I need your help identifying a rattle.

Hi Folks,

As you can tell by my screen name, I’m a first time Tacoma owner. I’ve had my 2018 SR5 Double Cab Long Box V6 4X4 for about 3 months now. I’ve read a number of posts here on the Forum and gotten good tips and advice. One issue I’ve learned about are the rattles. I’m hoping someone can help me identify mine and maybe offer a solution.

Here’s what I’ve got. I have a noise that I can best describe as a clunk or thud that seems to be coming from over my left shoulder (driver’s side) from either the driver’s seat or possibly the driver’s side rear door panel. The noise is most notable when accelerating or decelerating from a stop, usually at slow speeds. I can also hear it if I lean back in the seat, but it’s not as loud. So, it makes me think it is seat related, unless it’s emanating from more than one location. I did not hear the noise when I first got the truck (maybe I was too excited about the truck to notice) but it seems to get progressively more frequent.

My guess is that it has something to do with the seat frame or it’s connection to the cab floor. Has anyone else experienced this noise? Can anyone pinpoint the cause and offer a solution? Is this something that a dealer will address? Any help you folks could provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

Can you "feel" it? I would imagine if the seat was clunking around you would feel something. I get some clunking behind me from a couple different things. I have a box of shotgun shells under the left passenger seat, and a small husky tool box behind the left passenger seat. I also have a chain packed into the left side bed storage. All of these things clunk around when going over anything other then smooth ground. The first few times it freaked me out, until remembering what I had stored away.

 

I have heard this noise several times now. I thought I was crazy, but glad someone else has heard it too lol. The noise I heard is almost like a plastic piece snapping or breaking. Its loud enough to get my attention and look out the window to make sure I didnt run anything over. I dont have anything in my car that would make that noise. Its been a while since I have heard it but I know what you are talking about... you are not alone

 

Sounds like a warranty issue.

 

Wow! Talk about fast action. Only 6 minutes for the first response. Thanks.

If there is any seat movement it is so slight that its' not noticeable. It's the audible noise that is the most concerning and annoying. I should have specified in my original post, but I have ruled out any items in the truck. I don't carry anything in the cab. I did considered the possibility of something in the under rear seat storage compartment. I do have a rubber tie down strap with metal hooks in there, but I wrapped it in a tarp so I seriously doubt that's the cause. Plus, as mentioned, I can hear the same, albeit softer, noise when I lean back on the seat back.

 

There was someone else who had the seat rubbing on the center console. I think it was the passenger seat. I'd check that.

 

Thanks for the tip toyotatacoma TRD. But I'm pretty sure it's not the seat rubbing on the center console since the noise is coming from over my (driver's side) left shoulder.

 

Seat belt restraint mechanism? Just a guess... maybe lean back and pull a bit of slack in the belt to see if it happens then.

 

Maybe the bottle jack came loose?

 

Thanks OnHartung'sRoad. I did consider that as a possibility but I was leaning more toward the seat as a cause based on where I think I hear the sound originating. if the seat belt restraint is the cause, any idea what the fix is?

Anyone know if this issue (my annoying sound) was addressed in a technical service bulletin? I saw a post indicting that some rattle was addressed by a TSB.

 

Could it be coming from the side pillar? Maybe theres a loose bolt in there

 

My passenger seatbelt hits the plastic door jamb next to it occasionally. Usually it's pretty identifiable but sometimes its made me check my shoulder to see if something was cracking.

Edit: sorry I meant passenger on the drivers side. Rear drivers side seatbelt. Lol