Clicking noise at low speed

[nappyboy06]

After fixing my wife's 2018 Toyota Highlander with a proper transmission fluid change which cleared up shifting issues, i'm now hearing a metallic clicking noise during lowspeed deceleration (under 20mph), synced with wheel speed. Its not loud, sounds like a ratchet and only shows up on smooth roads. Turning doesnt affect it, so Im thinking maybe an inner CV joint or wheel bearing, but the timing right after the fluid change makes me wonder if it's something in the transaxle, like an output bearing. Anyone dealt with this??

 

[Brucee]

That clicking sound's probably an inner CV joint or maybe a wheel bearing and since it matches wheel speed, it's likely not the trans. The timing with the fluid change's likely just a coincidence

 

[n3in.ja.45]

That clicking sound's probably an inner CV joint or maybe a wheel bearing and since it matches wheel speed, it's likely not the trans. The timing with the fluid change's likely just a coincidence

+1 on this! It's possible the new fluid is allowing something to operate differently, or maybe a component was disturbed during the process. The metallic ratchet sound is what makes me lean toward a CV joint or maybe a heat shield touching a rotating part, but it's worth double-checking all the fasteners and components you touched during the fluid change. A bad output bearing in the transaxle is also a possibility, but you'd often hear a more constant whine or howl with that, not necessarily a click.. i think it would be good to take it to a mechanic to check the wheels and transmission!

 

[applepie.jo]

It's real possible something shifted or got noticed more, but I'd lean toward checking the CV boots and joints first. Wheel bearings tend to make a more constant humming or growling noise rather than clicking @nappyboy06

 

[decarboxylated99]

+1 on this! It's possible the new fluid is allowing something to operate differently, or maybe a component was disturbed during the process. The metallic ratchet sound is what makes me lean toward a CV joint or maybe a heat shield touching a rotating part, but it's worth double-checking all the fasteners and components you touched during the fluid change. A bad output bearing in the transaxle is also a possibility, but you'd often hear a more constant whine or howl with that, not necessarily a click.. i think it would be good to take it to a mechanic to check the wheels and transmission!

Totally agree with you guys. Had a similar clicking after a DIY fluid change on my 19 Highlander, turned out a loose heat shield was brushing the axle. A quick inspection saved me a ton of worry.