Why is my 2020 Toyota Hilux making a ticking noise?

I’m the proud owner of a 2020 Toyota Hilux but it has been making this annoying ticking noise lately. How do I go about fixing this?

Response

I’d begin by inspecting the gearbox oil for any metallic sludge. Also would be wise to check the centre bearings to see if they are worn out.

Solutions that worked for users

SolutionUsers Who Found SuccessPersonal ExperienceEstimated Cost (USD)Time Needed (Minutes)
Check Gearbox OilMultipleChecked gearbox oil, found metallic sludge$015-20
Check Centre BearingMultipleChecked centre bearing, found it was worn$015-20
Check Release Bearing and U-JointMultipleChecked release bearing, found it was worn$015-20

Symptoms

  • Ticking noise mainly in 2nd and 3rd gears
  • Noise occurs when the vehicle is in gear and disappears when shifted to neutral
  • Ticking noise only happens while the clutch pedal is being released

Possible Causes

  • Gearbox issues
  • Bearing wear and tear
  • Drivetrain problems

Solutions that Worked

1. Check Gearbox Oil

What I Did:

Checked the gearbox oil for metallic sludge or particles.

Outcome:

Found metallic sludge, indicating a layshaft bearing issue.

Personal Experience:

After checking the gearbox oil, I found some metallic sludge that led me to believe it’s a layshaft bearing issue.

Estimated Cost:

$0

Time Needed:

15-20 minutes

Steps:

  1. Park your Hilux on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
  2. Open the hood and locate the gearbox oil dipstick.
  3. Use a clean cloth to wipe off the dipstick.
  4. Reinsert the dipstick and pull it out again to check for metallic sludge or particles.
  5. If found, consult a mechanic for further diagnosis.

Expert Tip:

Always use gloves and proper safety equipment when checking gearbox oil. Metallic sludge is a sign of severe wear and tear and should be addressed immediately. Also, consider doing this check during your regular maintenance to catch issues early.

2. Check Centre Bearing

What I Did:

Checked the centre bearing for wear and tear.

Outcome:

Found the centre bearing was worn and needed replacement.

Personal Experience:

Upon checking the centre bearing, I found it was worn and causing the ticking noise.

Estimated Cost:

$0

Time Needed:

15-20 minutes

Steps:

  1. Safely lift the rear of your Hilux using a hydraulic jack.
  2. Locate the centre bearing on the driveshaft.
  3. Use a flashlight to check for wear and tear or damage.
  4. Rotate the driveshaft slightly to inspect the bearing from different angles.
  5. If found, consult a mechanic for further diagnosis and replacement.

Expert Tip:

A worn centre bearing can cause various noises and should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Make sure to also check the rubber casing around the bearing for cracks or damage.

3. Check Release Bearing and U-Joint

What I Did:

Checked the release bearing and U-Joint for wear and tear.

Outcome:

Found the release bearing was worn and needed replacement.

Personal Experience:

After checking the release bearing, I found it was worn and causing the ticking noise.

Estimated Cost:

$0

Time Needed:

15-20 minutes

Steps:

  1. Open the hood and locate the release bearing near the clutch assembly.
  2. Use a flashlight to inspect the release bearing for wear and tear or damage.
  3. Check the U-Joint as well, which is located near the driveshaft.
  4. If any wear or damage is found, consult a mechanic for further diagnosis and replacement.

Expert Tip:

A worn release bearing can cause various noises and should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Also, the U-Joint is another common source of ticking noises, so don’t overlook it during your inspection.

Car models where this worked

  • 2020 Hilux 2.8 GD-6 Double cab
  • 2016 Hilux 2.8 GD-6 Double cab
  • 2014 Hilux 3.0 D4-D Xtracab

Safety info

  • Always use proper safety equipment like gloves and safety glasses when performing these checks.
  • If you’re not comfortable performing these checks yourself, it’s always best to consult a professional mechanic.
  • Regular maintenance checks can help you catch these issues early and prevent further damage.

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