FJ Cruiser: Clunk or thump from the rear when coming to a stop or pulling away

Checks, in order

1. Loose items
   Check the spare on the tailgate, the hitch receiver and anything in the cargo area or under the seats. A rattling hitch pin or jack makes a convincing clunk.
   easy $ · under about $50
2. U-joints and slip yoke
   With the truck on stands, grab the rear driveshaft and try to twist and push it at each joint. Any play or rust-colored dust at a cap means a worn joint. Also check the slip yoke for slop at the transfer case end.
   easy $ · under about $50
3. Driveshaft and pinion flange bolts
   Make sure every bolt at the rear differential flange and the transfer case flange is tight and the flange is not shifting on the pinion.
   easy $ · under about $50
4. Rear differential backlash
   In neutral with the wheels off the ground, rotate the driveshaft back and forth by hand and feel how much it moves before the wheels start to turn. Excessive free play points to the differential rather than the shaft.
   medium $ · under about $50
5. Dealer bulletin test
   On an affected truck, the bulletin test is to drive it, remove the rear driveshaft, then drive it again in 4WD high. If the noise is gone, the shaft is the cause. Ask a dealer or independent shop about the updated shaft.
   hard $$$ · shop-level job, $500+

Applies to: US-market FJ Cruiser, 2007 to 2014, with the 1GR-FE 4.0L V6 (timing chain) and either the 5-speed automatic or the 6-speed manual. Assumes the part-time 4WD model with a floor-mounted transfer case lever; 2WD trucks skip the 4WD checks.

Tools and parts for these checks

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Other drivetrain problems on the FJ Cruiser

• Vibration that changes with vehicle speed, felt in the seat or floor
• Oil leaking from the rear differential, or whining, howling or grinding from the rear axle
• 4WD will not engage, or the A-TRAC / VSC lights come on

More FJ Cruiser problems

• Rust on the frame, especially at the rear crossmember (Frame & Body)
• Steering wheel shimmy or flutter at highway speed (Steering & Suspension)
• Shudder or vibration under light throttle, or hunting and harsh shifts (automatic) (Transmission)
• Turn the key: click or nothing, engine won't crank (Starting & Charging)
• Engine cranks normally but won't start (Fuel & Ignition)
• Rough idle, stumbling or a misfire code (P0300 to P0306) (Fuel & Ignition)

All 16 FJ Cruiser symptoms in the interactive troubleshooter →

General guidance from owner experience. Confirm torque specs, fluid capacities and procedures in the factory service manual. Brakes, steering and anything structural: if in doubt, have a qualified shop inspect it before driving.