"Swooshing" Sound/Front End

[TN4Runner07]

I completely realize that by trying to describe sounds via text is nearly impossible, but would like to get everyone's opinion as to "possibles" on this one.

I believe the sound is coming from the front end and it sounds like a swooshing almost rubbing sound that isn't consent. Example: It almost sounds like there is a "spot" at the 12'o clock position of the tire and makes a sound at that spot when it reaches a full rotation. It does not increase or decrease when turning and gets noticeably louder when speed is increased. You can really hear it when you let of the accelerator. Very clear between approx 20-50 mph. Still present at higher HWY speeds, however road noise and tire noise seems to suppress it. Getting worse over time as well? Wheel bearing? Tire wear out?

Of note, I have BFG A/T KO 265/75/16 that need to be replaced. I am not sure that this is it but could be?

I recently changed the pads and rotors and ensured that the brake dust shield wasn't bent during installation.

Any thoughts are always appreciated!

 

[phattyduck]

If it is tire related, try rotating the tires front to back. That should move the sound to the back if the tires are making the noise...

-Charlie

 

[cashman]

I believe the sound is coming from the front end and it sounds like a swooshing almost rubbing sound that isn't consent.

I've been chasing what sounds like the same issue, with no success. I have ruled out tires and sticking brakes, and suspect a wheel bearing is the culprit. But, having exhausted my patience, I'm taking the runner into a trusted mechanic next Monday for diagnosis. I'll let you know what they say, in case we are suffering from the same issue. Best of luck.

 

[TN4Runner07]

cashman..that would be awesome. Please let me know. I am thinking it's a bearing as well. I know that ball joints can be a problem on the Runners as well, but hopefully they are unrelated

 

[Acorn22]

I had this exact same problem about 2 months ago and I was just like you, I thought it was coming from the front end so I replaced my pads and brake rotors. Nothing. So then I moved on to the wheel bearings, changed them myself and still no help at all, could still hear a swooshing noise...

THEN, I tested out my rear end by jacking the back of the car up and putting it in drive so I could listen. The rear end was making the sound! I narrowed it down to a pinion bearing with a screwdriver that I used as a stethoscope, so I found a used but taken care of 3rd member and did a straight swap. Solved the wooshing noise as well as this fshhhhhhh sound that it would make when I let the gas off on the highway. Haven't had the noise since then.

Hope that helps

 

[TN4Runner07]

Very nice. I will try that as well....maybe that will be it and can have the same kind of response you did.

 

[samario1984]

If wheel bearing swerving safely should alter the sound

 

[flipty]

I've got a somewhat similar sound but to me it's all wheel bearing. I'll be doing both sides in the near future, and if it ain't that, on to the tires.

 

[TN4Runner07]

So just noticed a rear axle seal leak on the back passenger side. Gear oil seems to be on the inside of rim and backside of tire...Would this cause the noise? Worried about what's inside that's damaged.

 

[Acorn22]

So just noticed a rear axle seal leak on the back passenger side. Gear oil seems to be on the inside of rim and backside of tire...Would this cause the noise? Worried about what's inside that's damaged.

This will cause a little bit of a noise (probably not the wooshing sound) that will slowly get worse over time. Basically gear oil has made its way past the seal and has washed out all of the grease in the axle bearing which causes it to have some play in it. The seal has failed and most likely the bearing is either there or on its way out too. The only thing that could be messed up is either the seal or bearing so don't worry too much, however, those bearings are a PITA to change. You can test it by lifting the rear end up and try and wobble the tire back and forth, there should be no play at all. If there is, then the bearing is bad.

I would also test the front wheel bearings by taking the caliper and rotor off and spinning them, if they sound pretty gritty or if there's any wobbling movement in the hub then you got a problem with the front as well.

Still banking on that pinion bearing though, it just sounds like the exact same problem I was faced with

 

[Toyotayoda]

Wheel bearings would change sounds depending on which wheel was most loaded. Pinion bearing noise usually starts to turn into a whine at bout 50mph, and will make a swoosh noise at lower speeds. There are also sets of needle bearings in the front diff the the c.v axles ride on, and they can make noise intermittently. On my rig those needle bearings have been making noise on and off for over a year, one day I'll open up the diff and replace those bearings, and put a limited slip carrier in there.

 

[cashman]

Quick update - my issue turned out to be a passenger-side wheel bearing. Replaced for approx. $400 with labor and I didn't even get my hands dirty. Acorn22 gave you some good advice on how to diagnose the bearing issue - it was clear as day once they got the caliper and rotor off and gave it a spin. Best of luck!