Rear differential whine?

[offroadAnnie]

Rear differential whine

Hi everyone. I recently had this same problem with a whining noise coming from the rear end of my 4th gen with an ARB air locker. Took her in to a 4x4 shop and they said the diff fluid was full of metal shavings. They ended up having to replace the pinion bearings because they were scored badly. The copper air line was also replaced because it had either been routed wrong or had moved and the pinion gear took chunks out of it. It was an expensive fix for sure! When I initially brought her home, the rear end was silent. Then about a week later, I began hearing a whining/whirring noise again. I can't imagine the noise is coming from the bearings since they were just changed. Not sure if it is adjusted incorrectly again or what. Just thought I'd pass this along. If anyone has input, great. Really don't want to keep having expensive diff problems!!!

 

[aha2988]

Hi everyone. I recently had this same problem with a whining noise coming from the rear end of my 4th gen with an ARB air locker. Took her in to a 4x4 shop and they said the diff fluid was full of metal shavings. They ended up having to replace the pinion bearings because they were scored badly. The copper air line was also replaced because it had either been routed wrong or had moved and the pinion gear took chunks out of it. It was an expensive fix for sure! When I initially brought her home, the rear end was silent. Then about a week later, I began hearing a whining/whirring noise again. I can't imagine the noise is coming from the bearings since they were just changed. Not sure if it is adjusted incorrectly again or what. Just thought I'd pass this along. If anyone has input, great. Really don't want to keep having expensive diff problems!!!

Welcome to the forum! Hate that your first post was about dealing with a problem.

How long has the ARB been installed before the noise started (mileage) and what type of gear oil?

you mentioned they replaced the pinion bearings, what about the ARB carrier Bearings. Were they replaced as well? I assume they replaced the copper airline also? did they route it the same way that caused failure the first time?

My ARB airline was initially routed wrong as well, allowing the "Ring" gear to catch it and tear holes causing leaks. ("Pinion" gear shouldn't be anywhere near the copper line as it is located deeper in the third member away from the air line route) Fortunately I purchased from ECGS and their 5yr warranty provided a full rebuild. They replaced all the bearings and seals in the ARB carrier as well as the pinion bearings and seal.

 

[Whistling_moon]

I just want to say thank you Austin for helping me wrap my dumb ass brain around this noise that has been bugging the piss out of me for 5 months. Just pulled the driveshaft and turned the pinion nut about a half turn and it significantly altered the noise I’ve been hearing. Now there is no doubt in my mind my pinion bearings are bad. I suppose now it’s time to crack open this bad ***** and see what’s ailing her. Knowledge is cool and I appreciate you passing it on.

 

[CookieRoe]

My rear pinion bearing is bad, but haven't gone to the dealer to get it repaired. I called an Indy show near me and was quoted $1300. Toyota quoted me the same. How much SHOULD this job cost? I know it's involved (practically taking the rear end out).