My 2010 4runner 4wd sr5 makes a clunk noise and feels like I got tapped in the rear by a car when I come to a complete stop and then let off the brake to go again. There is a common issue with slip yoke binding. Some guys grease the slip yoke with zerk fittings and it goes away for awhile. Some take the driveshaft apart and grease the splines with teflon grease. Another option is to replace the whole assembly. Will this cause any damage if I don't fix it? How would you go about fixing it?
Check your rear end mounts. If torn it could clunk on rapid acceleration or deceleration. Try putting it in drive with one foot on the brake and the other on the gas pedal rev it up several times and listen for that clunk.
I would probably fix it as soon as you can
Yes, it puts stress on the entire driveline. The slipyoke NEEDS to move freely otherwise it will start damaging seals and bearings, or even cracking transfer case housings. Do something with it.
You probably also want to check you u-joints for slop, wear and lubrication and replace if necessary.
