Drive Line Noise Help

[4RunnerMexico]

Hey all,

2003 V6 2WD 208k

I have a driveline noise that really sounds like tire noise. Thats the best I can describe it. Sort of high pitched, really noticeable around 40-50mph. When slowing down from 50, just coasting, around 40-30mph I can feel this pulsating vibration in the floor and steering wheel. Like pretty slow and faint waaa waaa waaa.

Just put new Michelins on it 600 miles ago, so not tire noise.
I don't think its the front wheel bearings. Set the cruise at 45mph on a smooth road and weave side to side the noise does not change.
The noise does not change when Im on or off the gas.
Rear wheel bearings feel fine, had the whole thing apart last month to do rotors everything felt good.

The noise started about 10k ago, very slowly gotten worse...

So this leaves me at U joints or a bearing in the rear diff is shot...
Any advice or thoughts?

 

[RobD]

Have you tried greasing the slip yoke and U-joints?

 

[Ida4runner]

Pulsating in floor and wheel,have you checked the cv axles?

Edit: Try rotating tires to confirm it's not them

 

[4RunnerMexico]

Have you tried greasing the slip yoke and U-joints?

I had this thought about an hour ago, realized I had never greased them...
I went ahead and ordered new U-Joints, they are probably completely shot by now if they've been making noise for 10k. Ill get to work over the weekend and post up when I'm done

 

[wcjeep]

My Dodge towrig has 3 Ujoints in the rear driveline. All felt fine on the rig. Finally determined which one was bad by heat. The bad joint was 10deg warmer than the other two. Removed the driveline and it was obvious when off the truck. Whenever possible I use heat for troubleshooting. I have various IR heat guns and a cellphone adapter Flir.