2016 SR5 Rear Differential Noise after 10K miles
- Thread starter 4Rman
- Start date
Hadelson
New member
On my third 4Runner. 2005 sold to nephew north of 100K. No Dif noises. Nephew still has running with no issues.
2014 TE, developed minor road whine at 30K starting around 55MPH. No issues as Toyota bought this 4Runner back from me for resale with 47K on odometer. As side note, this truck listed at $35K and they gave me at 3 years with 47K on odometer $28500. It was back out on certified lot next day at $34K
Current ride is 17TRDP, just rolled 17K. Quiet as a mouse.
2014 TE, developed minor road whine at 30K starting around 55MPH. No issues as Toyota bought this 4Runner back from me for resale with 47K on odometer. As side note, this truck listed at $35K and they gave me at 3 years with 47K on odometer $28500. It was back out on certified lot next day at $34K
Current ride is 17TRDP, just rolled 17K. Quiet as a mouse.
blanchard7684
New member
The diff ratio on these things, if I recall right, is real close to 3.73. This ratio, for reasons unknown, will cause higher diff noise through driveshafts in all cars. I think I've heard this in my 16 SR5. It never occurred to me as an issue.
In my experience, the Toyota trucks I've had in the past, although manual, had drive trains that were just shy of a deuce and a half...major racket. But they ran for frikkin ever.
I've worked on cars professionally and as a hobby for 25+ years. I've never, ever, seen or heard of any Toyota differential failing. Ever. for any reason including lack of maintenance. None. Zilch. The design hasn't changed much at all in 35-40 years.
In my experience, the Toyota trucks I've had in the past, although manual, had drive trains that were just shy of a deuce and a half...major racket. But they ran for frikkin ever.
I've worked on cars professionally and as a hobby for 25+ years. I've never, ever, seen or heard of any Toyota differential failing. Ever. for any reason including lack of maintenance. None. Zilch. The design hasn't changed much at all in 35-40 years.
Same problem here! I just got my 2018 T4R 2 weeks ago and on Saturday morning I test drove the vehicle with a tech from Toyota dealership and he heard and confirmed the noise. He told me it is too soon to say that is a diff issue. the vehicle is at breaking in period and to be more concern after first oil change. they also want me to bring in vehicle this week for a followup and so they can report to Toyota. If more vehicle keep reporting they will issue a recall and replace diff...I will bring it in this week again.
My 2015 LE developed the exact same problem at about 11,000 miles. I lived with it awhile and changed the gear oil a few times with various fluids and weights which did absolutely nothing to the noise level. Finally took it in and they replaced the rear diff under warranty at around 20,000 miles, no questions asked.
The tech put it on the lift and then started the engine and put it in gear. All 4 wheels were turning and he inspected both diffs, and the transfer case using a screwdriver as a stethoscope, said he could hear a problem in the rear.
Drives perfect now and I can relax without worrying about the whine.
The tech put it on the lift and then started the engine and put it in gear. All 4 wheels were turning and he inspected both diffs, and the transfer case using a screwdriver as a stethoscope, said he could hear a problem in the rear.
Drives perfect now and I can relax without worrying about the whine.
4string4runner
New member
My 2016 TE never had the noise and replaced the rear diff fluid @15K miles.
Fluid was dark gray with some golden brown color. (Delvac 75W90)
Fluid was dark gray with some golden brown color. (Delvac 75W90)
Not the start of a rumor
Just had the same issue with my 2017 SR5 @17K. TAKE IT TO THE DEALER!! There is an issue. Took mine in and went for a ride with a tech and he confirmed the noise. Got it up on the lift and ran it in gear sounded like someone added a handful of 1/4" nuts to the diff. The noise was in the differential without a doubt. Here's some pretty good evidence that it's not isolated. The dealers service manager said that there must be an issue based on the lack of any replacement differentials in the US. Never towed anything or been abusive in the 17K Now it sits at the dealer. I was told that Toyota has no idea when they'll be available.
Just had the same issue with my 2017 SR5 @17K. TAKE IT TO THE DEALER!! There is an issue. Took mine in and went for a ride with a tech and he confirmed the noise. Got it up on the lift and ran it in gear sounded like someone added a handful of 1/4" nuts to the diff. The noise was in the differential without a doubt. Here's some pretty good evidence that it's not isolated. The dealers service manager said that there must be an issue based on the lack of any replacement differentials in the US. Never towed anything or been abusive in the 17K Now it sits at the dealer. I was told that Toyota has no idea when they'll be available.
Late to the party on this thread but I’d have to guess that a little whine is normal on these trucks. In fact, these things are noisy as hell in general from what I’m slowly discovering. I’m actually on my second 5th gen this month... the first was a 2011 Limited 4x4 with 95k, and I gave that one back after spending a week with it due to driveline slop that I posted about here in a previous thread. That truck had several owners and had been converted to trail wheels from the newer Trails, plus had its running boards removed so who knows what the previous guy did with it.
Anyway, that one had diff noise/whine between 70-77 mph or so at its most pronounced. Now, I have a 2013 Limited 4x4 with the exact same mileage but only two owners and a much better documented service history. While the driveline slop that I felt in the first one is about half as evident, it’s not completely without it, and the driveline whine is EXACTLY the same. So at this point I’m just gonna chalk it up to the way these things are. I actually was going to blame it on the AWD nature of the limited and thought maybe it was the FRONT diff, starting to myself an SR5 Premium or one of the off-road editions would be the solution, but it sounds like it just as likely could be the rear. Who knows. The Toyota tick is also present and accounted for both.
That said, I really do like these trucks. About the only thing I wish as much as I dig the black (and the mag gray of the first one) is that it had been shoreline blue pearl. What an amazing color.
Anyway, that one had diff noise/whine between 70-77 mph or so at its most pronounced. Now, I have a 2013 Limited 4x4 with the exact same mileage but only two owners and a much better documented service history. While the driveline slop that I felt in the first one is about half as evident, it’s not completely without it, and the driveline whine is EXACTLY the same. So at this point I’m just gonna chalk it up to the way these things are. I actually was going to blame it on the AWD nature of the limited and thought maybe it was the FRONT diff, starting to myself an SR5 Premium or one of the off-road editions would be the solution, but it sounds like it just as likely could be the rear. Who knows. The Toyota tick is also present and accounted for both.
That said, I really do like these trucks. About the only thing I wish as much as I dig the black (and the mag gray of the first one) is that it had been shoreline blue pearl. What an amazing color.
I now have 20K on my 2016 runner ... my comments back when I did the drive train fluid checks @3K miles rear diff fluid bad... well in nov 2018 I did all this again the 3rd time . the rear diff and all the other fluids look great. no noises no issues, never was serviced by the dealership just only my hands on it..
I do grease the drive shafts every oil change oil changes I do are now @7K miles ..also tire rotations and all brake and rust inspections .
the best vehicle I have ever owned . no defects .
also I never had any problems removing the covers or unscrewing the filter ....LOL>.................
I do grease the drive shafts every oil change oil changes I do are now @7K miles ..also tire rotations and all brake and rust inspections .
the best vehicle I have ever owned . no defects .
also I never had any problems removing the covers or unscrewing the filter ....LOL>.................
Hans Moleman
New member
I hear a very faint whine only when off the gas and coasting between 60-65mph. When I press the gas lightly to maintain speed or the whine will go away. No whine when accelerating either.
Sounds like the rear diff could be a the problem based on how the gears are loaded? I'm going to ask them to check at 10k service but I'm afraid they will say it's normal or can't hear it.
Sounds like the rear diff could be a the problem based on how the gears are loaded? I'm going to ask them to check at 10k service but I'm afraid they will say it's normal or can't hear it.
bnb675
New member
Hans Moleman
New member
Yes and they couldn't hear it. I'm going to bring this issue back up during the next service.
Gave up!
I remember when I started this thread...it was frustrating to convince the dealer to do something about my diff noise, instead they took me for test drive in another 4Runner telling me it is normal. If so, why did it not whine when it was new from factory. They are absolute pain to deal with so I finally gave up on my 16 SR5 and traded it in for 19 TRDORP.
Wouldn't you know it, this one has issues of its own. Some kind of drive line or CV axle/needle bearing noise (started at 5K), driving me bananas. I posted under a different thread but waiting for 10K service to have them check it out. I have a feeling I already know what they will tell me.
After owning 3 4Runners, I think this will be my last. I am sure it will drive just fine for years but annoying noises/rumblings and tire balance problems go on forever are getting to me. May have to check out a Heep, I know, I know that is a bit drastic but at least they don't tout their legendary reliability like Toyota, or do they? I think a big factor in my dissatisfaction is the Toyota dealer experience... always so NO first.
Okay, I am done ranting sorry. :flamethrwoer2:
I remember when I started this thread...it was frustrating to convince the dealer to do something about my diff noise, instead they took me for test drive in another 4Runner telling me it is normal. If so, why did it not whine when it was new from factory. They are absolute pain to deal with so I finally gave up on my 16 SR5 and traded it in for 19 TRDORP.
Wouldn't you know it, this one has issues of its own. Some kind of drive line or CV axle/needle bearing noise (started at 5K), driving me bananas. I posted under a different thread but waiting for 10K service to have them check it out. I have a feeling I already know what they will tell me.
After owning 3 4Runners, I think this will be my last. I am sure it will drive just fine for years but annoying noises/rumblings and tire balance problems go on forever are getting to me. May have to check out a Heep, I know, I know that is a bit drastic but at least they don't tout their legendary reliability like Toyota, or do they? I think a big factor in my dissatisfaction is the Toyota dealer experience... always so NO first.
Okay, I am done ranting sorry. :flamethrwoer2:
Thanks for the TSB number. To expand on what the TSB includes, here are some notes:
- Covers 2014 - 2019 (Whine/Groan Noise at 40-60mph)
- Split in 2 parts for vehicles before JTEBU5JR#K5687318 and after
If noise confirmed and is before the VIN and included in correct model years, the following will be done:
Installation of noise dampining pads under rear cargo area carpet.
Installation of different cab/body mount isolators
Differential Replacement
If noise confirmed and is after the VIN and included in correct model years, the following will be done:
Installation of different cab/body mount isolators
Replacement of propeller shaft (only on 4wd models)
Sent from my SM-T813 using Tapatalk
- Covers 2014 - 2019 (Whine/Groan Noise at 40-60mph)
- Split in 2 parts for vehicles before JTEBU5JR#K5687318 and after
If noise confirmed and is before the VIN and included in correct model years, the following will be done:
Installation of noise dampining pads under rear cargo area carpet.
Installation of different cab/body mount isolators
Differential Replacement
If noise confirmed and is after the VIN and included in correct model years, the following will be done:
Installation of different cab/body mount isolators
Replacement of propeller shaft (only on 4wd models)
Sent from my SM-T813 using Tapatalk
Hans Moleman
New member
That's great. My diff howl is starting to bother me more now.
My issue is still trying to get the dealer tech to admit hearing the howl. I can't go a a test drive with them because of the coronavirus.
