Humming/roaring noise from rear of my 2016 4Runner

cannondale1974

New member
Hi, just bought a 2016 TRD Trail with 95K miles. All stock, noticed a roaring noise that "seems" to be coming from the rear at speeds above 60mph. My wife's 2011 Venza needed front wheel bearings at 150K, I know that noise and this seems similar but not quite as loud. I remember watching a video about the rear diff's being a little noisy in these 5th gens also. Are wheel bearings pretty common at around 100K? This one has never been off-road either.

Thanks!
 
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Tires? Some tire tread designs can make lots of noise. Does the sound change with different types of pavement, asphalt, concrete, etc? If so, it is probably tires.
 
Check the fluid level in the rear axle, if its low you are probably have axle bearings that need replacement as well as the differential bearings. Check how much toyota will charge to replace them and decide if a used axle would be a better option. Although if Toyota replaces all the bearings you probably will never have any troubles with the rear end again. good luck.....Jim
 
Tires? Some tire tread designs can make lots of noise. Does the sound change with different types of pavement, asphalt, concrete, etc? If so, it is probably tires.

It's got some BF Goodrich tires on it, tread looks a little aggressive, stock size I believe. It's really only at speeds over 60 and the tone changes with an increase in speed. I don't think different types of surfaces makes a difference but I could be wrong.
 
Check the fluid level in the rear axle, if its low you are probably have axle bearings that need replacement as well as the differential bearings. Check how much toyota will charge to replace them and decide if a used axle would be a better option. Although if Toyota replaces all the bearings you probably will never have any troubles with the rear end again. good luck.....Jim

Will do Jim, thanks for all the information. Although I wonder why the diff fluid would be low in a vehicle that's relatively new(er) Guess anythings possible. Hav you heard of diff bearings and axle bearings going out on these prematurely?
 
Will do Jim, thanks for all the information. Although I wonder why the diff fluid would be low in a vehicle that's relatively new(er) Guess anythings possible. Hav you heard of diff bearings and axle bearings going out on these prematurely?
Did you ever change or have a shop change your differential fluids? Loose drain plug? Unfortunate situation for member BearBio.
https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3797618-post49779.html
 
Did you ever change or have a shop change your differential fluids? Loose drain plug? Unfortunate situation for member BearBio.
https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3797618-post49779.html

I've only had the truck for a couple weeks, previous owner had the diff fluid changed at some point though, IIRC. That's a terrible situation for the other member you linked to. Honestly, I can't tell if it's coming from the rear or not, just a humming noise all around. My gut still says wheel bearings but I guess the diff or tires could be the culprit also. It's not "super loud" but it is present. When my wife's front wheel bearings went out at 150K in her Venza they got (very) loud, there was no doubt that something had failed.
 
The Car Care Nut mentioned somewhere, that on some rear axles on T4R does humming noise appeared at certain speeds. and he said it is a lot hustle and money to fix, and just to live with it. if it's failing bearing - that's another story.
 
The Car Care Nut mentioned somewhere, that on some rear axles on T4R does humming noise appeared at certain speeds. and he said it is a lot hustle and money to fix, and just to live with it. if it's failing bearing - that's another story.

My 2019 4runner that I bought new has a whining rear differential since day one. I took it in and complained, and they replaced the differential under warranty. The new one whines just like the old one, but I’ve since put on a Gobi rack and the wind noise from it kinda drowns out the whining differential.
 
Check the fluid level in the rear axle, if its low you are probably have axle bearings that need replacement as well as the differential bearings. Check how much toyota will charge to replace them and decide if a used axle would be a better option. Although if Toyota replaces all the bearings you probably will never have any troubles with the rear end again. good luck.....Jim

Similar noise on a trip this month. Couldn't place it and thought it was wheel hum. Turned out some idiot at Valvoline here in Wenatchee didn't tighten the drain plug in the differential correctly and the fluid drained out. Since it wasn't dealer serviced, no warranty coverage. Wore the gears down smooth and WELDED to axle in place. Final determination: $7100 and 2-3 weeks to repair. Car is in Klamath Falls, and we are home in Wenatchee. Waiting to hear from Valvoline if they will pick up the tab.
 

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