Rotational rattling sound up front

[judoant]

5k miles ago I had the front diff and tranny fluid replaced. Over the past month I have heard a faint rattling sound, which I though was coming from the cv axle because they have been leaking for some time.

Well 2 days ago the noise was much more noticeable. Sounds like a baby rattler and the frequency increases with speed and decreases when I slow and goes away at about 10 mph. Today I hade the front passenger cv axle replaced and the noise is still there. The drivers side cv just started to leak and needs replaced but I got up under the rig and noticed fluids covering several areas. The front diff and up above that I guess somewhere around the tranny/engine connection have fluids on them.

Any thoughts? I plan to clean it tonight and try to pinpoint the leak.

 

[IrLoserBoy]

I also just noticed a sound like that. mine is extremely high pitched. almost like keys rattling. I first thought it was maybe a wire hanging and scrapping the ground. I also see some fluid(oil I think) on the front right cv/diff area. I just had my timing belt replaced, tranny rebuilt, and front pads and rotors installed. it's the same truck as yours, 99 4runner limited. I have no idea what is wrong. I also had that cv replaced a few miles ago, or maybe it was the other cv. I can't quite remember because I haven't driven it in a year due to bad tranny.

 

[judoant]

So I just got home and got a better look at it. It's definitely leaking at the new axle and the diff. Would this cause the rattling noise??


It also looks like I have a minor oil leak at the rear main seal and sure enough I am about a quart low since my last oil change. About 3k ago.

 

[theizzardking]

So I just got home and got a better look at it. It's definitely leaking at the new axle and the diff. Would this cause the rattling noise??


It also looks like I have a minor oil leak at the rear main seal and sure enough I am about a quart low since my last oil change. About 3k ago.

possibly if they didn't knock the cv in all the way, with out the cv pushing the c-clip in there out it could be rattling around in there...i'd be more concerned with maybe a bearing going out in the diff though.....and are you seeing oil or grease? this might help a bit...really though there should be no "oil" coming out between teh diff and the cv if they just fixed it, it does sound quite possible that they simply didn't push the cv in far enough...doubtful but it sounds like a possibility...you have any modifications?

 

[judoant]

I have no mods and I am certain it is oil leaking at the diff and axle. What would cause a bearing to go out in the diff? I have regularly had the diff fluid changed for the past 100k.

fyi...The passenger axle has leaked for over a year.

I also just noticed the sway bar bushings are almost completely gone.

 

[judoant]

Problem solved. It was the e-brake. I pulled up on it slightly while moving and the noise went away. Replaced the shoes and rebuilt the drums and its all good.