Rattling from underneath.

Noticed this evening that my 2006 DCSB Off Road has developed a rattling sound from underneath when moving on my kinda lumpy gravel road. it sounds like a sheet metal clatter, as opposed to something like a wheel bearing, or a CV joint. Anyone ever had to deal with this kind of noise before? Not sure if it could be a dust shield on the left front wheel, or a heat shield for the exhaust system, or what exactly. I did notice that it does kind of make the noise when the wheels are turning even slowly on a smooth surface as well, so I'm wondering if it might be something in the left front wheel. There is no indication of anything loose in the steering, the brakes still pull evenly, and the truck seems to ride fine. I'm gonna crawl around under it in the morning when I can see what's going on, but just wondering in anyone has any helpful ideas as for what to look for? Oh, if it helps, just put new pads and rotors on less then 2 months ago...

 

Check bolts on skid plate and splash guard (the little small black looking skid plate under the engine).


ohhhh, just realized the brake change. If its not the skid plate or guard, remove the wheel, remove the brake pads. Get a light sanding block, clean off and debri or likely some brake grease that got on the surface of the pad. Clean everything real well, even remove the caliper and clean the brake grease off the caliper and re-apply fresh. I had similar thing like 6 months ago.

 

Oh and make SURE you did not bend the guard on the inside of the wheel! Spin the hub when you have the wheels off, see if you hear noise. If so, bend it back a little and spin again.

 

Thanks, I'll give it a shot...

 

Heat shield

 

This happened to me a while back. One of the 10mm bolts on my skid plate got lost somehow somewhere off-roading in Oregon. Easy fix if that's the issue. The thing was rattling around on uneven surfaces and even when I'd drive up onto the curb of a driveway...

 

All good suggestions. To add a specific detail to the previously mentioned brake pads: make sure the W looking clip that goes on the brake pads and caliper pins is still intact and didn't spring away. It's a potential cause.

When I got my truck, these springs were gone and my brake pads clanked and rattled over bumps and uneven surfaces and it drove me nuts trying to find the source. Figured it out finally, bought some $4 ones off Amazon and they just don't have the right design to stay put long, so after a few sets of those I got some from the dealership and have been rattle free for a good bit now.

These (don't get these, but it's the easiest link I could find to show the part I'm referencing):

$10 Raybestos R-Line Automotive Replacement Front Disc Brake Hardware Kit for Select Lexus, Toyota (H15506A)

https://www.amazon.com/Raybestos-H1...1491110477&sr=8-1&keywords=tacoma+brake+clips

 

2X - this did it 4 me.

 

O.K. An Update. just went to town for some errands, and when I came back, I very specifically listened for the rattle while coming in my road, and...nothing! After talking with my gearhead friend who helped me put the brakes on, we came to the conclusion that I had a small rock, or even a small piece of a broken branch stuck inside the rim, tumbling around as the wheel was turning and hitting the dust cover, but it eventually dislodged itself and fell out along the road somewhere. No sound, no rattle, no clunking, brakes dead straight, steers normally, and all, so I suspect this was that rarest of automotive problems, one that actually fixed itself! I'll keep listening, of course...