'03 4Runner - Strange Noise (Audio included)

Longtime lurker, couldn't find an answer on the forum yet, so I'll try posting.
2003 Limited V8 w/ JBL

Audio clip (9 seconds)

Seems to be coming from behind the dash, driver's side. I hear it about every 6-8 minutes while driving. My mechanic wasn't able to replicate the noise, so I was out of luck.
No noticeable effect on performance. OBD2 scan clean.
Same noise for about 5 months. No change.

Any suggestions?

Thanks, guys

 

It could be the little electric motor that runs the ABS/master cylinder pump that builds up pressure required to operate the ABS and assists the power brakes.

Try pressing the brake pedal several times with the ignition switch on to deplete the pressure in the system and see if you hear the same sound as the electric motor kicks on the build the pressure back up, if you do the brushes in the motor are most likely worn out, the motor/pump/accumulator part can be replaced but it's not cheap, around $750 just for a new motor/pump/accumulator portion, you can however find just a rebuilt motor on the internet for around $500+/-, or used motor on eBay for much less but that a shot in the dark because you don't really know what condition it is in, then you have to pay to get it installed.

When the system is working properly you should hear a slight buzzing sound for about 5 to 10 seconds when you turn on the ignition on and also about every 3 to 4 depressions of the brake pedal.

 

Thanks. I'll try that.

 

Tried the brake pedal test, no luck. Dang.

 

That's actually a good thing, it's very expensive to fix any part of the master cylinder/ABS assembly, I just replaced my entire assembly, the part alone cost me $1500 and that's cheap, it lists for about $1800 plus shipping, taxes, etc., then cost about the same on labor too have a shop install it, so anywhere from $3000 to $3600 total, I saved on the labor by installing it myself.

My next guess since you have a Limited with the dual zone AC system is the driver's side actuator that controls the driver's side temperature is starting to go bad.

 

Do you have a dashcam?

 

Ya, I guess that's true.

Would this mean that if A/C is off, there would be no noise? Because it still makes the noise with all temp controls off.

Nope.

 

Is the noise in your audio clip the quick squeaking sounding noise?

I had to replace my Limited dual zone climate driver side actuator due to a weird noise behind the drivers side dash but it didn't sound like what your audio clip is. I honestly thought it was like coolant going through a pipe it sounded like a gurgling noise. It made that noise for a long time and i didn't know what it was until one day my dual zone climate actually failed, so i replaced the actuator and the noise went away.

If you do replace the actuator, luckily the drivers side one is really easy to replace. If i recall, you can see it without even removing anything, but to replace it you'll need to remove the panel down by your gas pedal.

 

Yes. The noise occurs after a 3-second very light whirring sound (this is a normal sound), and then I get that quick, squeaky noise. It happens 1x about every 6-8 minutes. Sometimes it's loud, sometimes it's very quiet.

I'll look deeper into the actuator idea. So far I've listened to about 10 clips of others with that issue online. Their sound is very diff from mine, but I keep looking into it. I'd be relieved if that was the issue.

Thanks for your input.