2001 Rav4.2 Rear Knocking Sound Any Ideas?

[serpentc11]

Hi guys and gals

apologies if this has cropped up previous i have looked for a thread without luck

my trusty Rav 4.2 2.0ltr VVTI AWD has developed an alarming Knocking sound from the rear (i think) its noticable when starting out on journey and becomes louder upon accelaration their is a vibration felt in the vehicle it comes and goes (sounds like a sledge hammer hitting the bottom of car) ive had her jacked up thinking the rear diff, propshaft or driveshaft and have noted some sideways play on the OSR driveshaft (non on the NSR) could this be the cause?? or am i looking at somethin more sinister like a failing diff eek

a little background the cars reached the 111197 mileage marker ive carried out regular servicing and have checked the diff oil , its recently had the OSR wheel bearing replaced a complete Front and rear brake overhaul discs pads handbrake cables shoes etc and a centre pipe rear box exhaust replacement and the front drop links renewed

any help or a nudge to a thread greatly appreciated

regards serpenct11

[gjnorthall]

The rear diff mounting can fail causing a knock which is transmitted into the floor. Check this as well as the propshaft hanger bearing / mount. Some lateral movement of a driveshaft is acceptable - the driveshaft splined ends can slide a little within the CV joints.

[rambler]

I have a clonk from the rear of my Rav4, it only happens going up and down low kirbs etc.

I often stand in my rear door opening bouncing the suspension up and down & side to side , trying to hear the clonk for my self, can't hear it.

Frustrating that such a clonk sounds horrible coming through the floor, must check that rear diff mount.

[serpentc11]

quick update for those interested had the car into a local garage today and they have carried out a comprehensive inspection of the vehicles underside front and rear the driveshaft play i had identified is well within the MOT and Toyota tolerences the rear diff mounts are solid so after a long day im no closer to finding the knock have removed spare wheel and carrier thinking outside the box as things develope will add to thread

[Grumpy stumpy]

Had a clonk on mine sometimes, laid underneath this weekend and found drivers side rear spring broken right at the top of the spring. Replaced both sides yesterday , cost £33 each. May be worth a look.

[rambler]

Unfortunately for me and entirely my own fault , in the first few years of owning my Rav I took it greenlaning almost every weekend.

As a result of me not hosing it down afterwards its now a tad rusty on most of my suspension components.

So I think mine is now more prone to bits breaking, just wondering how much it would cost to replace the rear suspension set up :(

[steve_lj]

As previously mentioned - have a look at rear springs. Mine also broke, right at the very top. This resulted in a knocking/clonking noise at rear, especially under acceleration or going over speed bumps.