Q: High pitched chain dragging type sound at lower speeds in 1987 toyota van

asked by on September 14, 2017

When driving at low speeds or braking hard, I sometimes hear a jingling/rattling sound. It's almost like keys and change rattling in a pocket, or dangling a chain. It's hard to tell, but it seems like it could be coming from the rear of the vehicle.

My car has 145000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Loud noise is coming from rear brakes Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hi John. Thanks for contacting us today. At first glance of your question, the first thing I would verify is if your emergency brake might be pressed or engaged somehow. It’s also possible that a rear wheel bearing is starting to show signs of damage as well or the rear brakes are worn out. However, it’s also quite possible that perhaps a stick or other piece of road debris has become trapped under the vehicle or even between the wheel and tire. I would start by double checking the emergency brake - by pressing it full and releasing it all the way. If the noise still exists, feel free to set up an onsite inspection and one of our mobile mechanics would be happy to help you diagnose this issue and complete or recommend repairs if needed.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Where is the auxiliary input jack located?
Using an auxiliary input cable allows you to connect additional devices to your car’s audio system, such as a portable CD player, smartphone or another type of device. Your Accord has a built-in auxiliary input jack for just this purpose....
Turn signals not flashing.
This is a common issue with many Ford vehicles. The faulty part would be your multifunction switch or turn signal switch. There is a mechanism that causes the switch to lock in place during a turn inside the switch that...
Battery light is on
Hi, this comes up often. Your car battery light being on is an indication that your engine is not getting enough energy. This could be because of a malfunctioning alternator or a battery going bad. I suggest having a certified...
I hear a rumbling sound when I make a sharp turn
This could be due to a breakdown in your differential oil (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-bad-or-failing-differential-gear-oil). Changing the differential oil will normally correct this issue. Use only differential oil suggested by the manufacturer. You may want to enlist the help of a mechanic, such...
Slow acceleration
Thanks for writing in about the acceleration issue with your 2007 Volvo S60. At first glance, I'd agree with you that the problem would be caused by the MAF sensor, as that's what commonly causes the slow acceleration issues and...
Car starts when it wants to.
Hey there. I would start with testing your battery (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-check-a-car-battery) and alternator (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-test-your-alternator_2) with a multi-meter. Good batteries hold a charge of 12.6 volts or higher. If the battery is low, try to jump start (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-do-i-jump-start-my-car) it. If this starts...
My front brake calipers are sticking and not releasing
Lift up the front wheels to where they are off the ground. Remove the wheels and tires from the vehicle on the front. Remove the slider bolts one at a time and clean them. Apply Never Seize to the sliding...
Rattling front passenger side, Chech Engine light 2006 Dodge Ram 1500
Hello - I believe you have 2 different problems: one related to the Check Engine light (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/what-does-the-check-engine-warning-light-mean), and second - something loose in the front suspension which rattles only while the truck is in motion. Check for problem codes -...
I have a 2007 BMW 328XI and noticed that I was experiencing a load grinding noise when reversing and occasionally when turning. I
Hello, thank you for writing in. Without inspecting the vehicle, there is no way of knowing how badly the vehicle is damaged, nor how extensive the damage is. With that being said, the steering linkage and suspension are both susceptible...

Related articles

2012 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2012 Ford Escape: Which One Should I Buy?
SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles) are a fun class of vehicle to drive – with their generally excellent handling on the road, their quick acceleration, and the ability to move a fair number of people while still looking pretty cool, they...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Have a Tiny Parking Space
In In many cities parking spaces come at a premium, so you only want to purchase one small space. This small space will end up dictating what vehicle you purchase, so we’ve rounded up some great candidates. Must-haves Arm yourself...
The Top 5 Selling Cars in California in 2012
California California natives are notably environmentally conscious, and this often shows in their choices of vehicles as well. While trucks rarely make it to the top spots, hybrid vehicles are frequently on the list. Though previous years have seen the...