Squeaking noise inside gas tank?

[svanhess]

I'm having a tough time diagnosing a squeaking sound that seems to be coming from inside the gas tank of my 97 Camry (4cyl). It started out as an occasional squeak (couple times a day) to a full-on pull your hair out issue

Here's a thread that also describes the same behavior I'm experiencing (I haven't removed the fuel pump to take a peek since it seems there's nothing to see): what could possibly be scratching the bottom of the fuel tank

Basically I'm hearing something squeaking/scratching metal on metal when traveling at slower speeds. The sound will continue even after stopped...like a pendulum swinging back and forth. I'm thinking that the fuel moving forward and backward is causing something to move inside the tank. This weekend I replaced the rear springs/struts and sway bar bushings, so I know that isn't the problem. I can bang/push on the gas tank underneath the car and replicate the sound as well, so I'm positive the sound is coming from inside the tank. Anyone know what could be going on?

UPDATE
Sounds like a loose baffle inside the tank could be causing this. Read post #5 below

[ghettosled]

sounds like youre pretty handy. pull the backseat, open the access cover, undo the dozen bolts holding the sending unit. you should be able to have it open in less than 20 minutes. go ahead and take a peek.

[johnnash]

I never found a solution to my problem in the referred link but I'm posting out my thoughts so that maybe people can help the OP better.

I have 2 alternatives in mind besides something in the fuel tank. I've never seen inside the fuel tank and people were staying there's almost absolutely nothing that can go wrong inside it.

1. Something near rear drum brakes. I happen to notice the sound after I sanded some rust off the drum hub. Rust grew to the point it was making noise under braking.

2. Suspension? projekvertx took a look with me and pointed out my rear endlink was a bit loose.

None of these two are from the fuel tank but the explanation for us both thinking it was inside the tank may be some echoing effect.

[johnnash]

But if you can take a peek inside the tank, it'll definitely be worth it. It'll clear things up a great deal. I took the pump out but I was not able to see much through the hole and I was in a hurry to put the car back together to use it. But maybe you need to drop the tank to see completely clear what's going on inside the tank. Other people with fuel tank experience?

[svanhess]

I may have figured out the issue, although I havent taken a look in the tank yet. Did some more research and found this thread where someone is describing the same issue on their Elantra and they found it was the baffle inside the tank that was loose. They replaced the tank, and no more squeak!

http://www.elantraxd.com/forums/show...ear-on-your-xd

Their description matches exactly what I was hearing. If I bang on the tank I get a rattle sound. If I rock the car I can get it to squeak. So I'm really leaning towards the baffle being the problem. Although the videos don't work the pictures give you a decent view of what's going on.

After seeing that, I'm pretty sure I need to replace the tank. Not sure if I want to attempt to do this myself or suck it up and have the dealer replace it. Seems like an expensive fix just to get rid of an annoying squeak!

[johnnash]

Ohhh, noooooo.....