Just some quick 4rd gen questions:

(1) My ebrake sounds like it is sticking after I use it. I'll engage it normally, then when I uneggage it and start driving there is a clunk, then everything is normal. It is only after I use the ebrake, could it be something else? is this normal? does this matter? what can I do about it?

(2) When I start up my RPMs jump up to about 1700. It is most noticable i the mornings, or an time it hasn't been driven in a while. It also slowly decreases to about 600-700 as the engine reaches temp (or as the gauge says it is reaching temp). Is this normal of the 3rd gen? if not, what can/should I do about it?

(3) After starting up and backing out of my parking spot. I stop, put it in drive , and start driving. Maybe 100' down of driving there is a noise that sounds like a relay engaging. It appears (guessing as I'm driving) to be coming from the front passenger side of the vehicle. Is this a problem? If so, it is common and what should/can be done? or is this a normal noise in 3rd gens?

(4) As I get up to speed I start hearing a rattle. it almost sounds like a baseball card in the spokes of a bicycle. (you know, a fast clicking) It stops when I go slower (as in 20) and is always there when I go faster (as in 40 and above). any ieas? I'm thinking the wind is causing a heat shield to flap back and forth, or maybe a part of my dumb running boards; are those logical? I'm 90% sure it isn't an engine issue as it won't do it if I just rev the engine.

...any ideas, opinions, thoughts?

 

r85,

1) Sounds like you need to lube your drive shaft. Search the term "driveshaft clunk" here on the forums and read up

2) Yes, this is normal. My rpms at cold start up are around 1500 and then decrease to around 600-700 rpm when warmed up

3) No idea

4) No clue

Bob

 

#1 is a leaking rear axle seal (almost guaranteed). Mine did the same thing and 3rd gens are known for rear axle seal failure.

 

Don’t know about #1, #2 or #4, but I do have a comment on #3. I also have a 98 4runner 4x4 that makes the same relay type engaging sound you described on initial take off. What I have discovered is if you slightly depress the brake pedal as you move forward, you will not hear that noise on take off. The reason why I experimented with this process was, I read a thread on this forum alluding to the front pads shifting. However, the actual source of the sound still remains a mystery.

 

#3 is the ABS system engaging. It does so around 3 mph. Hope this helps.

98's rule!!!!

 

Mystery solved! My '03 Taco made that noise and I wondered what it was until the day I traded it in. Funny that I do not hear it in my '00 4Runner.

Mike

 

Best news I've heard in a while, nothing broken ($$$) just the ABS system engaging. Thanks, for solving the mystery.

 

so this is a normal sound?

That is comforting, though seems odd!