Fluttering noise from front end, only when coasting

Tiny
DANHITCHCOCK
  • MEMBER
  • 2010 TOYOTA SIENNA
  • 3.5L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 86,000 MILES
Our van has recently developed a "fluttering" noise (a little softer than a clatter) that sounds like it is coming from the front driver's side wheel area. Noise appears only while coasting. Most easily heard between about 25 and 45 MPH. If I apply the accelerator, the noise goes away almost instantly. The noise is still audible, though not as loud, in neutral while coasting. The flutter is far faster than the rotation of the wheels (e.G, not a rock in the tire, etc.). The speed of the flutter does vary somewhat with the speed of the vehicle (slower speed = slower "flutter"). The "flutter" is very regular - like a muted version of what you would hear when you put a baseball card in your bike spokes as a kid. Occurs regardless of uphill or downhill; cornering and braking do not change the noise at all. Does not happen at all in park. Pulled front driver's wheel; nothing unusual noted in calipers/drive line/etc. Recent work: full brake job (all four rotors replaced, plus new pads), new front tires, front end alignment. First noticed noise about two weeks after this work.
Sunday, August 12th, 2018 AT 7:24 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,787 POSTS
It would be best if you could take a video with you phone and upload it here in your response so I can hear whats going on. It sounds like it might be a front strut that has let go internally. Also did you check the sway bar links for play I have seen these make the noise as well?

This guide may help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/popping-noise

Please run down this guide and report back.

Cheers, Ken
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Tuesday, August 14th, 2018 AT 11:38 AM
Tiny
DANHITCHCOCK
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanks Ken! As it turns out, we ended up just taking it into the local dealership, which has a strong tech bench. Diagnosis: trans-axle failure. :( Seems to fit the symptoms, just not the news my bank account wanted to hear! Thanks again for your reply.
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Tuesday, August 14th, 2018 AT 4:29 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,787 POSTS
Good job figuring it out. Can I ask how much they want to fix it?
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Thursday, August 16th, 2018 AT 10:37 AM
Tiny
DANHITCHCOCK
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Around $8,200.00 CAD. Might be able to get that down a little, but we do not have a lot of choice, we are stranded in a relatively small town in Canada. Thanks for your inputs! Let's close this issue out. Cheers!
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Thursday, August 16th, 2018 AT 7:07 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,787 POSTS
Use 2CarPros anytime, we are here to help. Please tell a friend.

Cheers, Ken
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Friday, August 17th, 2018 AT 10:32 AM

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