Grinding/whomping

[nosfanatic2006]

So I've had my 4runner for a few weeks now, no issues. Drove about 150 miles yesterday with nothing weird, then we go to get dinner last night and it sounds like metal grinding metal, but it's rotational kind of like "whomp....whomp....whomp", but I cannot tell if it's up front or in the middle or in the back while in the vehicle.

I tried having the girlfriend drive by me a few times as well as a short safe ride standing on the step and holding onto the roof rack and I cannot hear it outside the vehicle. It adjusts with speed, breaking does not seem to effect it (besides slowing it down), it seems to quiet down a little when turning left but doesn't go away and comes right back once going straight.

I've visually checked everything I can think of, I don't see any signs of anything rubbing anywhere. It's a noise I've never personally experienced and I'm about 90 miles from home where all my tools and my "mechanic" buddies are. I tried recording a video and the sound did not come through.

Any ideas?

 

[White4runner305]

Could be wheel bearing?

 

[AuSeeker]

So I've had my 4runner for a few weeks now, no issues. Drove about 150 miles yesterday with nothing weird, then we go to get dinner last night and it sounds like metal grinding metal, but it's rotational kind of like "whomp....whomp....whomp", but I cannot tell if it's up front or in the middle or in the back while in the vehicle.

I tried having the girlfriend drive by me a few times as well as a short safe ride standing on the step and holding onto the roof rack and I cannot hear it outside the vehicle. It adjusts with speed, breaking does not seem to effect it (besides slowing it down), it seems to quiet down a little when turning left but doesn't go away and comes right back once going straight.

I've visually checked everything I can think of, I don't see any signs of anything rubbing anywhere. It's a noise I've never personally experienced and I'm about 90 miles from home where all my tools and my "mechanic" buddies are. I tried recording a video and the sound did not come through.

Any ideas?

Could be wheel bearing?

From you saying the noise lessens when turning left I would agree that it's most likely a wheel bearing, I would say it's the right front wheel bearing because it's usually the opposite side of the direction you're turning when the noise lessens

I would first get it checked or check it yourself by jacking up the wheel and trying pushing and pulling at the 12 and 6 o'clock position and seeing if there's any play at all, there should be no play at all...another note for the most part wheel bearings don't dramatically fail all at once even after you know for sure it's bad so you can still safely drive on it for some time before replacing it.

 

[Nelsoncody]

From you saying the noise lessens when turning left I would agree that it's most likely a wheel bearing, I would say it's the right front wheel bearing because it's usually the opposite side of the direction you're turning when the noise lessens



I would first get it checked or check it yourself by jacking up the wheel and trying pushing and pulling at the 12 and 6 o'clock position and seeing if there's any play at all, there should be no play at all...another note for the most part wheel bearings don't dramatically fail all at once even after you know for sure it's bad so you can still safely drive on it for some time before replacing it.

I was under the assumption if you turn left and the noise lessens it would be your left because you placed all your load on the right side? Does it do it clearly when turning right? If so that would confirm the left in my understanding.

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[nosfanatic2006]

Had a buddy ride with me who's replaced 3 wheel bearings on his Subaru in the last couple years and he confirmed it sounds like a wheel bearing. Somehow I've avoided this issue with every vehicle I've had so I had no idea. He said he drove for about 8 months after his last bearing started making noise haha. Every rotation makes me cringe so I know I won't let it go that long.

How much does a shop usually charge to do this? Is there a guy who sells the whole assembly that I can just bolt on on the forum? I know there was a guy for the 2nd gen tacoma's when I had my 2013, but wasn't sure if we were that lucky too

 

[firebirdguy]

auto parts stores sell the complete hub assembly to bolt on. i would suggest checking it as mentioned above to confirm it is whats bad before throwing parts at it.

 

[Warwicke36]

auto parts stores sell the complete hub assembly to bolt on. i would suggest checking it as mentioned above to confirm it is whats bad before throwing parts at it.

It could also be a backing plate / dust shield on your brakes rubbing on the rotor (more common after you've had the wheels off and been working on something in that area I'll admit)... use a long screwdriver to push them back and make sure they're not contacting the rotor. I'd give that a look before you start disassembling the hub.

 

[montijo505]

Wheel Bearings & Hubs Press Service *** 4x4 *** PreRunner *** NSK***Koyo*** | Tacoma World

That’s where I got mine. Going on 2 years no problems. The actual assembly installs with 4 bolts. To get it off you will have to remove caliper, rotor, cv axle nut and wheel speed sensor. Takes some time but not a hard job. Easily done with hand tools in a garage/driveway.

Also to confirm. If turning right noise goes away, it’s the left and vice versa. Reason is when the bad bearing gets the load on it it doesn’t make the noise. Good luck!


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[firebirdguy]

It could also be a backing plate / dust shield on your brakes rubbing on the rotor (more common after you've had the wheels off and been working on something in that area I'll admit)... use a long screwdriver to push them back and make sure they're not contacting the rotor. I'd give that a look before you start disassembling the hub.

i agree, thats why i said to check it to confirm what the issue is & not throw parts at it. was just letting him know they sell the whole hub at auto stores since he asked about it.

 

[Warwicke36]

Whoops clicked the wrong post to quote. That wasn't directed at you, meant for the OP.