grinding noise going into 4 wheel drive loud!

[8borerifle]

BlackWorksInc thanks for your help! I was hoping you would post as you really know what you are doing. I am sure the transfer actuator was never replaced as I bought the 4Runner new and I have only had brake service done (sticking caliper and rotors). It is very hard to describe the sound as it seems to change. At one time it sounded like missing a gear and the grinding sound from that. Now when I put it in 4wd it is a pulsing sound that increases in speed as the vehicle speeds up. I hope it is not the 3rd member that is bad, the only Toyota dealership around here is a ripoff artist and would not trust them to give me an honest report as to what is wrong. What would it cost in your estimate to change the front actuator? But then there might be damage inside the third member. It really sounds like a worn brake pad rubbing on a warped rotor, but it only makes the noise in 4wd. The brakes are fine on the car and were replaced about 3000 miles ago. At first with the sound like missing a gear and grinding, I thought the sleeve or shaft were bad, but then it quite making that sound.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I'm sorry I misread the post below your original post as yours and mistakenly assumed it was in regards to your vehicle history.

41400-35032 is the part number for the ADD, it is roughly $300, the entire front 3rd member is about $1500 with a new ADD included.

Labor is about 2.0hrs for the ADD and about 2.5hrs when replacing the entire 3rd member.

 

[hearno]

Can you use your phone or camera to make a video of the noise and put it on youtube?

 

[8borerifle]

I should have the truck back next week so I could use my phone to record the noise then. I am hoping the new axle assembly will fix it but that doesn't seem likely. I overestimated the cost of repair, it might not be too bad even if the third member needs replaced. Even at 100/hour the total cost for the 3rd member might not be over 1800.00. Thanks BlackWorksInc for the repair estimate. I was thinking I would have to get a junk yard third member and have it installed. Don't see how you could do that in 2.5 hours, but being on a lift sure would make a difference! I have changed a ton of engines when I was younger, even putting an 87 Buick Grand National drivetrain in a Monte CarloSS. That opened a few eyes at the drag strip when I was running 12.60's with street tires and closed exhaust. I kept the hood closed! I am too old to do that stuff now, bad knees and hip and bifocals. Dang!

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I should have the truck back next week so I could use my phone to record the noise then. I am hoping the new axle assembly will fix it but that doesn't seem likely. I overestimated the cost of repair, it might not be too bad even if the third member needs replaced. Even at 100/hour the total cost for the 3rd member might not be over 1800.00. Thanks BlackWorksInc for the repair estimate. I was thinking I would have to get a junk yard third member and have it installed. Don't see how you could do that in 2.5 hours, but being on a lift sure would make a difference! I have changed a ton of engines when I was younger, even putting an 87 Buick Grand National drivetrain in a Monte CarloSS. That opened a few eyes at the drag strip when I was running 12.60's with street tires and closed exhaust. I kept the hood closed! I am too old to do that stuff now, bad knees and hip and bifocals. Dang!

I replaced the front 3rd member in my 4Runner a year ago, was pretty straight forward. Once you get the two brackets off and pop the axle shafts out its just a heavy SOB to lug in and out.

 

[8borerifle]

Found the problem and will pick the 4Runner up Tuesday! Turns out the shield over the cat. convertor had rusted off and was laying across the driveshaft going to the front axle. Every time 4wd was activated the noise started and got faster as the speed increased. Thanks for all your help. The shop put it on a rack and activated 4wd and the wheels were turning fine but the noise couldn't be found until they found the shield! Thanks a lot for all of your help, glad it wasn't the actuator or third member! As soon as the shield was removed the noise stopped. The drivers side axle assembly will be installed Tuesday to fix the torn boot.

 

[JB.]

Thanks for posting the outcome.

 

[8borerifle]

Got the 4Runner back today from the repair shop. Drivers side axle assembly replaced, total cost $204.41. Owner showed me the Aluminum heat shield that fell on the shaft that made a lot of noise when 4wd activated. Looks like the metal ate away around the three bolts that held it on. Glad that was all it was!

 

[jklstudios]

Horrible noise after tight turn in 4H

Apologies for jumping on this thread, but I'm new to this forum and it wouldn't let me post a new thread. I fear I've made a terrible mistake and would love to hear ideas/advise.

I have a 2003 4Runner SR5 V6. I've purchased it used a few months ago. It's got 130,000 miles.

I was just driving for one of the first times with it in 4H. I made a tight turn in a slushy dirt parking area and it wade a horrible grinding crunching sound. While in 4H, I have no drive or reverse and it continues to make a noise. The sound goes away when in park. And everything is fine in 2H.

What have I done?!?!

Thanks so much for your help!
-J

 

[eleven14]

Apologies for jumping on this thread, but I'm new to this forum and it wouldn't let me post a new thread. I fear I've made a terrible mistake and would love to hear ideas/advise.

I have a 2003 4Runner SR5 V6. I've purchased it used a few months ago. It's got 130,000 miles.

I was just driving for one of the first times with it in 4H. I made a tight turn in a slushy dirt parking area and it wade a horrible grinding crunching sound. While in 4H, I have no drive or reverse and it continues to make a noise. The sound goes away when in park. And everything is fine in 2H.

What have I done?!?!

Thanks so much for your help!
-J

Take a look under the truck and rule out anything obvious like a broken front drivevshaft/yoke/etc.

 

[jklstudios]

Update:
The driver's side CV joint had blown apart. CV joint disconnected, boot in shreds. So that was obviously the problem. But the sway bar was also completely disconnected from it's mount. It was not broken. The nut that held it in place was totally gone. Thankfully a much easier fix than I was thinking it would be. New nut on the sway bar and a new CV axel and everything seems to be good again. I'm wondering what came first. Did the loose sway bar cause the damage? Making a tight turn in 4H? Or was the CV joint just ready to go?