4WD engagement

My V6 four-wheel drive engagement has always been smooth both in and out until this week. Suddenly it now makes a slight bang and noise when engaging. Replaced fluid but the noise persists. Anyone have/had a similar issue?

 

When was the last time you engaged 4wd? I think its pretty common to hear some noises / have trouble going in and out of 4wd if you don't 'exercise' the actuators often.

I'm nervous to engage mine since i don't know the last time its been engaged. It probably either won't go into 4wd, or if it does, may get stuck in 4wd so i just haven't done it, lol. Mine is full time 4wd so i'm just referring to locking the center differential.

 

How's your front propeller shaft lubrication?

 

Good idea on checking front driveshaft! I have always exercised the four-wheel drive regularly.

 

What 4Runner do you have, or better yet, what t-case do you have? I think you have a "joint" making noise due to lube or wear, but it's hard to know. How many miles on the vehicle.

 

V6 part time transfer case. 145,000 miles. Well maintained

 

All mine have made a slight noise when 4WD engages from brand new.

2 Tundras
1 Tacoma
1 4Runner

I may get lucky once in a while and its silent but majority of the time it makes noise.

 

Ya this is abnormal from how it's been. I hear and feel a slight bang

 

2 Tacomas and two 4Runners for me. Only the 2020 taco made a “clunk” when engaging 4hi. The rest have been silent.

 

FWIW, I've had my truck for 10 years and it varies. Sometimes smooth and quiet, others clunk and thunk. Works fine so I don't worry about it.