Strange Noise When Easing up on Gas

EmKay · Aug 28, 2009

Hi All,
I purchased my first new car and it happens to be a Rav4. I've only had it since last Friday and it was definitely worth the 6 week wait!

However, I noticed something since the first night I had the car. When I sometimes ease up on the gas or let go of it to get ready to brake, I hear a low rumbling/grinding noise that last about 2-3 sec. It only seems to happen loudly when I have the A/C on. Otherwise, I can hear it faintly over the normal engine noise when driving without the A/C on. It's driving me bonkers. I don't think Downhill Assist, ABS or anyting like that is kicking in as the lights don't go off on the dash and the car does not lurch or anything like that.

My Rav4 is brand new from the factory and I want some info for when I go back to the dealer to pick up my plates and maybe set up a service appointment. Please advise and or if you experienced anything similar, provide some insight as to what the heck I'm experiencing here.

Thanks in advance!

EDIT: The noise doesn't happen all the time either - a few times a day.

Gbcue · Aug 28, 2009

Loud A/C compressor?

EmKay · Aug 28, 2009

I wish. The noise occurs every now and again but on a daily basis. It almost sounds like a gurgling mixed with brakes grinding (when the pad's been worn thin). It's a strange sound and I do not like it.

It's hard to reproduce the sound on demand as I do not know what causes it so I'm not sure if setting an appointment would even be worth it unless I had some ideas as to why this is happening.

JuneBug · Aug 28, 2009

Another new RAV owner is reporting the same thing here:

http://rav4world.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=22407

EmKay · Aug 28, 2009

junebug1701 said:
Another new RAV owner is reporting the same thing here:

http://RAV4World.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=22407

Ah, thank you very much. I'll post to show support but I could still use a little help in figuring out what's going on under the hood. The rubber gasket idea seems easy enough to investigate.

JohnDoe11b · Aug 28, 2009

That's the 4 cylinder struggling

EmKay · Aug 28, 2009

NYPD said:
That's the 4 cylinder struggling

Thanks for the suggestion.

Anyone have any actual helpful suggestions?

ljm658 · Oct 17, 2009

I have the same problem.when driving at about 25 to 30 MPH there is a rattling sound

when i release the accelerator pedal. It happens at least once every time I drive.

It seems to be coming from the engine compartment,right about where the console is.

I hope this is not a transmission related problem. I say that because because it kind of

sounds like when two gears are spining and do not mesh properly together, but it is not

a metalic sound,

Myxalplyx · Oct 17, 2009

ljm658 said:
I have the same problem.when driving at about 25 to 30 MPH there is a rattling sound

when i release the accelerator pedal. It happens at least once every time I drive.

It seems to be coming from the engine compartment,right about where the console is.

I hope this is not a transmission related problem. I say that because because it kind of

sounds like when two gears are spining and do not mesh properly together, but it is not

a metalic sound,

'Sound' familiar'? -->http://rav4world.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=21109

tacom6 · Dec 16, 2021

My hypothesis is the following might be more likely the cause "I had my RAV 4 into the dealer today with the odd rattle when I was going 35-42 mph. I was told that it is the transmission. There is a wave plate that is loosened and rattles at 35-43 mph. They have had this once before and the manufacturer says it is annoying but not harmful to the car. Hope this helps someone. I have had my car to three different shops trying to find out what was wrong. ".

Strange Noise When Easing up on Gas

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