Clunking Noise from Below on Cold Mornings

My trusty 2006 Tacoma Double Cab has been treating me great for many years now. But lately on very cold mornings, when I put her in reverse and back down the driveway, I hear a clunking noise coming from the undercarriage and feel a kind of shudder. I half expect to see pieces of metal lying in the driveway. If I step on the brake somewhat suddenly, same thing. Later in the day, once she's warmed up, I don't experience this. What could this be? Transmission? Something coming loose under there? And why only when it's cold?

I should say that I'm in Northern California, and by "cold," I'm talking like low to mid 30s -- no icicles hanging from the undercarriage.

 

I had something similar way back. Turned out to be lose lower A arm bolts. Had my son slowly drive it reverse and slam on the brakes as I walked alongside the truck. Was able to clearly see the arm shift and hear the clunk. Tightened them up and boom all fixed! Hope it helps. GL

 

A sincere thank you for your reply. I'm more hopeful now that it's not some big-ticket repair item. I'm slated to take my truck in next week, and I was praying it wasn't going to wind up needing a new transmission or something. I'll bring your post in to my mechanic and hope it's something along these lines. Much obliged.