So...after replacing calipers/brakes/pads (brake job) and getting new tires earlier this week, the tire-shop owner mentioned to me that he thought I may have a wheel bearing going out. I did know of a roaring noise, but I mostly just assumed it was a noisier vehicle than those I have had in the past.
I took it to a local shop mechanic's shop today and asked they diagnose it. They are known for doing good work but also expensive work.
They called me back, told me the good news was that my bearings seemed fine but rather that my rear differential is the source of the noise.
$3,000 was the quote because he said they don't rebuild Toyota differentials because he's had too many issues in the past out of the rebuilds. The $3,000 was a replacement from Toyota, but what he described to me almost sounded like a rebuild. I suppose it could be tomato/tomato.
I cannot spend $3,000 on a vehicle I only have about $13,000 in to begin with. I currently have 140,000 miles on it.
I figure my options are (which I'll probably be doing research on Youtube over the weekend):
- Junkyard Replacement (I've done this in the past on a Chevrolet I had)
- Rebuilt Myself (I've tried it before, not exactly thrilled at the idea)
- East Coast Gear Supply (More on this below)
I'm open to any and all input. I'm considering taking it to a second shop to get a second diagnosis and quote.
ASSEMBLED 3RDS & CLAMSHELLS - 03-09 4 Runner
I've seen numerous suggestions for ECGS today while researching this. I think I need one of the two options in the above link, although I'm not sure what those are (unless one is a front and one is a rear differential?).
A buddy suggested it may be very prudent to change the fluid in that differential, both to clean-out whatever shavings I can as well as make sure the fluid is good and has proper fill. It may be too late for this to do anything regarding a fix but is there any chance at all that this may "fix" the issue?
If I hadn't just spent close to $1,600 I may be in a better mood to fix this but right now this is incredibly stressing me out. After I pressed him, the mechanic essentially told me that I shouldn't drive it until fixed.