Rumbling issue

[jareddavidj]

So over the course of the last month or so, my 4Runner has developed a rumbling noise. Initially, it started at what seemed like a vibration in the driver side front wheel area, but has progressed to a more all encompassing vibration. Initially, the vibration was high frequency, low amplitude but recently it has become a bit lower frequency with higher amplitude. Initially, it would only vibrate when under acceleration, immediately silencing when I would lift my foot off the gas. Now, it seems somewhat dependent on whether I am on the gas or not, but is more pervasive even when not on the gas. The first thing that came to mind was U-joint, is there any way to check if that's the issue? What else could it possibly be? Also, around the same time a metallic clicking noise has developed from what sounds like underneath the car that only happens sometimes under acceleration. Not sure if that's related. The rumbling issue is not super dependent on speed, but I have noticed at higher speeds, the amplitude decreases slightly but the frequency increases. Any help is much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[tystaco]

Sounds a lot like the rear U-Joint could be your problem. I am about to change mine as well. I get a lot of vibration/growling under acceleration. Sounds like you can test it by disconnecting the rear drive shaft, putting it in 4WD and driving (essentially front wheel drive)...it will tell you whether or not the rear U-joint is the issue.

I at first thought I might have a wheel bearing going bad, but that is usually directional and I haven't seen it stick to a side...hoping they both aren't bad...but practice replacing them would be new knowledge.

 

[OutRunner]

Definitely seconding the U-joint idea. Exact same symptoms in my truck, pulled the U-joint and it was completely destroyed, not sure how it held together at all. Good luck.