FJ60 Steam engine? Strange sound.

[_Lou_]

So recently I have noticed a new sound coming from my FJ60. The sound is drive train related. It sounds like a one cylinder steam engine right behind my dash. It is not an exhaust leak as the "pfft, pfft, pfft, pfft.....etc." occurs irrespective of engine rpm, rather it coincides with vehicle (drivetrain) speed. I have rolled my window down, but the sound does not get any louder. It really sounds like it is coming from right behind the left vent. That being said, it does not go away if the fan is turned off. I have considered the speedo cable, but I have not attempted to pull the dash off. By the way the speedo is still working fine. I have looked under the vehicle and everything seems fine (well as fine as a 257,000 mile vehicle could look). Has anyone heard a similar noise and located the problem? Thanks for your help.

 

[soggy60]

If you suspect speedo cable (not saying that's your noise source),,,,

early failure sound is a thlick thlick type noise...
after a while, you may see speed needle throb to the sound..
than the sound dies....and so does speedo cause cable broke.

It will take you longer to get replacement cable than install....

 

[Tinker]

Disconnect the cable at the head & go for a drive. If the noise disappears, it's the cable.

If you have a new one made (good speedo shop can do it), get it 3-4" longer than stock: you'll thank me.