tough, but need help in identifying this sound..

[pepepeter]

Hi All,

For the past 4 weeks, I've been hearing this sound from the rav4 and it is getting worse. I've checked tranny and engine fluids, each is at the correct level. Have not checked the transfer or rear diff fluids.

This is the scenario: When the rav4 is coasting between 15-45 mph, but set at a speed (e.g. 35 mph), I hear this somewhat rattle sound as i gently press on the accelerator (hear attached sounds, they are not the greatest, but currently the best I can do). The sound is very distinct and is very reproducible to hear and lasts for +5 to +10 mph (especially if there is wall alongside the road so thecan bounce back to the car). I've noticed it seems to be related to the RPMs, for instance the rattle sounds generally occur between 1200-1600 rpms. Im concerned if this is related to the transmission gears; in this case I suspect it is 3rd gear (in my situation, ibelieve I am in 4th gear when coasting and 3rd gear when slightly pressing on the accelerator). I've noticed when climbing uphills (greater load) the sound also is generated.

Can anyone identify what the sound might be? I realize the recording is rather crappy (via iPhone) due to the wind, but replay each and you will hear the rattle sound. I plan to take it to dealer, but wondering if someone could give me some advice, lately dealer has pushed back on a lot of issues. many thanks...

[Carbon]

I hear no rattle on any of the 3. I suggest you crawl under your vehicle and wiggle the exhaust shields and the exhaust system to see if you can make a sound that is similar to what you are hearing.

[Blogson]

I don't hear a rattle on any of the three, either. As Carbon suggests it could be a loose exhaust system shield or exhaust system mounting.

[pepepeter]

folks, im sorry about this.. it is sounds so much better when replaying it on my iphone and holding up the phone to my ear. plus, i know what it sounds like. For rattle 1 and 3, at 1-3sec marks the sound is there, but yes fairly faint for the rest.

I have checked the exhaust and it is tight, plus when i gently accelerate it is always on flat roads with little to no bumps. If there were bumps on the road I could see how that would cause the exhaust or its shielding to rattle, but i dont see how very gentle acceleration would cause it to rattle if it was loose., but thanks for the pointers and listening in on the files.

[kevcules]

Yeah sorry , I couldn't hear anything either. Take it to your local garage and they can help you diagnose it. They usually don't charge anything.....

[pepepeter]

Originally Posted by kevcules

Yeah sorry , I couldn't hear anything either. Take it to your local garage and they can help you diagnose it. They usually don't charge anything.....

thanks for listening...

everyone please dont waste your time listening, pretty clear no one else can hear the rattling sounds, its too faint in the background noise. sorry, i will just take it to a local mechanic and/or dealer...

[Noel]

does it sound like a tappet rattle pepepeter

[pepepeter]

Originally Posted by Noel

does it sound like a tappet rattle pepepeter

Ive asked many about that, but they claim my symptoms dont fit with the tappet noise. By the way, can you defne tappet noise, its symtpoms, and concerns.

[Carbon]

Tappet noise would be a regular ticking with the cause being a hydraulic adjuster not fully doing its job. I think a rattle would be less regular. Does your sound sound like ball bearings bouncing around in the engine? If so, consider trying a couple tanks of high octane gasoline to see if that reduces the sound. Does your sound sound tinny or like something more solid generating the sound? Here are some rattle sounds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8mof1OBGTE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hXpqCVMYhI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8UnuTvElzQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jk48X85LsM

[dandel]

My 2011 developed a similar (per your description) noise earlier this summer. My mechanic identified it as a loose baffle inside the muffler. Took it to the Toyota dealer (still under warranty) 4 times before they finally admitted that was the noise. So after 4 visits, they finally changed the muffler...............noise gone.