Drivetrain noise when releasing accelerator pedal

gtibay04 · 01-03-2013, 12:52 AM

So I've noticed this ever since I bought it... if I'm on the throttle to 3k RPMs or more, especially at 65-70 on the highway or starting from a stop quickly, then release the gas, there's a thud thud (two distinct noises) from the rear. The noises are not loud, but prominent, they sound very much like if I ran over a bump on the road. Only when I release the pedal suddenly, otherwise there is no noise.
I had my mechanic listen to it, he says he's noticed this on several Toyotas around the 4.1 years, none seemed to result in any damage. He says it would be a witch hunt trying to pick exactly where it is coming from and would likely require a full rebuild of the rear end transmission components if I did want to try fixing it, but he says it's not worth it, the transmissions he's seen do this have gone longer than the engines they were attached to in most cases. I'm inclining to agree, that shop has been very good to my family, but just double checking.
Anyone have this issue and/or a better explanation?

hd72m · 01-03-2013, 12:56 AM

Drivetrain and suspension mounts get wore or loose.
Have him take a pry bar and see where the slack is and first make sure they are tight and if so look at replacing bushings if you want to fix it.

Carbon · 01-03-2013, 01:36 AM

You have 4WD. There have been postings about the 4.1 differential mounts. You might want to read through some of these to see if you have any of the same symptoms:

Cheap Differential Mount rehab

Rear differential mount / support - non-OEM?

'Clunk' in drivetrain when shifting?

diff mount

Rear differential mounts 1997 AWD RAV4

gtibay04 · 01-03-2013, 01:58 AM

Thanks guys, I had a suspicion it would be something to do with the diff but I never suspected the mount. Reading up right now on the linked threads.

aws140 · 01-04-2013, 12:16 AM

I had similar noises, which I also strongly believed to be a mount of some sort. I just changed the diff and transfer case fluid, and the noises seem to have either disappeared or become greatly reduced, which I think is rather odd. Maybe I am just imagining things.

gtibay04 · 01-04-2013, 05:46 PM

My clutch is due soon, I'm considering having the mounts replaced and I'll ask about a drain and refill while at it too...

aws140 · 01-06-2013, 01:21 AM

Clutch? Whoops, missed that part. I am an auto, so I think our transfer cases may be different.

01-03-2013, 12:52 AM	#1 (permalink)
gtibay04 Junior Member Country: Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: California Posts: 14 Thanks: 3 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Drivetrain noise when releasing accelerator pedal So I've noticed this ever since I bought it... if I'm on the throttle to 3k RPMs or more, especially at 65-70 on the highway or starting from a stop quickly, then release the gas, there's a thud thud (two distinct noises) from the rear. The noises are not loud, but prominent, they sound very much like if I ran over a bump on the road. Only when I release the pedal suddenly, otherwise there is no noise. I had my mechanic listen to it, he says he's noticed this on several Toyotas around the 4.1 years, none seemed to result in any damage. He says it would be a witch hunt trying to pick exactly where it is coming from and would likely require a full rebuild of the rear end transmission components if I did want to try fixing it, but he says it's not worth it, the transmissions he's seen do this have gone longer than the engines they were attached to in most cases. I'm inclining to agree, that shop has been very good to my family, but just double checking. Anyone have this issue and/or a better explanation?

01-03-2013, 01:36 AM	#3 (permalink)
Carbon Advanced Member Country: Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: NE Illinois Posts: 3,901 Thanks: 6 Thanked 137 Times in 134 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	You have 4WD. There have been postings about the 4.1 differential mounts. You might want to read through some of these to see if you have any of the same symptoms: Cheap Differential Mount rehab Rear differential mount / support - non-OEM? 'Clunk' in drivetrain when shifting? diff mount Rear differential mounts 1997 AWD RAV4 __________________ 2009 V6 4wd Base

01-03-2013, 12:56 AM	#2 (permalink)
hd72m Advanced Member Country: Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Mt. Airy, North Carolina Posts: 1,578 Thanks: 20 Thanked 62 Times in 55 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Drivetrain and suspension mounts get wore or loose. Have him take a pry bar and see where the slack is and first make sure they are tight and if so look at replacing bushings if you want to fix it.

01-03-2013, 01:58 AM	#4 (permalink)
gtibay04 Junior Member Country: Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: California Posts: 14 Thanks: 3 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Thanks guys, I had a suspicion it would be something to do with the diff but I never suspected the mount. Reading up right now on the linked threads.

01-04-2013, 12:16 AM	#5 (permalink)
aws140 Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Marietta, GA Posts: 55 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I had similar noises, which I also strongly believed to be a mount of some sort. I just changed the diff and transfer case fluid, and the noises seem to have either disappeared or become greatly reduced, which I think is rather odd. Maybe I am just imagining things.

01-04-2013, 05:46 PM	#6 (permalink)
gtibay04 Junior Member Country: Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: California Posts: 14 Thanks: 3 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	My clutch is due soon, I'm considering having the mounts replaced and I'll ask about a drain and refill while at it too...

01-06-2013, 01:21 AM	#7 (permalink)
aws140 Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Marietta, GA Posts: 55 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Clutch? Whoops, missed that part. I am an auto, so I think our transfer cases may be different.

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