Vibration noise in '99

Bruce J · 11-28-04, 11:59 AM

In my '99 Cruiser I've had a high frequency, harmonic vibration noise coming from the engine area. It sounds like two thin metal plates vibrating against each other. It's worse when I first start it up and accelerate lightly. It doesn't occur under no load (unless on first start up in the morning) or under a steady load. It is not related to engine speed. And, since it typically only occurs while underway, I can't get a look at it while it's happening.
A friend had told me that it was the heat shield plates over the catalytic converter, but it's definitely not coming from that area (the sound is much more forward, in the engine, even front of engine area). Any other ideas?

Bruce J · 11-28-04, 12:02 PM

Sorry, I accidentally posted this again. Thought it didn't "stick" the first time because I couldn't find it.

sleeoffroad · 11-30-04, 06:48 AM

It is the shields on the catalytic converter. They break close to the mounting bolts and then rattle like that. Big hose clamp around them will do the trick.

I know you say it is not from there, but have you actuall inspected them?

80and100cruisers · 12-01-04, 02:36 AM

I also have that problem on my 99. It only happens when I start it after a few hours of not being used....and after 30 seconds to 60 seconds it stops. I will check out what you suggest, but why does it not happen on warm starts?

-Matt

Bruce J · 12-03-04, 06:21 PM

Although it definitely sounded like the noise was coming from the front of the engine, I now think it is the catalytic heat shields. I tried someone's suggestion and just started tapping on things with a plastic mallet. When I tapped on the exhaust behind the cat, it rattled the shields and made a noise very much like I was hearing.

I'll try the big hose clamp suggestion, but also wondered whether it would be good to insert some type of heat-resistant gasket material between the plates where they are vibrating together(?)

DMX84 · 12-03-04, 08:25 PM

That sounds like a good idea to me. Let us know how it works out!
I have the same problem, It really sucks when you are pulling away form a restaurant and it starts that crap!

DMX

greglomax · 12-04-04, 11:48 PM

Where do I find a big hose clamp that will fit over the converter? Any suggestions? I am so sick of this rattle. It makes a great vehicle sound like it's falling apart.

Bruce J · 12-05-04, 07:18 PM

Greg,
I found some large hose clamps at Loews. The one that goes up to about 4 1/2" or 5" was just right. I also put some high temperature liquid gasket material in between the heat shields where they overlap (and rattle!). I put the hose clamp on after putting in the gasket stuff. I'm letting it all set up tonight, and hopefully I'll have a quiet (or at least quieter) ride tomorrow morning.

It all does seem a little crazy to have to make such a "cheap" (in all respects) fix on such a well built and expensive truck.

Bruce

greglomax · 12-06-04, 01:56 PM

Does the clamp go all the way around the converter or just around the pipe going into the converter. If around the converter, I was expecting to have to buy something that would fit almost around a basketball. Am I just confused?

Bruce J · 12-06-04, 06:37 PM

Not a peep, rattle, ring, or noise at all this morning. Smooth as a sewing machine! Can't believe I've finally silenced the beast.

I used the hose clamp and the liquid gasket material like caulking between the overlapping plates. Since I did both, I'm not sure if either method by itself would have worked. My guess is that the gasket material alone probably would have worked.

Greg, the catalytic converters are not as big around as they first seem. The first hose clamps I got were way too big. The 4" model was just right. On my car, the noise was coming from the plates/shields that overlapped at the bottom of the cat , i.e. closest to the ground, and at the front of the cat, i.e. closest to the engine. The hose clamp went around this area which tapers up from the exhaust pipe. So, it's not quite as big around as the main body of the cat. The cat itself seems to be in two parts, with the second part being slightly larger diameter. If you have a rattle in there, it would probably take a 6" or so hose clamp.

I was pretty lucky, so far, that I could find the exact source of the rattle by tapping the mallet on the exhaust pipe. I imagine in others the noise might be harder to locate, or to reach. But I'll take this victory for now and hope it stays quiet!

Bruce

sleeoffroad · 12-07-04, 02:40 PM

Told you so

tabraha · 12-07-04, 03:26 PM

I think this is prime FAQ material. There are a fair amount of folks with the mystery rattle, myself included, that could appreciate a cheap effective fix.

Thanks
Tad

NMuzj100 · 12-07-04, 04:04 PM

Pictures would definately make this FAQ worthy.

Bruce J · 12-07-04, 09:18 PM

I'll try to take a pic and post it in the next few days.

greglomax · 12-12-04, 08:18 PM

2 - 7" hose clamps from Lowes ---- $4.00
15 minutes of my time putting them on ---- N/C
Not having my LC sound like it is falling apart when I begin to drive ---- Priceless

What an easy fix.

I have never looked so forward to going to the drive-thru at Wendy's just to not hear the rattle anymore.

Bruce J · 12-19-04, 09:13 AM

Okay, here's a pic of my repair with the hose clamp and the red high-temp liquid gasket material that I put between the vibrating heat shields. The part that was rattling was just below the hose clamp where you can see the most gasket material. That's where the shields overlapped.

tabraha · 12-20-04, 05:53 AM

Thanks for the pics. I bought 4 and 7" hose clamps on Saturday to get this taken care of.

Stone · 12-21-04, 08:50 PM

I don't know if this would help, but there is a recall for your vehicle for an exhaust rattle noise:

http://www.alldata.com/TSB/60/996034AD.html

#28 on the list.

madams557 · 12-22-04, 08:37 AM

Stone - Not questioning what you posted, but how does one go about proving to Toyota there is a recall? Is this site one recognized by the dealership?

Jukelemon · 12-22-04, 09:05 AM

That is a TSB not a recall (unfortunately). Essentially means that a level of complaints have reached a point that would justify a TSB but NOT a recall.

The TSB will get you no where with a dealer.

greglomax · 12-22-04, 09:38 AM

This is a service bulletin, not necessarily a recall. It tells how the service technician should go about fixing the problem, I believe. I am going to call the Toyota Dealership to see if they are doing anything about it. If you call to see if this is covered on your vehicle, you will need your VIN #.

NMuzj100 · 12-22-04, 01:10 PM

The TSB originates from Toyota and your Toyota dealer will be able to find it. Will they pay for it to be fixed is another ?

Stone · 12-22-04, 06:03 PM

Ah, I see. I didn't know the difference, but I thought it might generate some interest anyway. Cheers.

rule303 · 06-19-05, 05:16 AM

I too have the exhaust rattle on my 99. Looks like I'm heading to Lowes today!

EOS · 06-19-05, 06:52 PM

I just did the 4.5 inch hose clamp trick today on my 99 LX470, took 5 minutes to install. AHC on high, crawled under and put on 2 of them.

Worked like a charm and its completely noise free.

jonah tapert · 04-01-08, 11:11 PM

thanks for posting on faq

1loudLX · 08-02-08, 12:20 AM

whats worse is i took two small clamps and put them together to stop the rattling of the driver side shield, worked great....three weeks later now my pass side is rattling! Im going to go get 6 big clamps and clamp the crap out of my shields

samsher213 · 08-02-08, 01:00 PM

i have a rattle that sounds like what you are describing yet after checking the heat shields i cannot figure out where it is coming from. i posted a thread a little while back with minimal results, can anybody help me?

1loudLX · 08-02-08, 03:02 PM

Sam, how did you check for the noise?

when i originally checked my heat shields by hitting various places and listening for vibrations i couldnt pinpoint it. So I waited till I had a second in the morning when the truck was cold and started the motor. At the slightly elevated idle speed during cold-start the shields rattled, and i just got under and squeezed them quiet, which I then just clamped it.

nov74fj40 · 08-02-08, 07:39 PM

I got on my knees took a broomstick and placed it on the heat shield with one hand and hit the accellerator with the other...I could tell from the rattle and simultaneous vibration of the stick that it was the heat shield. I went with the advice on this thread and the clamps worked great...

11-28-04, 11:59 AM	#1
Bruce J IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 15	Vibration noise in '99 In my '99 Cruiser I've had a high frequency, harmonic vibration noise coming from the engine area. It sounds like two thin metal plates vibrating against each other. It's worse when I first start it up and accelerate lightly. It doesn't occur under no load (unless on first start up in the morning) or under a steady load. It is not related to engine speed. And, since it typically only occurs while underway, I can't get a look at it while it's happening. A friend had told me that it was the heat shield plates over the catalytic converter, but it's definitely not coming from that area (the sound is much more forward, in the engine, even front of engine area). Any other ideas?

11-30-04, 06:48 AM	#3
sleeoffroad IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 3,725	It is the shields on the catalytic converter. They break close to the mounting bolts and then rattle like that. Big hose clamp around them will do the trick. I know you say it is not from there, but have you actuall inspected them? __________________ Christo Slee www.sleeoffroad.com

12-01-04, 02:36 AM	#4
80and100cruisers IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 294	I also have that problem on my 99. It only happens when I start it after a few hours of not being used....and after 30 seconds to 60 seconds it stops. I will check out what you suggest, but why does it not happen on warm starts? -Matt __________________ 1999 UZJ100, 3O5s, Stock Rear Locker, Warn Fog Lights, Yakima Roof Rack

12-03-04, 08:25 PM	#6
DMX84 IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Sandia Park, New Mexico Posts: 867	That sounds like a good idea to me. Let us know how it works out! I have the same problem, It really sucks when you are pulling away form a restaurant and it starts that crap! DMX __________________ I may be vile and pernicious But you can't look away I make you think I'm delicious With the stuff that I say I am the best you can get Have you guessed me yet? I am the slime oozin' out From your TV set" *I'm The Slime* by Frank Zappa, 1973 98 Land Cruiser 01 Beta trials bike 71 GMC Shortwide truck

12-04-04, 11:48 PM	#7
greglomax IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 52	Where do I find a big hose clamp that will fit over the converter? Any suggestions? I am so sick of this rattle. It makes a great vehicle sound like it's falling apart. __________________ There are two types of people: Those that own a Landcruiser, and those that wish they did. 1998 Black Mall Hauler.

11-28-04, 12:02 PM	#2
Bruce J IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 15	Sorry, duplication Sorry, I accidentally posted this again. Thought it didn't "stick" the first time because I couldn't find it.

12-03-04, 06:21 PM	#5
Bruce J IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 15	Although it definitely sounded like the noise was coming from the front of the engine, I now think it is the catalytic heat shields. I tried someone's suggestion and just started tapping on things with a plastic mallet. When I tapped on the exhaust behind the cat, it rattled the shields and made a noise very much like I was hearing. I'll try the big hose clamp suggestion, but also wondered whether it would be good to insert some type of heat-resistant gasket material between the plates where they are vibrating together(?)

12-05-04, 07:18 PM	#8
Bruce J IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 15	Hose clamps Greg, I found some large hose clamps at Loews. The one that goes up to about 4 1/2" or 5" was just right. I also put some high temperature liquid gasket material in between the heat shields where they overlap (and rattle!). I put the hose clamp on after putting in the gasket stuff. I'm letting it all set up tonight, and hopefully I'll have a quiet (or at least quieter) ride tomorrow morning. It all does seem a little crazy to have to make such a "cheap" (in all respects) fix on such a well built and expensive truck. Bruce

12-06-04, 01:56 PM	#9
greglomax IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 52	Does the clamp go all the way around the converter or just around the pipe going into the converter. If around the converter, I was expecting to have to buy something that would fit almost around a basketball. Am I just confused? __________________ There are two types of people: Those that own a Landcruiser, and those that wish they did. 1998 Black Mall Hauler.

12-06-04, 06:37 PM	#10
Bruce J IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 15	And the results are... Not a peep, rattle, ring, or noise at all this morning. Smooth as a sewing machine! Can't believe I've finally silenced the beast. I used the hose clamp and the liquid gasket material like caulking between the overlapping plates. Since I did both, I'm not sure if either method by itself would have worked. My guess is that the gasket material alone probably would have worked. Greg, the catalytic converters are not as big around as they first seem. The first hose clamps I got were way too big. The 4" model was just right. On my car, the noise was coming from the plates/shields that overlapped at the bottom of the cat , i.e. closest to the ground, and at the front of the cat, i.e. closest to the engine. The hose clamp went around this area which tapers up from the exhaust pipe. So, it's not quite as big around as the main body of the cat. The cat itself seems to be in two parts, with the second part being slightly larger diameter. If you have a rattle in there, it would probably take a 6" or so hose clamp. I was pretty lucky, so far, that I could find the exact source of the rattle by tapping the mallet on the exhaust pipe. I imagine in others the noise might be harder to locate, or to reach. But I'll take this victory for now and hope it stays quiet! Bruce

12-07-04, 02:40 PM	#11
sleeoffroad IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 3,725	Told you so __________________ Christo Slee www.sleeoffroad.com

12-07-04, 03:26 PM	#12
tabraha IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: South Carolina TLCA# 15700 Posts: 1,504	I think this is prime FAQ material. There are a fair amount of folks with the mystery rattle, myself included, that could appreciate a cheap effective fix. Thanks Tad __________________ Tad A. 99 LX470 - Slee Sliders & 34" Swampers \| 04 Taco DubCab 4x4 TRD \| 82 Porsche 911 Upstate Cruisers T-Shirts and Gear Here

12-07-04, 04:04 PM	#13
NMuzj100 IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Gleneagle, CO Posts: 1,884	Pictures would definately make this FAQ worthy.

12-07-04, 09:18 PM	#14
Bruce J IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 15	Picture I'll try to take a pic and post it in the next few days.

12-12-04, 08:18 PM	#15
greglomax IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 52	2 - 7" hose clamps from Lowes ---- $4.00 15 minutes of my time putting them on ---- N/C Not having my LC sound like it is falling apart when I begin to drive ---- Priceless What an easy fix. I have never looked so forward to going to the drive-thru at Wendy's just to not hear the rattle anymore. __________________ There are two types of people: Those that own a Landcruiser, and those that wish they did. 1998 Black Mall Hauler. Last edited by greglomax; 12-13-04 at 09:10 PM.

12-22-04, 08:37 AM	#19
madams557 IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fort Collins, CO TLCA# 12065 Posts: 1,013	Stone - Not questioning what you posted, but how does one go about proving to Toyota there is a recall? Is this site one recognized by the dealership? __________________ Michael Adams Fort Collins, CO TLCA# 12065 Horsetooth 4X4 99 UZJ100, (285 BFG AT K/Os), 95 FZJ80 38th Anniversary Edt. (Bull Bar, OME, Slee Tire Carrier), 78 FJ45 Longbed (OME, ARB Bull Bar)

04-01-08, 11:11 PM	#26
jonah tapert IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 165	thanks for posting on faq __________________ 2002 100 .ome med lift ,slee diff drop, paint to match arb front ,side and rear w tire 2 batt. arb air ,toyo 285 at. k&n intake,warn m 8000 & black windows.

12-19-04, 09:13 AM	#16
Bruce J IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 15	Picture Okay, here's a pic of my repair with the hose clamp and the red high-temp liquid gasket material that I put between the vibrating heat shields. The part that was rattling was just below the hose clamp where you can see the most gasket material. That's where the shields overlapped.

12-20-04, 05:53 AM	#17
tabraha IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: South Carolina TLCA# 15700 Posts: 1,504	Thanks for the pics. I bought 4 and 7" hose clamps on Saturday to get this taken care of. __________________ Tad A. 99 LX470 - Slee Sliders & 34" Swampers \| 04 Taco DubCab 4x4 TRD \| 82 Porsche 911 Upstate Cruisers T-Shirts and Gear Here

12-21-04, 08:50 PM	#18
Stone IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: May 2004 Location: BC, Canada TLCA# 13772 Posts: 1,992	I don't know if this would help, but there is a recall for your vehicle for an exhaust rattle noise: http://www.alldata.com/TSB/60/996034AD.html #28 on the list. __________________ Stone's Land Cruiser & Flyfishing Pics Flyfishing British Columbia: www.flyfishbc.com bcfishingreports.com

12-22-04, 09:05 AM	#20
Jukelemon IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Georgetown, KY Posts: 1,964	That is a TSB not a recall (unfortunately). Essentially means that a level of complaints have reached a point that would justify a TSB but NOT a recall. The TSB will get you no where with a dealer. __________________ "May you be in heaven a half an hour before the devil knows you're dead" 1992 4x4 PU

12-22-04, 09:38 AM	#21
greglomax IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 52	This is a service bulletin, not necessarily a recall. It tells how the service technician should go about fixing the problem, I believe. I am going to call the Toyota Dealership to see if they are doing anything about it. If you call to see if this is covered on your vehicle, you will need your VIN #. __________________ There are two types of people: Those that own a Landcruiser, and those that wish they did. 1998 Black Mall Hauler.

12-22-04, 01:10 PM	#22
NMuzj100 IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Gleneagle, CO Posts: 1,884	The TSB originates from Toyota and your Toyota dealer will be able to find it. Will they pay for it to be fixed is another ? __________________ 1998 UZJ100 115K 285/75 Revos, D-light mod, DIY - Starter Contacts 1999 Toyota Camry - So Boring

12-22-04, 06:03 PM	#23
Stone IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: May 2004 Location: BC, Canada TLCA# 13772 Posts: 1,992	Ah, I see. I didn't know the difference, but I thought it might generate some interest anyway. Cheers. __________________ Stone's Land Cruiser & Flyfishing Pics Flyfishing British Columbia: www.flyfishbc.com bcfishingreports.com

06-19-05, 05:16 AM	#24
rule303 IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Cumming, GA Posts: 186	I too have the exhaust rattle on my 99. Looks like I'm heading to Lowes today!

06-19-05, 06:52 PM	#25
EOS IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 71	I just did the 4.5 inch hose clamp trick today on my 99 LX470, took 5 minutes to install. AHC on high, crawled under and put on 2 of them. Worked like a charm and its completely noise free.

08-02-08, 12:20 AM	#27
1loudLX Mall-Cruiser Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: New York TLCA# I NO HAZ K? Posts: 2,977	whats worse is i took two small clamps and put them together to stop the rattling of the driver side shield, worked great....three weeks later now my pass side is rattling! Im going to go get 6 big clamps and clamp the crap out of my shields __________________ 2000 Lexus LX470 - K&N/SLP/HIDs/Clear Corners/LEDs/Nav/Sirius/Black LC 16"s/BFG AT 285s/Unity Spotlight/Black'd Trim 2005 Specialized FSR XC - CF HBar/XC Stem/Alias 143 Seat/Sidewinder Grips Oo==L==oO Need OEM Lexus LX470 Foglights? http://forum.ih8mud.com/sale-parts/2...s-98-02-a.html Need some Michelin LTX M/S 275/70/16's? http://forum.ih8mud.com/sale-tires-w...-shipping.html

08-02-08, 01:00 PM	#28
samsher213 IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: jamestown, RI TLCA# 25959335 Posts: 10	i have a rattle that sounds like what you are describing yet after checking the heat shields i cannot figure out where it is coming from. i posted a thread a little while back with minimal results, can anybody help me?

08-02-08, 03:02 PM	#29
1loudLX Mall-Cruiser Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: New York TLCA# I NO HAZ K? Posts: 2,977	Sam, how did you check for the noise? when i originally checked my heat shields by hitting various places and listening for vibrations i couldnt pinpoint it. So I waited till I had a second in the morning when the truck was cold and started the motor. At the slightly elevated idle speed during cold-start the shields rattled, and i just got under and squeezed them quiet, which I then just clamped it. __________________ 2000 Lexus LX470 - K&N/SLP/HIDs/Clear Corners/LEDs/Nav/Sirius/Black LC 16"s/BFG AT 285s/Unity Spotlight/Black'd Trim 2005 Specialized FSR XC - CF HBar/XC Stem/Alias 143 Seat/Sidewinder Grips Oo==L==oO Need OEM Lexus LX470 Foglights? http://forum.ih8mud.com/sale-parts/2...s-98-02-a.html Need some Michelin LTX M/S 275/70/16's? http://forum.ih8mud.com/sale-tires-w...-shipping.html

08-02-08, 07:39 PM	#30
nov74fj40 IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: North Mississippi Posts: 131	here's what I did to check heat shield rattle I got on my knees took a broomstick and placed it on the heat shield with one hand and hit the accellerator with the other...I could tell from the rattle and simultaneous vibration of the stick that it was the heat shield. I went with the advice on this thread and the clamps worked great...