Intermittent Grinding Noise On Vx

[Lamb]

Very intermitent but very loud grinding noise occurs whilst driving 1996 Landcruiser VX. Sometimes it lasts for 1 second, sometimes 4 or 5. You could then go days without it happening again. No real pattern to when it happens, ie hot or cold.

Seems to be coming from front. Toyota checked out Diffs, ABS, Power Steering/Drivebelts etc, but fault is still there. Whilst noise is happening, no apparent depriciation in performance, ie loss of power and so on, but its very frightening for passengers, even pedestrians, so its off the road (so to speak).

Any help would be appreciated!

Thanx

[Edlo]

Hi unfortunately your fault history sounds identical to a recent experience with my 2001 Rav D4D.

Is your vehicle fitted with a Dual Mass Flywheel - it's the one the starter ring gear is welded to.

Internal parts of the flywheel start to break up causing the noises when they are being ground up, the noise then clears but the damage having weakened the assembly will result in further break up hence the return of the noise, this will eventually result in total loss of drive due to the two halves of the flywheel rotating independant of each other.

The flywheel is obtainable only from a Toyota dealers at £700 then you will also have to add the cost of new clutch and labour.

This premature failure will cost approx £1500 to £2000.

I hope you have better luck than me.