97 T100 Noise???

Approx two years ago my 140,000+ mile T100 began making a slight clicking noise (non-regular or repetitive and sounds like a marble in the dryer). I inquired of some local mechanics and the Toyota dealership and they said that I wasn't running in 4WD enough. This seemed odd because I get in 20-30 miles/month of off pavement driving and the first thing I do upon going through the gate is shift into 4WD. I started making sure that any time I was off pavement I shifted into 4WD. This seemed to take care of the problem for a while. Some months ago it returned and could be stopped for short periods of time by shifting into 4WD momentarily and then back out.

Now it is constant. It makes the noise while the vehicle is in gear and traveling. If I shift into Neutral the noise continues. Here's where it gets really interesting. If I shift into neutral and increase engine RPMs the noise increases in frequency as well. When the vehicle slows below approx 10 MPH the noise stops and cannot be made to start again until the truck is in motion again.

My intention is to drop the transmission pan this weekend to see if any parts fall out unless someone has a better Idea.

Thanks,

Alan

A little more info. I have pulled the front wheels, checked CV joints, checked rear wheels, checked all drive shafts front to back and greased same, and spun all four wheels (both manually and with the engine). The only time I can get it to make the noise is when it is in motion.

Alan

Could be the flexplate...not sure. I'd take it to a mechanic and see what they would say. Can you git a vid of the problem and post it? :D

What is this one, Flex-plate? I have a Haynes Repair manual but can find no mention of "Flexplate". What is it?

Alan

What is this one, Flex-plate? I have a Haynes Repair manual but can find no mention of "Flexplate". What is it?

Alan

This (http://www.toyodiy.com/parts/p_U_1996_TOYOTA_T100_VCK21L-CRSSKA_3502.html?hl=32101) part that's called a Gear Sub-Assy, Drive Plate & Ring...aka flexplate...aka flywheel. ;)

4x4Wire thread #1 (http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB78&Number=849603&Forum=f78&Words=flexplate&Searchpage=0&Limit=2500&Main=849603&Search=true&where=bodysub&Name=&daterange=1&newerval=&newertype=w&olderval=1&oldertype=d&bodyprev=#Post849603)
4x4Wire thread #2 (http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB78&Number=691479&Forum=f78&Words=flexplate&Searchpage=0&Limit=2500&Main=691479&Search=true&where=bodysub&Name=&daterange=1&newerval=&newertype=w&olderval=1&oldertype=d&bodyprev=#Post691479)
4x4Wire thread #3 (http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB78&Number=689274&Forum=f78&Words=flexplate&Searchpage=0&Limit=2500&Main=689274&Search=true&where=bodysub&Name=&daterange=1&newerval=&newertype=w&olderval=1&oldertype=d&bodyprev=#Post689274)
4x4Wire thread #4 (http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB78&Number=679674&Forum=f78&Words=flexplate&Searchpage=0&Limit=2500&Main=679674&Search=true&where=bodysub&Name=&daterange=1&newerval=&newertype=w&olderval=1&oldertype=d&bodyprev=#Post679674)
ToyotaNation thread #1 (http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/showthread.php?t=224303&highlight=flexplate)

BZP, thanks for the replies. My noise does not exist at idle. It does not exist when the truck is in motion but less than 10-15 mph either in neutral or in drive. It exists when I reverse beyond those speeds. I have heard the sound of a cracked flywheel (manual trans) and this is not it (perhaps the sound is different on an automatic). One thing that has me puzzled is that the noise decrease (it used to stop for a long period of time) when I shift into 4WD. I have checked all fluid (oil) levels in everything that I can check (trany, transfer case, differentials, etc...) and find no problem. Nothing is generating any heat from friction or wear.

I appreciate the effort of your replies and I will certainly check the flywheel(flex plate) for cracks. I will check anything to try to stop the noise before I have a breakdown.

Thanks,

Alan

Another thing it could be is the heat shield on yer exhaust...the cross over one. :D

I had that problem on my wife's Sequoia and it created more of a buzzzzz than a clatter. My noise sounds like valve clatter (but it's not) since it doesn't happen all the time and only occurs while the vehicle is in motion.

Alan

Shoot some video of it and post it up!! :D

Pulled Trany pan. Clean, filter clean. Drained transfer case oil. Clean. Drained front differential oil. Clean. Refilled all. Filled with grease all zerts I could find on drive shafts and otherwise. Pulled front wheels and checked bearings. I shook, hit, turned, pounded, twisted pulled and pushed every thing or part I could put my hand on. I could not get it to make a noise until I drove it down the street. It clatters as much as ever. I can't see that it is in the engine or associated parts because the noise does not occur with engine rpms alone. Only in neutral while in motion above 15 mph. I checked around every shaft for anything that could be rubbing.

I am at a total loss on this. It is either something very simple or something inside the Transmission. I will try to get #2 son to video the noise tomorrow and I'll try to post it.

Thanks for the replies so far.

Alan

Jacked the front end up and same t the back. Started the engine, put her in drive and accelerated. (I was in the street BTW, in case the blocks fell. I then took the drive shaft off from the transfer case to the front differential. No more noise. I've got something wrong in the Transfer Case but I'll have to save the repair for another day.

Alan

I would have to say it would be in yer front driveline...like in that shaft, differential, bearings, CV shafts... ;)

I think the transfer case would be fine since the noise went away after you removed the front shaft...cause the transfer case is still being driven by the motor. :D

I hope your still with us, what did you find??? it was just getting interesting-
My '96 t100 just developed a tick/click, a very low muffled noise sounds like it's comming from the trann/transfer case?. It just started after I left the Beverly sand dunes, i didn't tear it up in the sand, i never really do with this truck thats what the '82 toy is for. Anyway, like i said it's a low audible click/tick you can only hear it at low speeds then the road noise takes over. I know it's not in the dash cuz its specific to speed, i hear it as i roll in nutral or in drive, funny not in reverse, from 10-5-0 speed equals tick/click as I roll to a stop. It hasen't effected driving since i noticed it and I havent found anything loose or hanging. I actually replaced the flex plate 6 years ago so I know what a cracked flex plate sounds like. I was hoping it was the speedometer but it works fine. Just a ? at this point, any help is appreciated, i like to keep this truck going for a long time. I could take a vid and post it here or on utube......

Could be a CV joint...you know how sand loves to git into everything... ;)

You could do the same by disconnecting the front or rear and isolating it that way... :D