Help diagnosing whine during acceleration - rear end?

[bergeron37]

So heres the background - I had an extremely small leak out of the 3rd member on my 98. About 3 weeks ago a small whine started and it sounded like it was coming from the rear end, it would only occur when accelerating and was very subtle. I noticed quickly that the leak had stopped so I took it to my mechanic and he cleaned up the mess from the leak and refilled the gear oil with what he described as "pretty thick oil".

He said to drive it and let him know if the leak started and to bring it back in a week or so and he'll change the fluid again. Said it may take a few weeks for the whine to stop, and it might not go away completely. 2 weeks after I picked it up from him, the leak started again (just as slowly as before). The whine has gotten progressively worse. Starts during acceleration, and continues as long as I have my foot on the pedal from around 25/30 - 80 mph. If i let up on the accelerator it kind of gets louder quickly before going away as I continue rolling. It also seems to start as it shifts into 1st gear during when I brake.

I'm starting to think it could be a pinion bearing or seal. Any thoughts? I have a video with the whine, you may want to turn it up a little. Towards the end i'm repeatedly pressing and letting up on the accelerator.

 

[nevada]

for sure a rear bearing.
USUALLY its the pinion bearing, if it changes with throttle input. but, ive seen carrier bearings sound the same.

it really doesn't matter tho, if you go in to change the pinion bearing, you should change them all.

the 3rd member has to come out to change the bearings.

 

[bergeron37]

Thanks for the response. I came to the conclusion that is was either pinion or carrier bearing through reading countless other threads I just wanted to make sure before I bring it to my guy.

Appreciate the help, any estimates as to how much this could cost?

 

[bergeron37]

I've been told look around for a new rear end. Gear ratio 4.10 - guess I'll just have to cross my fingers

 

[bergeron37]

Can anyone advise me if this is what I should be looking for?

Toyota 4Runner Surf Tacoma Truck 8" Rear Differential Pig 4 10 Axle Gear Ratio | eBay

I have 98 4x4 with no e-locker, I'm pretty sure that means 4.10 gears

 

[02SE]

Can anyone advise me if this is what I should be looking for?

Toyota 4Runner Surf Tacoma Truck 8" Rear Differential Pig 4 10 Axle Gear Ratio | eBay

I have 98 4x4 with no e-locker, I'm pretty sure that means 4.10 gears

Before spending that much money on a used 3rd member, in unknown condition, I'd find a reputable driveline shop to rebuild yours. If there are no shops near you, then I'd consider this deal from Marlin: Open Carrier 8" V6 | Marlin Crawler, Inc.

 

[bergeron37]

"Please note: We do not have cores on hand to build this. As a result, you must first send us your complete 3rd member as pictured in order for us to rebuild and return to you."

This is not possible, I do not have the ability to send mine in and wait while they rebuild it. Does anyone know of a reputable gear shop in Boston area? My mechanic is very reputable so I trust him when he tells me to find a used 3rd member. This one is off a florida truck, (no rust) and there is a 14 day money-back guarantee so I might just do it. If my mechanic tells me its not going to work I'll get my money back.

 

[papapoopski]

Check out these guys. Proffessional and courteous. Eastcoastgearsupply.com

I replaced my 3rd after having the same symptoms as you describe. I also did not have the time to wait for a rebuild on my core, they should have them in stock and were quick to get it done.

 

[bergeron37]

Thanks I will check them out. I figured a used Toyota 3rd member would be better if I could get one in decent shape rather than going to an aftermarket.

I'm also going to get in touch with Brookline Machine Company, I guess they specialize in this type of work and are only 15 minutes a way from me.

Thanks for all the responses guys, that's why this place is great.

 

[papapoopski]

ECGS sells rebuilt OEM 3rds. Tell them what gear ratio you need, they put it together. You send them back your core to be rebuilt for the next person in line. Built quality is absolutely top notch.

IMO, it beats getting a junk yard 3rd with all the unknowns that go with it.

 

[bergeron37]

ECGS sells rebuilt OEM 3rds. Tell them what gear ratio you need, they put it together. You send them back your core to be rebuilt for the next person in line. Built quality is absolutely top notch.

IMO, it beats getting a junk yard 3rd with all the unknowns that go with it.

Thanks a shit ton for the info. Question - did the whine go away once you had the rebuilt 3rd member put in?

 

[papapoopski]

Yes the whine is completely gone. Runs smooth and quiet. I expect it to last for the life of the truck.

Make sure your diff breather is good to go to keep the new fluid healthy.

 

[JohnsD90]

I paid $225 shipped for a 4.10 used rear a few years ago, I'd much rather buy a used rear end for $225, than a grand for a rebuilt unit!