Rattle from rear end when accelerating? (1 Viewer)

[Ol-Blue]

New noise today - when accelerating I noticed a light rattle sound when accelerating. Doesn't seem to matter what gear or speed. Definitely noticed in when turning at one point accelerating in 2nd gear. Almost sound like a box of rocks rattling around. Sounds like its coming from the rear driveshaft area but hard to pinpoint while driving.

Any ideas?

 

[Steamer]

Sometime rattles can be very tough to track down especially if they’re “light” as you say.

Three ways to diagnose it, that quickly come to my mind are,

1, Lots of repetitive driving situations. Accelerating while turning right, left then straight. Then decelerating while doing the same. Hard turns and bumps coasting in neutral. Just try to track down when it is most prevalent.

2, Strap a GoPro under there & go for a spin. Mount it in multiple locations to try and track down where the volume is highest.

3, Put it on jack stands. Get under there and grab, shake and slap everything you can get your hands on. Start it and put it in gear to see if the noise is there while running. Of course, be careful with this one.

4, Search for a hidden box of rocks.

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

Lube rear drive shaft? You can remove rear drive shaft, place in 4wd, lock hubs and drive in FWD to see if noise goes away.

 

[Rainman]

Grab the driveshaft as close as you can to the joint. See if you can get any movement in any direction. Try both ends. It sounds like a bad joint or pinion bearing. As mentioned, since it's a light sound, finding it by hand may be tough but it's an easy test. The camera idea is good but alas, I don't have that option. Good luck!

 

[JeffD]

Loose exhaust or heat shield?

 

[Marn0]

universal joint. Does it make a different sound in reverse? When you accelerate hard the springs wrap with the torque of the diff which makes the uni work in a different spot than it normally does.

 

[Splangy]

Loose lug nut rattling around behind the hubcap?

 

[rkymtnflyfisher]

Coworkers putting zip ties on the inside of your wheels?

 

[Ol-Blue]

All good stuff. Today it’s not making the noise. Yesterday I had been on the highway with high acceleration so I’m confused. It’s not happening all the time. I shook the rear driveshaft today and I’m not getting any play, I felt like it could be a u joint wearing out like you said! Not sure what to do to pinpoint the issue

 

[4x4veteran]

Land Cruisers will not run with out a rattle some where.
Always something. I had one that bugged me for a while and finally traced it to the jack under the drivers seat clinking against the star wrench.
Check the lube in third member and jack up the rear and turn the wheels listening to the rear axle bearings and loose brakes while you are at it.