Rear End Noise

[fourharts56]

Quick question for anyone that may have had the same problem. I have a 2000 Sport (Highlander model) T4R with 5spd, ABS, no locker and 16in wheels, straight from the factory with 130k miles, I am original owner.
Rear end is making a whining sound which is most notable during deceleration when coasting in gear.
No noise with clutch in or out of gear.
I can really hear it during deceleration, it is quieter during acceleration but can still here it.
It is quietest when driving with just the gas pedal slightly pushed and slowing down, like the rear end is unloaded at that point.
There is no vibration just whining.
Is this a differential problem like the trust bearing or axle carrier bearing problem?
If I have to tear this thing apart I want to do it once so any recommendations on a complete rebuild kit or a supplier for a rebuilt axle?

 

[PitbullRescuer]

It's the pinion bearing.

 

[Bt08231]

with the clutch in and the truck out of gear, and no noise, the pinion bearing would still be spinning right? thus not being the pinion if the noise stopped?

 

[fourharts56]

I'm not real familiar with the bearing layout in a rear end (marine engineer by trade) but it sounds just like a thrust bearing since there is not noise when the drivetrain is just coasting with no load on it. Something in the differential has to absorb the axial thrust of the driveline when it is placed under load both being driven by the engine and driven by the wheels while dragging the engine.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

with the clutch in and the truck out of gear, and no noise, the pinion bearing would still be spinning right? thus not being the pinion if the noise stopped?

Pinion would still be spinning but with much much less load on it. It's the pinion bearing. Take my advice or not but its the pinion bearing.

 

[asahi4runner]

Agree its the pinion just replaced on my 03. Exactly same problem.

 

[fourharts56]

So I finally dug into the drawings and there are 2 pinions bearings on the stub shaft in the differential, the front you can replace with out removing the diff but the back requires pulling the whole diff out.
Is this kind of work to much for a week end mechanic? If I pull out the axles to remove the diff do I need to replace those bearings also?
Is it better to just get a rebuilt diff from Marlin Crawler?
Opinions welcome!:rapture:

 

[HHIslandT4]

What did you pay to have pinion bearing replaced? Thanks in advance. John