Weird sound coming from my 4Runner
 

Here is my problem:

I am getting an unusual clanking sound from underneath the front end of my 4Runner when I initially engage my brakes. It sounds like 2 pieces of metal clanking together. It is really noticeable when I am braking at a speed of 35 mph or slower. When I am at higher speeds it either doesn't do it or I can't hear it.

I haven't taken any damage to my undercarriage. There was nothing out of the ordinary in my visual inspection. I have had friends listen while I replicated the noise but nobody has any idea what it could be.

Let me know if there is any more information I can add that may be of help in figuring this out.

maybe your brake pad came off and is stuck somewhere. you might want to drive by someone at a higher speed while braking and see if they can hear it. thats just a guess, you'll probably get some better responces soon.

You might benefit from crawling under the rig with a wrench and tapping on some pieces under there so you have some idea of what sound they make. Think of all of the metal parts as bells that all have their own distinct ring. When you hit something that makes a similar sound to what you hear while driving you know you are getting close to finding the problem.

Bighead,
Is it a continuous clank? or is it just a one time clank?

I have a clanking sound too... but mine has something to do with the tranny (not sure if it is a prob or just the way it is) whenever I have the tranny loaded up (having the car stopped) then let off the brake, or it goes from having any load, to not having a load, it clanks... anyone else experience this?? If not I'm going in for the 75k soon and I'll have them take a look... though... the less money I pay the stealership the better!
thanks!

What you describe sounds a little like worn diff gears. If there is too much play in the diff the ring and pinion gears will smack each other and clunk as you go from thrust to deceleration or vice versa. To check it put the tranny in neutral and apply the parking brake, then try to twist the rear drive shaft. If it twists more than 1/3 of an an inch with a slight clunking sound your gears are worn or you have a bad bearing. Also try to move the driveshaft up and down at the rear differential. That's a way to check the bearing to. Either case should be covered by warrantee on a "98.

Thank thee, all mighty Junkyard King!! :bowdown:
Dang, I REALLY hope its covered... Thanks for the info!!

The problem you are experiencing is the catalytic converter, my 98 did the same thing. It's an easy fix and should only cost you about $160 plus labor.

This is the driveshaft binding up. Lube all the driveshaft zerk fittings and it will go away. Pretty sure theres another thread alive about this right now.