What Causes the Slight Throttle Noise in a Prado?
2 Answers
The causes of slight throttle noise in a Prado may include damage to the clutch release bearing, air leakage in the engine's intake pipe, or a faulty throttle body. Damage to the clutch release bearing: The noise when pressing the throttle could likely be from the fuel pump or related components. Alternatively, it might be due to a damaged clutch release bearing. Air leakage in the engine's intake pipe: It is necessary to check if there is any air leakage in the engine's intake pipe, whether the air filter is properly installed, identify the source of the noise, and check if the engine belt is aged, loose, or slipping. The source of the buzzing noise should also be pinpointed. Faulty throttle body: On the right side of the engine, it is usually the generator belt; on the left side, it could be an issue with the throttle body. For the front brake pads, the main cause is often the brake caliper, with a small possibility of partial seizure. This could be due to damage caused when pressing the brake caliper piston back during installation, leading to a certain degree of seizure.
I've also driven a Prado and experienced a creaking sound from under the car when applying light throttle. The mechanic diagnosed it as excessive carbon buildup in the throttle body, causing turbulent airflow and generating a low hissing noise during light acceleration. During inspection, they also found the alternator belt was loose and aged, prone to slipping and making noise at low RPMs. Additionally, worn chassis brackets or steering ball joints would rub when vibrations increased during light throttle. After implementing quarterly maintenance checks including throttle body cleaning and belt adjustment, the issues disappeared. Paying daily attention to sound origins – whether from front wheels or rear, during cold starts or after warmup – helps quicker troubleshooting. These are common wear items in aged Prados, and neglecting repairs accelerates component degradation affecting engine longevity.