Being subject to regular noise on your vehicle tends to be irritating, a vehicle is so elaborate that it is constantly difficult to locate its origin and even more so to find the part that causes it. If you have already experienced a clicking noise on your Toyota 4Runner, we will most likely be able to support you. In fact, our editorial staff decided to compose this document in order to review the main causes of a clicking noise on Toyota 4Runner. This is why, firstly, we will see what are the origins of this type of noise coming from your engine block, then those of a noise coming from your direction and finally, the sources of clicking noise on Toyota 4Runner coming from your suspensions.clicking-noise-toyota-4runner

I listen to a clicking noise on Toyota 4Runner on my engine

Check your high engine

If you listen to a clicking noise on Toyota 4Runner, and this sound is located at the top of the engine, it means that it comes from your cylinder head and its accompanying parts. Two elements can be the triggers of these ticking noises on Toyota 4Runner. Either the hydraulic pushers , in most cases it is because of their faulty “hydraulic catch-up” system that we will find out these clicking noises, often when cold and disappear when hot. Otherwise, it is the interplay of your rocker arms or their state of wear that is at issue. In this situation, remember to change them.

Check your low engine

If you have determined the zone of origin of the Toyota 4Runner clikcing noises coming from your low engine, it may be that your rods or piston shafts are the triggers. In both cases, the risk in the long term is the breakage of the motor. These two maintenance are very difficult and most mechanics will recommend you to change the engine of your Toyota 4Runner.

Combustion problem

Finally, if you have the feeling that this clicking noise on Toyota 4Runner is connected to the combustion of your engine, there are three possible causes of it. Check the condition of your glow plugs which, if worn, can hinder the proper combustion of the fuel mixture. Then, it is conceivable that your timing belt is shifted and that it does not properly manage the timing of the various engine elements to promote good combustion. And finally, the most classic reason, comes from your injection, which is either blocked or one or more injectors are injured. In this case, do not hesitate to consult this document which deals in detail with the different injection sounds on Toyota 4Runner.

I listen to a clicking noise on Toyota 4Runner in my direction

Check the condition of the gimbals

One of the most common triggers of a clicking noises in the direction of your Toyota 4Runner is related to the direction of the vehicle. Indeed, the cardans and their bellows are parts that are constantly stressed during your changes of direction or that you turn your wheels and a wear of one of them can generate a ticking type of sound when you approach the stop zone of your steering. A bellows with holes will harm the cardan shaft very quickly and must be changed very quickly, otherwise the entire cardan shaft will have to be changed. Consider taking a look at it. If you would like more detailed information about gimbals noises on Toyota 4Runner, do not hesitate to read this complete guide.

Check the rest of your direction

Finally, when you know a clicking noise on your Toyota 4Runner, it is conceivable that it is the direction that is involved. Just like the gimbals, the steering part is mobilized when you turn your wheels. If this is the case, the parts that may have been damaged due to normal wear and tear or impact (e. g. sidewalks) are steering rods, stabilizer bar silentblocks or steering triangles.

I listen to a clicking noise on Toyota 4Runner coming from my suspensions

Check the suspension

If you experience a clicking noise on your Toyota 4Runner when you pass a speed bump, it is really conceivable that your suspension block is the induce of the sound. In fact, it may be the suspension cups, which, when they are out of date, have the rubber (silentbloc) that acts as a buffer and shock absorber for the upper part of the suspension that no longer fulfils its function and during small jolts that compress the suspensions. To verify if this is the trouble that concerns you, take a dented road and, at low speed, focus on the sound originating from your front axle when ever you pass over holes. If these are the cups, consider changing them quickly as this may affect other parts and require more expensive repairs.

Check spring and cylinder

If you are subject to a clicking noise on your Toyota 4Runner at the suspension level, it is widely conceivable that spring wear or shock cylinder deformation may be a reason. To verify the shape of the spring, position the vehicle on a flat surface and measure that the heights from the ground to the bottom of the body are identical on each side (empty car for measurement). You can also verify between the front and rear, if there is a gap too significant it means that most likely your springs are worn, if you find out a leak go a little further in the article to have the answer to this problem. For the cylinder the verification is visual, make sure that it seems to work in a straight axis. And that there is no angle that would alter its proper functioning. If one of them breaks in both situations, you should consider replacing it or them. If you have the feeling that this noise is more like a squeaking noise on Toyota 4Runner than a clicking noise, don’t hesitate to consult this article.