the road???

Again, thank you!!.

 

Once one CV rubber fails, the other isn't far behind. Once they rip, the grease inside is gone fast. No grease, the CV joints fail pretty quick.

Having said all that, a rub, followed by a clunk, for what it's worth, sounds like maybe brake caliper not retracting properly. MAYBE. Brake pads rubbing, then the caliper releases with a clunk. Again, MAYBE.
Check that both calipers are in good shape, and don't stick when the pedal is released. They get old, and sticky. Not too expensive to replace. Not all that difficult either, really.

Just my thoughts.
Pat☺

 

Seem to recall the Rotor, Pads, and Caliper were replaced recently, having said that, I agree my first thought was the brake caliper is hanging up/not releasing and although all right front brake components appear in good condition intend testing and either replace or repair??

Thank you!!

 

Replaced front CV axle, I damaged the tie rod end removing and ordered another. I reassembled using the old hub, rotor, caliper and pads but ordered new replacements and intend having shop inspect the hub and if necessary replace the hub spindle bushing??

Test drove and the rub-clunk still exist only once and nothing during the remainder of the trip, I can tell when it is going to happen by the clicking sounds of relays from behind the instrument panel. Not familiar but if it were not for the clicking rounds of relays I doubt the problems is in the axle, suspension, or brake assembly and possibly the issue is in the transfer case?? .

Comments, suggestions appreciated!!

 

I don't know on your model truck, but be sure the steering stops have a spot of grease on them. The OP didn't mention if it's an issue of when the steering is at the end of travel, so this is likely not it, but they can make a horrendous noise if not greased and the wheel moves up/down.

 

Thank you for the prompt input. Expect the items I ordered should arrive in the next couple days and will not be until next week-end or couple days later that I intend to install the replacements parts, in doing so I will check the steering travel and stops which are currently as dry as a bone.

Thank you!!

 

Info purposes: probly some 12 years ago backing the 4 runner in the snow and went over an embankment and the rear anti lock light on the dash has remained on since. With the recent rub and thunk today decided to experiment and removed the rear anti lock fuse, possibly temporary but no more rub and thunk or clicking of relays behind the instrument panel. Seems may have narrowed the problem down to the anti lock system, but it is a relief I no longer have to experience the clicking, rubbing and thunk and hopefully will not cause a more serious problem down the road??

 

Is it a bright sounding clack? Brake pistons stuck
A dark clunk? As said, probably CV

 

It sounds like the pads are hanging up and rubbing against the rotor, even before I apply the brakes and usually does not occur until I initially start up and get around 25-35 MPH, or not at all, at this point I slow down to minimize the clunk but just before the event the clicking of relays chatter away then stop after the clunk. I removed the hub and installed new bearings, replaced with new CV axle and now awaiting arrival of new calipers and rotors and if the dealership has the kit I will upgrade from brass busing to the hub spindle bearings. Going to test drive this a.m. not sure why removing the rear anti lock fuse would eliminate the rubbing, clunk, and chatter of relays, hopefully not causing a serious problem down the road??? , After installing all replacement parts hope it will resolve the problem.??

Appreciate the input!!

 

Lastcall, do you have any updates? This is my first post here. I just bought a '93 SR5 5MT and I am having what may be the same symptoms you describe. Randomly occurring screech or scraping sound usually, but not always, followed by a giant bang from right front area of truck. Sounds just like you hit a big pothole going 30 mph, but there is no pothole. Happens after driving 1/4 mile or 10 miles, no pattern to that, MAYBE it is when the brakes are cold, but not sure. I have heard some clicking in the dash when idling at a stop, but have not correlated that to the screech/bang events, maybe I'm just not hearing the clicks while under way. It's hard to find info. on this topic.

I want to get some ideas of what the problem might be before calling the seller, who never mentioned this.

Thanks for any help you can offer. Dave

 

Yesterday finally got around to completing the other side; driver's side replacing majority of the components to include replacing hub spindle bushings with hub spindle bearings. Took it for a short test run and so far seems problem solved. If I were to hazard a guess and select a single component that likely resolved my problem it would be the CV unit. Intend taking on a test run again either today or tomorrow?

P.S.: Took for a loner test run, no rubbing or clunk. There is an occasional slight rubbing coming from the pads rubbing against the new rotor and suspect matter of caliper and shoes breaking-in. There is also the occasional clicking of relays from behind the dash when vehicle comes to a stop; intend bleeding 1 last time; in addition, been some time since I check the rear brake shoes so intend placing the task on things to do?

Anyhow, appreciate input, certainly helped in completing the repair!!