1997 4Runner SR5 - humming noise at 60mph

[werminghausen]

The entire car vibrates at around 60 mph. It is not the engine... if I put the trans in neutral at 65 the engine idles but the drone is still there. It is also not the transmission...but the entire dash vibrates and it becomes even louder downhill when the weight of the car is pushing.
I couldn't drive faster than 70 but it seems that it becomes slightly less noisy at 70.

I didn't notice this issue until I changed the off road tires to new Michelin M+S (I thought so far this is the drone from the off road tires. This is how I bought the car couple months ago). I hope this is not the tires..these were as expensive as the car...almost.

What might this sound and vibration be? Rear Axle/ Differential bad?
The thing is that it vibrates also without any power output (after I put trans in neutral at 65mph). Scary.

Any suggestions what this is?

Martin

 

[Nelsonmd]

Initial guess would be rear u-joint. Mine vibrated less when I let off the gas, but it had the same shake in the 65-72 range.

 

[werminghausen]

Thanks Nelson,

I see you are in Boston!

How complicated is it to change that u-joint in my garage in Lincoln?
Are there 3 u-joints in total?
Would you replace all of them at once or just the one in the rear that connects to the differential?
Center Support Bearing: Once there would you replace that too? How To: Replacing Carrier Bearing - Tacoma World Forums

This is one day of work?

Best, Martin

Initial guess would be rear u-joint. Mine vibrated less when I let off the gas, but it had the same shake in the 65-72 range.

 

[02SE]

The 3rd gen 4Runner driveshaft does not have a carrier bearing. You did not state whether you have 2wd or 4wd. The driveshafts for the respective models are different.

 

[99ToyoRunner]

Sounds like the rear U-joint...I had the same exact problem on my 99 4Runner...I went to the auto part store bought an aftermarket U-joint for 25$ and my mechanic replaced it for 150$ and problem solved! (I was too much of a wimp to do it myself)

 

[werminghausen]

Thanks Nelson,

I see you are in Boston!

How complicated is it to change that u-joint in my garage in Lincoln?
Are there 3 u-joints in total?
Would you replace all of them at once or just the one in the rear that connects to the differential?
Center Support Bearing: Once there would you replace that too? How To: Replacing Carrier Bearing - Tacoma World Forums

This is one day of work?

Best, Martin

Initial guess would be rear u-joint. Mine vibrated less when I let off the gas, but it had the same shake in the 65-72 range.

 

[werminghausen]

Got it.
Questions is if there are other u-joints... does it make sense to replace them all?
Or how do I see if one is bad..the other is good?

Best, Martin

Sounds like the rear U-joint...I had the same exact problem on my 99 4Runner...I went to the auto part store bought an aftermarket U-joint for 25$ and my mechanic replaced it for 150$ and problem solved! (I was too much of a wimp to do it myself)

 

[99ToyoRunner]

Got it.
Questions is if there are other u-joints... does it make sense to replace them all?
Or how do I see if one is bad..the other is good?

Best, Martin

Only one of my U-Joints was bad at the aft end of my driveshaft closest to the rear diff so that's the only one my mechanic replaced

 

[werminghausen]

I was searching for the correct u joints. The Toyota number system is not that clear?

I think my car has the same u joints front (2x ) and back (2x).
Number is 04371 60070.
I ordered 2 pieces for the rear propeller shaft.
I am trying to do it myself... I love that challenge.

Will get the joints in new years eve... if i am getting tired of the holidays... I'll go and wrench.
What are the tricky parts for that job?

Martin

 

[werminghausen]

You were right!
I climbed under the car today and put trans in N and by rotating the drive shaft I could see enormous play in the rear u joint. It is more than toast.

I also saw that the front end of the same shaft (output side of the transmission) was fine as far as I can tell and there were 2 u joints at that side? Why 2?

I ordered 2 u joints the other day not knowing that were 3...but probably I will change only the damaged rear one.

I don't see the u joint snap rings at the old drive shaft that are typically securing the bearings. So I am not sure how to do this job yet.

How do you guys remove the old u joint? pound on it with a big hammer?
I have some tools: big hammer, a big vise...a 3 ton press- not enough for sure.

Martin

Initial guess would be rear u-joint. Mine vibrated less when I let off the gas, but it had the same shake in the 65-72 range.

 

[BlackCat914]

You were right!
I climbed under the car today and put trans in N and by rotating the drive shaft I could see enormous play in the rear u joint. It is more than toast.

I also saw that the front end of the same shaft (output side of the transmission) was fine as far as I can tell and there were 2 u joints at that side? Why 2?

I ordered 2 u joints the other day not knowing that were 3...but probably I will change only the damaged rear one.

I don't see the u joint snap rings at the old drive shaft that are typically securing the bearings. So I am not sure how to do this job yet.

How do you guys remove the old u joint? pound on it with a big hammer?
I have some tools: big hammer, a big vise...a 3 ton press- not enough for sure.

Martin

It's probably missing the bearing cap that encloses the little pintle bearings. Mine did the same thing and was a nightmare to get out. I suggest getting some beer to make it more tolerable.

 

[werminghausen]

Is there someone out there who knows how to get these u joints out.


Is it possible with a hammer and vise or do I need a hydraulic press?
I think getting the new joints in is easier.

Martin

 

[BlackCat914]

Is there someone out there who knows how to get these u joints out.


Is it possible with a hammer and vise or do I need a hydraulic press?
I think getting the new joints in is easier.

Martin

It's hard to say what you'll need exactly. Some come out very easily, some need a lot if lovin'. You should be fine with vise and a hammer though.

 

[werminghausen]

I changed the u joint today. Hardest thing was to get the old part out.
I had to use the big hammer and a cutting blade. Amazingly all needles of two bearing were gone...not a single needle left!
Installation of the new u joint was relatively easy.
The humming noise is gone...