First a little info on the 4Runner:

• Year / Model : 1988 4Runner SR5 5 Speed
• Modification: Suspension & Body Lift
• Mileage: 345,000
• Work done prior to ownership: Transmission, Transfer Case Rebuild, Water Pump, Timing Belt, Knock Sensor
• Engine work done: New Alternator

Knock Sensor is still causing computer to Code out (Not Main Issue)

Tonight, I was driving home, and I noticed that there is a knock that is coming from the passenger side front end. It only happens in higher gears since the engine and transmission are under load.

I got home tonight and noticed that that there appears to be what looks like oil all over the transmission and part of the transfer case. (I have not checked as of yet if it is actually fuel as the engine was still hot).

THe noise sounds kind of like the exhaust manifold is leaking, but there are no signs of any leakage.

I can include pictures tomorrow if there is more information needed, but wanted to see if anyone has any clue as to what is going on.

Thanks!

 

I don`t think a exhaust leak sounds anything like a knock.

Does it sound like a metal on metal contact??

Gear oil Engine oil and fuel all smell quite different

Something broke or worn moving causing the noise

Bad ujoint

Broken or worn engine mounts or transmission mount

Sway bar bushings Shock bushings

Could be almost anything

 

The U joint is the one thing that we have had notorious problems with on it. We had a place change it and they had to redo it because of it.

May invest in a grease gun and re-grease to at least see if that quiets it down, if so, I may just have it replaced.

Otherwise, it is going to be another thing to add on to a big bill worth of work. It was my dads truck (who passed away in Spring) and I don't want to give up on it quite yet.

Besides, I would not trade my 4Runner for anything but another one 😉

 

start with what is the oil...... if you do your own oil changes, then yes, get a grease gun because it should be greased at the same time. not greasing at the time of oil changes can lead to a couple thousand in potential repairs within a few months. fyi, grease ony prevents failure, it never fixes it. just like the oil in the engine. adding 2 quarts of new oil won't fix a knocking motor.it could be any number of things from blown out cross-over pipe seal in the exhaust, to rod knock, to loose bell-housing bolts, to rear main, and on and on. you need to find what the oil is and where it comes from. start with a clean white paper towel. soak up as much as you can and compare smell and color with all your fluids.