There is this really wierd noise coming from the rear half of my 99 Prerunner. Once I get going about 10-15mph this noise starts coming from the rear that sounds like metal clapping metal. Its a rat tat tat type of noise but sort of high pitched. But as soon as I let off of the gas pedal it stops, instantly. But sometimes when I let off of the gas it squeals for a second or two and stops and then starts squealing again. The squeal almost sounds like a bad bearing but I have no idea on the other noise. Any ideas or have any of you encountered this problem before? Thanks guys <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

I recently had to replace the CVD joint on my rear drive shaft. My noise (before repair) sounds dead on to what you have described.

Block the rear end, start the engine accelerate (in gear of course). If it's the drive shaft joint, you'll be able to tell.

CVD joint? Is that the joint where the drive shaft starts to angle down towards the rear axle? I greased all the CV's today but that didnt do anything, so I'm going through a process of elmination right now trying to figure out what it is. I'll jack it up tomorrow and spin the tires and see what I can find. Thanks a lot <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

did you check your rear u joint thats what happened to me. Give it gas at low speeds squeals let off it goes away faster you go it goes away in a couple of weeks it will be happening all the time. the center velocity joint rarely fails. i work at a toyota dealer and a very rare circumstance most likely u joint. pull your drive shaft off and see if anything is stiff

In reference to the rear drive shaft, I have the same kind of intermittant squeaking--cyclic squeak/moan--that seems like it comes from leaf springs, but I can't identify it. Doesn't have the rat-tat-tat kind of sound. Is the procedure there to replace the component or is that (as well as the other described problems in this thread) something that can be fixed with lubricant?

I checked all the u joints yesterday and greased all 4 and they seemed to be fine, they didnt look beat or like there was anything wrong with them. What do you mean by pull your drive shaft off and see if anything is stiff? In the middle of the truck the drive shaft splits and goes through what looks like some type of bearing? What exactly is that middle connecting point? Thanks for your input guys <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

i mean diconnect the rear drive shaft from the rear differential and move the u joint around by hand. if it is at all stiff replace it . if not check the front u joint and again disconnect from transfer case. also when removing driveshaft make you mark where it was so everything lines back up again. if not you will a driveline problem. it could be the center but try it out.