My wifes 4Runner

[MRoberts]

First off, my mechanical abilities are suspect. My wife drives a 2000 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4x4, around 69K miles. I heard a "clunk" while riding with her the other day. The noise came during acceleration from a stop. It only happened occasionally after that, always from a stop. The noise sounded like it came from the rear axle or the auto transmission. I had her take it to the dealer for inspection, guess what they said... ... Needs a new transmission $5500. !!! Now I'm not completely stupid, they had not even pulled the transmission but called it a "massive internal failure", we drove the rig there no problems! I have some other options going but was wondering, have any of you heard of any problems with these Toyota's? Any mechanics with any knowledge of TSB's being issued? Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[JyRO]

My wife too...

MRoberts - My wife drives a 2000 4Runner SR5 4X4. But guess what? Its a 5 speed and she loves it! Everything we own is a manual transmission. No problems with this truck yet (52,000+ miles). I'm about as closely tied to Toyota as a person can get. I would know if there were any big issues with your auto transmission, but there are not. As for your particular auto transmission, I'd have to say from my experience that Toyota dealers are about as honest and competent as any dealer will ever get. Of course I couldn't tell you what is exactly wrong with your auto transmission. But it seems like if you're going to have to foot the bill, I'd drive it until it actually breaks.



- JyRO

 

[Eric Kahn]

Your dealer has a big boat payment due

take it to another mechanic, have him check the motor mounts and the transmission mounts and maybe the rear end bushings

if you had had "massive internal failure, the car would not move or make all kinds of weird noises if it did move

 

[RichR]

I own a Tundra so I would give the u-joints a lube if they are greaseable. I don't know about 4 Runners. Clunking is a know problem with the rear most slip joint on Tundras. If there is a 4Runner in the lot tonight I'll look under it.

I would get at least another opinion of a TRUSTED independant shop. Just mention the clunk nothing about the trans.

Riminds me when I drove the womans Camry:How lomg has the steering wheel shimmied dear?I dunno,A tire was separating its treads.

Good Luck

RichR

 

[RichR]

Got a look at the 4Runner;looks pretty new ie;hood scoop. Looks like a smaller version of my truck.

Try greasing the yoke at the rear of the drive shaft,not the u-joint.

I use Amsoil mult-purpose.

Pump it till you can't pump any in(30-40). Then bounce the rear bumper up and down(spreads the grease). Then remove the zerk fitting and let it puke out the extra. Then replace the zerk. I do mine every oil change.

I had a clunk and this took care of it. I hope this solves it for you($$$). Also try http://www.tundrasolutions.com They have a 4runner section. Good luck.

RichR

 

[illflem]

I've replaced rear driveshaft u-joints that clunked on several Toyotas. Block the tires so it doesn't roll on you, put it in N, slide underneath and twist the driveshaft. You'll see right away if the joint is bad.

 

[nickleinonen]

it kinda sounds like bad u-joint symptons. check that first as others have said

 

[Got Smoke?]

1st truck (heck I'm only on my 2nd but at least its better! ) was a 93 Toy yo-yo 4x4 Auto that was given to me for transportation when I turned 16. Dad sorta believes in regular maintenence but doesn't practice it! So with 110K on it when I got it we wasted a bunch of money in replacing stuff!



Anyhow needless to say we had to have a shop replace 3 u-joints and we got ripped!



So yeah I'd say it sounds like a u-joint problem. Mine did it and it was definatley a nice noticable CLUNK!

 

[RustyJC]

Sounds like classic U-joint symptoms to me. The last one I had with a "clunk" like this was an AWD Ford Aerostar - my clunk was from the front when taking off from a stop. Ford would up replacing the front axles because of defective constant velocity (CV) joints - under warranty, thankfully!



Rusty