Transmission clunk / pop / noise going from 4H to 2H

[jrenzag]

Is it normal to hear a pretty significant clunk when going from 4h to 2h? I've been in 4h five times now and each time I've returned to 2h I've gotten the clunk. I've tried returning to 2h in neutral as well as in drive and both still gives me the clunk.

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[Ron-efnSwanson]

I have a similar clunk when going from 4h to 2h. I have found by keeping the wheel straight and going about 5 mph I have eliminated that sound. Any turn in the wheel seems to exacerbate that noise.

 

[Gumpus]

To avoid clunks on my 5th Gen I switch with vehicle pointed straight and no torque (coast briefly while shifting).

 

[Kennyg]

I've used 4Hi a half dozen times and heard the clunk twice.

 

[oc6gen4runner]

I heard this clunk too, I was happy to see it wasn’t just me experiencing it. I took it in too Toyota and they said it was normal operation. I will be taking it to a different dealer because I also hear a high pitch noise and I will bring up both. Anyone else hear that high pitch noise when in drive but not moving. I when hybrid

 

[Archer]

It's normal. You should hear what my dedicated offroad rig sounds like going in and out of 4wd.



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[MikeD]

I've almost always noticed the clunk going in or out of 4wd. Usually pretty subtle. Kind of similar to what my 2003 Sequoia did. (I can't remember what my 1990 4Runner did but am pretty sure that I could hear the engagement or disengagement as I moved that lever:>) Guess I'm used to hearing a clunk so assumed it is normal.

 

[kekecarioca]

To chime in here. Same thing happened the first few times, Neutral or not. It felt like a mule kicked the truck. Well I'm glad to hear I was not the only one with the 6th gen "clunk". I am used to Manual T case shifters and yes they can be quite clunky, but did not expect it that hard on the new rig.
Anyways as other's said here it seems to be unnoticeable shift form 4h to 2h when moving 5-15mph coasting( off the gas) while shifting.

 

[Maxine_Offroad]

Does anyone else hear a loud popping noise when switching from 4WH to 2WH? When I switch from 4WD to 2WD, I am typically on level ground, with the vehicle in P, N or D and it makes a horrible popping noise 75% of the time and not sure if its me or something wrong with the vehicle.

Also, this might be normal but wasn't on a previous vehicle that was 4WD all the time, but when I am in 4WD with my ORP the steering sucks and feel like its rubbing on the front tires. I know its not rubbing but that's what it feels like. It definitely has issues with turning the wheels all the way, again, this might be perfectly normal but new to me.

 

[kekecarioca]

As far as clunk from 4H to 2H it is "normal" see thread below :

https://www.4runner6g.com/forum/threads/transmission-clunk-when-going-from-4h-to-2h.5814/

Subject 2 : In a part time 4wd as yours is, there is not a center diff. like a full time 4wd has (Platinum, Limited or LC250 per example). So when in 4wd the front wheels spin at a different speed than rear ones when turning. That's the binding feel you are getting.

Not good to do that in everyday driving on dry pavement. Off road loose surfaces.

 

[Maxine_Offroad]

As far as clunk from 4H to 2H it is "normal" see thread below :

https://www.4runner6g.com/forum/threads/transmission-clunk-when-going-from-4h-to-2h.5814/

Subject 2 : In a part time 4wd as yours is, there is not a center diff. like a full time 4wd has (Platinum, Limited or LC250 per example). So when in 4wd the front wheels spin at a different speed than rear ones when turning. That's the binding feel you are getting.

Not good to do that in everyday driving on dry pavement. Off road loose surfaces.

Thank you for the information. I only put the vehicle in 4lo once a month if I am not offroading as per the manual to keep things lubricated. It suggests 10 mins a month just to make sure things are good. But wanted to make sure it was normal and not something to worry about.

 

[rickshredder]

As far as clunk from 4H to 2H it is "normal" see thread below :

https://www.4runner6g.com/forum/threads/transmission-clunk-when-going-from-4h-to-2h.5814/

Subject 2 : In a part time 4wd as yours is, there is not a center diff. like a full time 4wd has (Platinum, Limited or LC250 per example). So when in 4wd the front wheels spin at a different speed than rear ones when turning. That's the binding feel you are getting.

Not good to do that in everyday driving on dry pavement. Off road loose surfaces.

As far as clunk from 4H to 2H it is "normal" see thread below :

https://www.4runner6g.com/forum/threads/transmission-clunk-when-going-from-4h-to-2h.5814/

Subject 2 : In a part time 4wd as yours is, there is not a center diff. like a full time 4wd has (Platinum, Limited or LC250 per example). So when in 4wd the front wheels spin at a different speed than rear ones when turning. That's the binding feel you are getting.

Not good to do that in everyday driving on dry pavement. Off road loose surfaces.

Thank you for the information. I only put the vehicle in 4lo once a month if I am not offroading as per the manual to keep things lubricated. It suggests 10 mins a month just to make sure things are good. But wanted to make sure it was normal and not something to worry about.

I also try to lubricate the 4WD components once in awhile but I make sure I drive straight if I’m in dry pavement. I’ve had no issues doing it this way.

 

[kekecarioca]

Same as above.

 

[hikeskico]

I’ve also noticed this. If the vehicle is moving at a decent speed ~>15mph I haven’t noticed it. Otherwise it sounds like something broke

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