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'Clunk' in drivetrain when shifting?

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#22 ·
confused...

guys - just tried to source my rear diff. support - 52380-42082 - from toyodatech today.

Before I could finish my sentence the guy said "you mean the front rear diff. support. If you're getting a 'clunk', that'll be why. The 'rear, rear' diff. supports never go as there's nothing to go wrong with them".

So, looks like I'm after 5230-42071 now?!?

Sound feasible?

thanks
 
#23 ·
Ask him if he is so sure that you can return it for a full refund if it does not solve the issue.
Then you may give it a try.
Greetz

Pim
 
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#25 ·
I know how expensive these are, I just pulled both the diff mounts off and the prop centre support bearing, on checking them I decided to put them back as they are in great condition, I think maybe the centre support is a little soft by now and could be the cause of an occasional clunk between 1st and 2nd but the diff mounts were fine, just as well as when Toyota UK told me the costs I was gob smacked!
I ended up getting the best prices from www.amayama.com if you need anything else try them, they have all genuine Toyota parts and even with shipping from Japan they were cheaper than even Toyotapartsbarn.com
Rock Auto have these too but they have been re-engineered and I heard they make the 'mount' quite rigid.
 
Discussion starter · #27 ·
Well I'm in the process of trying to get the damn front diff mount out... Looks like I'll need to move aside a control arm to drop the subframe low enough so I can get enough clearance. These bolts are extremely stubborn!

Bushings are definitely worn down so I'm hoping that the replacement mounts will solve the clunk issue. I'll try and take some pictures soon. Also, I was wondering, about how much rotational free-play is acceptable for the drive shaft?

cheers
 
#28 ·
I can't help about the free play but the front mount is difficult. I ended up dropping the diff carrier/subframe but if you do this make sure you realign it exactly the same or you will have to get the rear wheel alignment checked/adjusted.
I removed the second half of the drive/propshaft which helped but I did not remove the shield covering the underside of the fuel tank, if I had then it would have been easier but if you have ever removed one of these shields (there's a few under there) you will know that the bolts usually shear off and I did not fancy drilling them out....
 
Discussion starter · #29 ·
Update: finally got the front differential mount out (by far the most time consuming); replaced the front and rear mounts... and, voila! No more deafening CLUNK coming from the rear! :thumbs_up:

Note: there still is a small thud when engaging/ disengaging the transmission which I suspect may be worn motor mounts, but it's so much better I could honestly care less right now
 
#31 ·
Kerby,
That is not a typical RAV4 thingy, more something which comes with a 4WD car with this age.
You might want to check if it falls under guarantee, but i do doubt that.
Greetz

Pim
 
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#32 ·
It is a typical RAV4 thing. That is, it's *very* common with the first generation 4wd RAV4.

Note, I've also got a first generation 4Runner in the shop with 200k on it. None of the diff mounts on it have had this sort of problem.... Just query the forum for differential or "clunk" and note all the posts... It's absolutely common to this vehicle, especially since the entire rear diff essentially floats on rubber.

Note, I'm now selling the diff mounts directly (if you're in the 48 states) at a discount to forum members via DMGreenTech RAV4 Parts. If you're outside the 48 states, I refer to Rock Auto - beats spending almost $300 on Toyota parts to resolve a clunky diff....
 
#33 ·
I've experienced that "clunk" ever since I started driving my 99 4wd, 4 door in 2005...more noticeable with sloppy shifts and a choppy power transition and especially first thing in the morning when engine cold and engine not smooth on acceleration. I do notice it's getting a little more pronounced lately so this post has helped narrow down the issue. Just to be clear, is one mount more liable to be faulty than the other, as one post suggested, and what's the best way to check them? Many thanks!
 
#35 ·
Hi all,
Been a while since Ive been on here... still have the old girl, albeit she isnt my #1 anymore (my bike is). Although since I crashed and totalled the bike and my body I am back in the rav alot more now. I have developed this clunking sound on mine. It is the worst on shifting from 1st to 2nd, and bad from 2nd to 3rd. Not really evident thereafter. Also, I dont hear anything in reverse. Here is the kicker - all these examples I read are 4wd models, and mine is a 2wd. The noise definitely comes from the front, seeming like the strut towers, but its hard to tell from sitting in the cockpit. I have only put on 30000 or so kms since my engine swap, where I did the clutch and didnt notice anything wrong with the mounts, but maybe they have failed... Unfortunately I have just moved into a new house and the garage is full of the misses stuff *ahem*, so I cant put it on jacks to get a good look.
 
#36 ·
I believe that I have this very some clunk that I thought was the suspension.
I had a look at the rear diff and gave a few things a bit off a wiggle and there seemed to be no excessive play, and my limited knowledge it appeared that the rear mount looked perfect.
Is there any sort of test one can do to make sure it is the mounts that are at fault?
 
#37 ·
Hi, my wife's car has the clunking sound as well. It generally happens just like DJ Sueno described above - every time! Seems worse when cold.
The diff mounts have been replaced recently, costing quite a few $$$. The sound has actually gotten worse since this work was done, so it is probably related, but not the actual mount. There is about 3mm [1/8"] of free play in the drive shaft from the gear box to the rear diff, which, when twisted forcefully by hand makes a very similar clunking noise. I'm wondering if it's a set worn gears in the diff, or is it "something else".
Is this amount of free play normal? Is it possible to check the the rear diff fluid level?
 
#38 ·
Same here Drafty01, I installed the new differential mounts that cb1000rider manufacturers (first class!) and the Clunk has slowly worsened since then, so I'd say the cause of the clunk wasn't the diff mounts (the rear was shot though).

I've also observed the excessive appearing drive-shaft lash and clunk noise, and wondered what the cause might be.
 
#39 ·
Hi Ravham,

We Actually sorted the issue. Took it in to the local Toyota dealer, who diagnosed it as worn out diffs - yes both of them! They were both replaced at reasonably huge expense :crying:crying with good second hand units.

I'm guessing it's probably not the answer you wanted to hear, but it did sort the issue.
 
#40 ·
I had the same clunk on mine and one mechanic told me the rear diff will go eventually. That was just after purchasing it. Another mechanic then said it's the mount (he saw it was cracked) and he sourced a used one and installed it for around $350 total. Clunk is still there...
 
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