Brand new 2024 4Runner SR5 4WD (Premium) very very mild 'hom hom' noise at stop/idle or low speeds

Brand new. Less than 1000 mi. I don't believe I'm imagining it or even if it's an issue but I'm hearing a very very mild 'hom hom hom' noise at stop or low speeds. The frequency of the hom hom corresponds to the speed. At stop/idle speeds the frequency is lower and at low speeds (or slowing down) a higher frequency of 'noise'. At high speeds I can't tell.

Any thoughts?

 

Normal sound of the 4.0 V6 in the 4Runner. I've heard another 4Runner owner on here described the normal 4Runner engine sound as "loping". Mine sounds the same. By the way, I had a 2010 Tacoma with the 4.0 V6 for several years also - sounded pretty much the same.

 

Ahhh, 'loping'. That's a great description. Do you know what the technical cause is? BTW, I just trade it in with 2022 Tacoma SR5 4WD. I don't recall this sound....Thoughts?

I believe you're referring to this thread. That is exactly the noise I hear. All good then.

 

The 2022 Tacoma has a different engine.

 

Sounds like tires.

 

The 1GR-FE 4.0 V6 is not the most refined sounding engine. But it is as reliable as they come. If you want smooth, quiet, refined power with decent gas mileage - the 5th Gen 4Runner ain’t it. If you want it to start every time you push the button, haul your ass wherever you want to go, and not stop until you push the button again - practically forever - the 1GR-FE is your huckleberry.

 

I picked huckleberries on Saturday. I took the '24 TRDORP, and it made it just fine. It was really dusty after, but made it just fine. I hope that helps indeedy.

 

I had to have my front differential replaced on my brand new 2024 TRD ORP when I picked it up. It had a noise similar to what you are describing at low speeds when I test drove it. The salesperson heard it on the test drive as well. May be worth having the dealership look at it for peace of mind.

 

The sweet rhythmic, old-school loping (keep saying that to yourself, you’ll like it better) is cause by the same reasons Harley Davidsons have a rhythmic lope. It’s primarily due to crankshaft angles, which clock the relative positions of the pistons in the bores, ignition timing, and all the secondary harmonics that come out of that. Cylinder configuration, number, and displacement, etc also plays role (straight, vs flat vs Vee…maybe even V angles). But when you have lope differences between two V-6 engines, chances are it primarly comes from the crank angles.

That’s why different engines can have their own unique character. A ferrari V8 with flat crankshaft geometry sounds extremely different than an American V8 with the typical staggered crank geometry. Usually there are different reasons to favor different geometries (like balance/quietness, power delivery, etc). It’s all about what the designers want for the application.

If I recall correctly, I think Harley even went so far as to patent their crankshaft angles and ignition timing for the sole reason of protecting the recognizable harley “lope” sound, which is one reason metric cruisers don’t have that sound.

 

Resolved. Not tires (same sound when stopped). See above. Sound is identified and normal.

 

Very interesting. Many thanks.