Bought one last night, a 2011 MT in quicksand. I think, anyway. Very close to my old color (sandstorm), but I think a little darker. The dealer had a color label which I don't think matches Toyota's naming convention.
Anyway, the truck is in great shape from what I find so far. It drives beautifully--except it has the high pitched whining noise. I didn't notice it until late last night and then again today, since I had the AC running during the test drive and most of my 3 hour ride home (stupid).
I'm going to take it to Toyota tomorrow morning and beg someone to tell me if it's normal or what, but my 08 didn't whine. I've read some threads about the high pitch whine, and I guess it's alternator or pulleys.
Does anyone have an opinion on the rock rails? I've read about some that are not rugged and not attached to the frame, but I'm not sure if I have that model or not. The steps are a little funky for sliding over rocks but then I don't think I'm going to take my new truck over boulders just yet anyway. Though I'm going to test the gears on some trails this weekend.
Hopefully the pic comes through. Drag and drop is telling me to go to hell tonight.
The pic is my old Honda next to my new FJ. The salesman swapped the plate for me while I was signing papers.
Yes, they changed the color after 2010 from Sandstorm to Quicksand, I like Quicksand better :lol:
I don't think the rails will work, I think they will actually hang you up even quicker, especially for sliding on rocks or uhm, tree stumps hidden in water :lol:
I think you already know you want something that bolts to the frame, not the body where the stock stuff bolts.
So these with the steps are stock 2011? I suspected, but wasn't sure. Definitely seem counterproductive. Thanks for the pics! I'm loving the quicksand. It's funny, from the inside the panels look so much like my old sandstorm that it feels as though I never left.
Congrats and welcome back ! How many miles? Pulleys might be a good place to start. A quick test would be to take the belt off and see if the noise goes away. Careful use of a stethoscope or wood dowel to listen and isolate works well too.
There are threads on here dealing with noise issues for pulleys and alternators. If it is a pulley get sealed ones as the oems aren't and don't do well with mud I've read fwiw....
I will try and explore the sounds tomorrow. I'm not the most mechanical guy, but I'll give it a shot. 49,000 miles. My 08 drove like new until at least 100,000 so I'm hoping for good luck on this one too. We all wonder why the prior owner sold the car when we buy used, I guess, but in this case I hope it's not because of the whining noise.
Really good condition, only part that's scratched up is the cargo area. And I guess he kept all the floor mats for souvenirs....
Seems like You have the stock trd rock rails with the removable steps . Cool. You can remove the steps which are bolted separately . You can even sell it here if you want.
Welcome back, hope your noise issue in minor. I like the PureFJ sliders but to each their own. Glad you found a manual, have you given any thought to blacking it out? always wondered what that colour would look like with a black roof and black mirrors and what not. Either way welcome back and enjoy your new rig.
Welcome, glad you're back in an FJ. Lots of great sliders to choose from, Allpro/Pure Fj, Demello. I'm a fan of my TrailGear sliders. They have held up great on the rocks, my kids love 'em too, big step to climb on up.
Welcome. I think you have NFab Nerf Bars there. They bolt to the body, so if you used them as rock rails, you could do some major damage to your truck.
I like my Demello hybrids. They are very strong and work well, but I do think that I would prefer something with a kick-out. In addition to the benefits off-road, that would likely satisfy my family that wishes there was some sort of step.
Good luck with the whine. I am sure that will be easily resolved.
Your rails look like the NFab Wheel-Wheel style, the steps are welded, so not removable. The only way to know for sure about the mounting is to bend down and look under the FJ where they attach. It will be very obvious if frame or body mounted. Either way not great for Rock sliding.
Your high pitched whine?? Is it noticeable when the vehicle is moving at any speed or only when driving down the highway, is all quiet while stationary. You did not hear it when hood was open and engine running? If this is the case then your noise could be wind whistle, some have complained about noise after having the windshield replaced. If the whine is there all the time with engine running it could be as simple as the belt on the engine pulley's making noise or the pulley's themselves making noise, it could also be the alternator. Removing the belt will narrow the options if the noise stops. Does the noise stop when you turn off the A/C you had running constantly? There are many possibilities that could make the sound, you need to narrow down when the whining can be heard what makes it louder or quieter or even stop.
Don't just start randomly changing parts, it can get expensive .... Warranty?? it may be best to let the dealer find the source if you are not able to.
Welcome from Tennessee No your AC should not whine. I have Demello Hy bird slider & live them . They have saved me a lot of money buy not having body damage that would have otherwise occurred. I would dump the own you have currently & get some good ones if you plan to go out & wheel. Nice looking truck glad that you found what you wanted.
Thanks to all for the warm welcome. I just got back from Toyota and they said that the noise is a fan, and normal. After they drove it twice without me, I showed up and asked them to ride with me. I made the sound, a lot, and the mechanic said it's normal. Then I asked him to drive it, just to be sure. Still thinks it's a normal fan sound. He said he thinks it will be less noticeable in the fall, when the weather isn't so hot.
I got a good feeling that he knows what he's doing. I felt like they were trying to do right by me and help me to find the problem. I suppose it's good news and all is well. If the alternator was failing, I suppose it would show itself. So I'm going to carry on, enjoy my rig, research the forum for cool mods (rock rails!), and keep an ear on the sounds just to be careful.
Thanks again for all the advice. Hope this is a happy ending.
My 2010 has the same whine you describe. Toyota says its normal and I can't find it. If yours is the same as mine it is not a fan... Does yours get louder with the revs higher? Mine whines all Canadian winter long and all summer. It sounds like a supercharger, just no extra power... Lol.
Mine has been making it for about a year and a half and I have never noticed anything wrong with my fj otherwise.
Sorry I don't have any definite answers.
Cheers,
Matt
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