Hey everybody.
I just bought a 98 4Runner SR5 Monday.

I am hoping for some help with a few things.

1) I have noticed something odd that I dont know what it is. When I start it, and start driving, I move about 10 feet, and then hear this odd sound, that reminds me of a rubber against metal. It doent matter if Im turning or not, so it shouldnt be the tires hitting anything. Its not extremely loud, and it only happens the first time I get moving, but it is very consistent. Any ideas of what it might be?

2) The rear bumper is busted up. Where would you suggest I get a new one?

3) The cargo cover is missing. Same question as 1.

4) Where can I find a cheap hood protector ("bug shield")?

5) Where can I find a cheap cargo mat? - I used to have one in my Subaru Impreza which I loved - if anybody is familiar with those, and knows of one for the 4Runner, let me know.

I spent pretty much my entire savings on this thing, so thats why I emphasize "Cheap" on most everything.

Thanks for the Help
Dave

 

1). dunno
2). Ebay or you can do custom, but not cheap
3). Ebay
4). Ebay
5). Performance Products has 20% off Husky liners right now

 

Welcome to the forum...

As far as the hood protector goes there was a thread day before yesterday on that topic. Scroll down it is under "Hood Protector"

 

First, let me say welcome to the forum, Dave! Glad you found us. Second, let me also be the first to tell that it is an unwritten rule of the forum that we bug all new members to post a pic of their rigs. Its just one of those things...LOL.

Third, you may also want to try using the search feature at the top of the page, it may help with some of your questions, and its one of the better search engines I've used. Now a question for you regarding your question #1: We need a few more details about your truck, auto or manual? what engine? 2WD or 4WD? etc. Does the noise happen when moving forward or in reverse or does it matter? A few more details and I bet someone might be able to help. There is a wealth of info here.

Welcome aboard and enjoy!

 

I notice a similar thing with my 2000 SR5. I have no idea what it was, but it did it from day one and I never had any problems. It lead me to believe that it was normal.

If we restate the question, maybe others can chime in:

Q: When you fire up your 4Runner (first thing in the morining) and start to drive, do you hear *ANY* unique noise coming from the front after about 10 feet?

 

Ok, more details:

3.4l, Auto, 67k mis, 2wd - I know but I couldnt afford 4wd.
Black, w/ Enki Rims.

I havent heard it in reverse (backing down the drive ~ 40 feet.), so Im guessing not.

It happens regardless of throttle, whether very easily accellerating, or gettin on it.

Ill post pics soon as I can.

Thx,
Dave

 

does it happen everytime you fire up or just when its cold?

 

Hey DrummerDave! Welcome to YotaTech!!!

I'll answer what I can..

1. Rubber on metal...I don't know what that sounds like.

2. There are guys on the forum who have custom/armored rear bumpers. Throw a "want to buy a rear bumper" post in the "for sale" forum and see if anyone has one.

3.

4. I have the factory Toyota one and it's not very pricy.

5. I like the Husky mats, but I think they are a little pricy.

Al

 

Ok ok, more detail.

Describing the sound. This will be a little tough.

The sound is very low pitch. If anybody has ever had a car where the tire would turn too far and rub, and the tread got up against a piece of metal, it would make this low almost grinding sound, but not like metal grinding.

Its kindof like that.
Let me think of another example . . .

I guess its also similar to the sound of a house settling, and the deep creaking of the boards in the walls.
Ooh, and another.
You're downstairs in an old house, and somebody upstairs steps on one of the soft creaky spots.
Yeah. Like that.

 

so is it like creaking or grinding? from your despcriptions, it sounds alot like creaking and squeaking?

 

I just realized what my sound was like; kind of like a single, gentle grinding of teeth. Is this what you are hearing?

 

I had a rubber-on-metal sound coming from the front driver's side on Monday, but only while I was moving. I stopped to check it out and the rubber mudskirt on the inner wall of my driver side fender had come lose It is only tacked onto the fender wall by those little plastic push-in thingies).
Worth checking I guess.
Does your sound sound like it's in sync with the speed of your vehicle ?

 

Could the sound be the ABS acting up? I know if I brake hard enough for the ABS to activate, the grumbling sounds of the ABS sound alot like rubber grinding on metal. Maybe there is a problem with the ABS, or I heard someone mention that the ABS sometimes resets itself.

 

1) check that the belts are tight and don't need to be replaced, all I can think of.

2), 3), 4), 5) www.1sttoyotaparts.com

http://www.1sttoyotaparts.com/

 

Welcome to the forum.

If you go for the Husky Liners, get them from Cabelas

They are cheaper than Performance Products even with their additional discounts...

Good Luck.

 

Yeah, Dread's description of "a single, gentle grinding of teeth" could be pretty close. I think he may have the same thing, from what he's said.

It only does it for about a second, and only one time, after the vehicle starts moving for the first time after being started. The engine doesnt have to be cold.

I dont think its a mudflap or anything like that, or it would happen more than just the first time. I guess its possible its a belt, though Im not confident its anything like that.

Im wondering if it may be something that the vehicle does electronically that Im hearing, possibly in the tranny?
Maybe some sort of initialization of something? I dont know.

Would you guys suggest I get it checked out?

 

Sure sound exactly like what I had... Hmmm...