Creaking noise

Finally souced and picked up a 2020 Army Green TRD PRO a few weeks ago and am in absolute heaven. Bone stock, two owners, non rust belt traveled and 50k miles. Definitely garaged for most of its short life. I've had two Sierra's and didnt really get this noise with those trucks.


Not REALLY an issue... but when driving in a parking garage or backing out of the garage down the driveway there are fairly audible clicks and creaking noises coming from underneath the truck. Generally makes noise whenever theres some body flex or suspesnse is working. I'm assuming it's just the tight suspension but it's always on my mind that maybe it's something else? This normal?

 

I have the same model and year, and it does the same thing. I was told it is the TRD skid plate. I read the solution is to add bushings or washers to the bolts on the skid plate, but I have not done this fix.

 

I have a 21 TRD Pro and I have the same exact issue. From searching online I believe it's the skid plate rubbing in most cases. There are Youtube videos that record it pretty well. The last time I took mine in for routine service I mentioned it and they said they tightened a couple bolts on the skid plate and it seemed to help for a month or so, but then started up again. I have another service coming up soon so I'm going to ask about it again and hopefully they can figure out something to fix it long term. I'm not overly concerned about it, but it is annoying.

 

The skid plate it is.

 

It is very likely the skid plate. They are very sensitive to the torque applied to the hardware.
Get under there and torque the hardware to spec and it will likely go away.
I would bet that the PO had removed the skid at some point.

 

Very interesting - had not thought about that piece. I haven't looked yet (its probably very easy to find), but since this thread is getting good traffic right now - what's the torque for the skid plate bolts? Does the owners manual contain torque ratings (doubtful but some do)?

 

You may need to add a rubber washer or grommet of sorts between the skid and crossmember it's riding on to eliminate the noise. I've not experienced it in my, but from a bunch of other posts here.... that's more than likely your source of noise!!!

Here's a bulletin that was sent out to Toyota's techs which has the various torque settings of the bolts involved....

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10181744-9999.pdf


PS>>> Congrats on the new rig!!!

 

Beautiful. Exactly what I would look for, thank you for the quick response and the perfect file.

 

I had the skid plate noise with my '21 Pro. I recall initially reading a few threads and I recall a number of options for eliminating the noise weather rubber washers, grommets, etc. I believe for my issue, the tech pulled the skid plate off and put some sort of weather stripping type material in the contact points and I haven't had an issue since. Here's an old thread I had bookmarked that might provide some information -

https://www.tundras.com/threads/tundra-trd-pro-skid-plate-noise.53618/

 

Skid plate. If you use proper torque specs it will most likely go away. If not then soft bushings will for sure do it.

 

I have a bunch of random pieces from other car projects I have, I'll make something work. Looking forward to fixing this though as it turns heads when I'm driving - not in the good head turn kind of way either. They should be turning their heads, yelling GREEN! and closing their eyes to enjoy that pleasurable 5.7 growl.

 

As mentioned, it's the skid plate. I had mine "fixed" by Toyota only for the sound to return then I added rubber washers and the sound eventually came back. I pulled the plate off and made rubber gaskets for every area that has metal on metal contact. All noises gone. If you pull the skid plate, you'll easily see the witness marks.

 

When you added rubber gaskets - did you torque back to factory? I notice most times I add a gasket to things i tend to freaking annihilate it when i go to torque. I'll probably make a few extras in anticipation.

 

I did, but my recollection is the torque spec was pretty low. Just looked - I used 1/8" thick 65A rubber. It's durable stuff.

 

I bought this:

$16 DOBTIM Neoprene Rubber Strips 1/4 (.250)" Thick X 2" Wide X 30" Long, Solid Rubber Rolls Use for Gaskets DIY Material, Supports, Leveling, Sealing, Bumpers, Protection, Abrasion, Flooring, Black

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08PC66MPX?th=1

Cut out the pieces and put in between all places where the skid plate touches the cross member and other metal parts of the frame. Did this about 2 years ago and no noises since.

 

i was in the middle of buying coffee filters from Amazon when i saw your message. added to the cart.