Rumble Noise when Making Low Speed Turns Help.

M

Milo

New member
I need some help identifying the source of a rumble noise in my 2009 4runner.

I am hearing a low frequency rumble noise in the cabin of my 4runner when making low speed turns, 2 -5 MPH. Example: When backing out of a parking spot and turn the steering wheel. Example 2: When making low speed forward turns 2-5 MPH like that in parking lots or pulling out of a drive way.

There is no vibration that I can feel and I do not hear the noise at higher speeds. Moreover the steering wheel must be turned to hear the noise. However the steering wheel does not have to hit the stops to hear the noise. There is no noise when driving strait.

I took the 4runner to the dealer and they tell me the noise is normal. I disagree.

My 4Runner is a 2009 Limited V8 fulltime 4WD with only 39k miles on it.

Your inside is greatly appreciated.
 
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Is it lifted, or did you install larger than stock tires? Maybe the outer corner of the tire sidewall is rubbing a bit on the wheel well. While reversing with the wheel turned is usually the first place it will rub.
 
Nope, the 4runner completely stock.

I looked, but didn’t find any evidence of the tires rubbing on anything.

The sound is low frequency, like bass from a subwoofer.
 
Milo said:
I need some help identifying the source of a rumble noise in my 2009 4runner.

I am hearing a low frequency rumble noise in the cabin of my 4runner when making low speed turns, 2 -5 MPH. Example: When backing out of a parking spot and turn the steering wheel. Example 2: When making low speed forward turns 2-5 MPH like that in parking lots or pulling out of a drive way.

There is no vibration that I can feel and I do not hear the noise at higher speeds. Moreover the steering wheel must be turned to hear the noise. However the steering wheel does not have to hit the stops to hear the noise. There is no noise when driving strait.

I took the 4runner to the dealer and they tell me the noise is normal. I disagree.

My 4Runner is a 2009 Limited V8 fulltime 4WD with only 39k miles on it.

Your inside is greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...

A slight vibration under the floor under those circumstances is normal for the full-time 4wds.

Low speed, tight turn with power to the wheels (not coasting). Nature of the beast due to the way Torsen center diff works. A faint echo of the same problem presented by a tight, low speed turn in locked 4wd.
 
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I have driven 4x4 Jeep Grand Cherokees since 1998 and never experienced anything like this. Moreover a buddy of mine has a 2004 4x4 4Runner that does not exhibit this noise.

Is there something unique about the 2009 4runner that causes this noise? Are there any other 4runner owners that have experienced this rumble noise?
 
Milo said:
I have driven 4x4 Jeep Grand Cherokees since 1998 and never experienced anything like this. Moreover a buddy of mine has a 2004 4x4 4Runner that does not exhibit this noise.

Is there something unique about the 2009 4runner that causes this noise? Are there any other 4runner owners that have experienced this rumble noise?
Click to expand...

You could have a cv binding making noise, or your spring could be soft enough your tire is rubbing the frame rail. Check in the front fender well for shiny spots on the frame or body.

I have had 2 4th gen AWDs and neither did this.
 
You sure its not just the front tires grabbing because of the full time 4wd? I noticed it on mine making a sharp uturn on asphault....
 
I was told that this was fairly normal for this driveline. Don't panic too much about it. Has to do with how the TC works and full-turn stress on the front drive shafts.
 
Never noticed any sound like that with my full time drivetrain.

I do however have large amounts of sound deadening done to my interior & floors. But, even before all the deadening was done...i don't remember any weird sounds.
 
TOY2G said:
You could have a cv binding making noise, or your spring could be soft enough your tire is rubbing the frame rail. Check in the front fender well for shiny spots on the frame or body.

I have had 2 4th gen AWDs and neither did this.
Click to expand...

I checks again this time with the 4runner up on jack stands and found no signs of rubbing.
 
My 4runner is a 4x4 limited with locking transfer case. Question: Are my front and rear differentials limited slip, locking, or open?
 
Update:

I think I might have found a remedy for the rumble noise in my 09 4Runner. See post #12 by G.I.G

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/maint...ntial-transfer-case-fluids-pics-included.html

Member G.I.G. wrote: I just hit 30k on my 4R and serviced all 3 boxes with Mobil 1 75W-90. Having the V8 with full-time 4-wheel drive I was noticing some binding when cranking the wheel hard (getting in and out of parking spots, flipping U-turns, etc.) but since I have switched to the Mobil 1, it is all but gone away. I am REALLY glad I went with the Mobil 1 and would highly recommend it regardless of whether you tow or not. :)[/QUOTE]
 
A 'little' bit of binding up is normal for full-time 4x4's when making sharp turns at low speeds (getting in and out of parking spots, etc.). I owned a Grand Cherokee with full-time 4x4 before my 4Runner and it did the same thing. As I had mentioned in the thread about changing the gear oil, when I changed out the factory gear oil at 30k miles to Mobil1, the binding up on tight turns at low speeds was dramatically reduced. So when the dealer says it's "normal", it is to a certain extent but if it's excessive, there is probably something you can do about it.

I would try changing out the gear oil in all 3 differentials, preferably to a quality synthetic. I like Mobil1 because it's reasonably priced and readily available. If your 4Runner has 39k miles on it and you're not the first owner, it probably has never been serviced. Even though Toyota doesn't call for the diffs to be serviced at 30k, I think it is good practice, especially for the V8 models with full-time 4x4 and might help with your problem.

What kind of tires are you running? I'm not sure if it makes a difference or not, but I would reason to guess that tires with a softer tread compound that grip better would exacerbate the problem.
 
Milo,

Did changing to Mobil 1 75w90 eliminate your low speed low frequency vibration/rumble/noise?

When you first noticed the vibration/rumble/noise was it very subtle or would someone who's not into cars have been able to hear that and say something was wrong?

Steve
 
When I back out of the driveway for the first time each day, and only when I turn the wheel to make the turn, I feel/hear the low frequency vibration. It's almost as if I have big treads on the tires and I'm rolling on those treads in the turn. In all other driving scenarios I feel/hear nothing...tight turns with or without power are all normal, acceleration normal ect.

The truck is a 2006 with 125k miles which I just purchased. The driveline was probably never serviced and only the transfer case fluid came out looking reasonably good. The diffs were horrendous looking. I recently changed the front and rear diff fluid with Valvoline LS 80W90 and transfer case with Valvoline LS 75W90. Those are what the manual called for. I was unable to find fluid with the proper specs that was not LS.

I also greased the slides and u joints.

I would love to know if others experience this low frequency vibration and also hear any long term up updates on people using the Mobile1 75W90 gear oil.
 
Thank you for all the replies.

I changed the gear oil in the front & rear differentials and transfer case with Amsoil Severe Gear 75W90 shortly after my original post back in 2014. The low frequency rumble persisted when making low speed tight turns like when backing out of a parking spot. I had the Bridgestone Dueler H/T 840 size P265/60R18 tires that came with the 4Runner when new when I posted back in 2014. I am running Michelin Defender LTX tires now. No evidence of rubbing back then or now. I have 98k miles on my 09 4Runner now.

I have driven other 4th gen 4Runners since my orginal post and most do exhibit the rumble noise. Like JB. posted, the low frequency rumble seems to be the nature of the beast. It doesn't bother me anymore.

I am thinking about replacing the Amsoil gear oil with Toyota 75W85 when I reach 100k.

Thanks again!
 
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