transmission noise - was noise in reverse

[jmfranc]

Odd problem. My 99 4cyl 4runner started making a loud squeaky noise when I put it in reverse. The faster I backed-up - the faster and louder the chirp. All heads would turn to see where the noise was coming from.

We find out that it's coming from the transmission directly below the drivers seat. I squirt some white lithium grease in there and it didn't help. After a few days the noise goes away. The noise has not come back but now:

When driving and not having the foot on the gas - between 35 - 50 it began making a loud shake/hum noise almost like a caliper/rotor problem. It is getting worse. No noise in reverse so i assume it morphed into this. I can now hear it at almost any speed and with my foot on the gas. You really hear it coasting down a large hill.

Any ideas? I'm about to get it into the Toyota repair shop unless someone can point me at the possible problem or at least a head's-up so I know what I am talking about.

It's got 130,000 miles - routine oil-changes - new Bumbo rotors about 6 months ago. New tires and whatnot. Working great until the noise starting when backing up. I don't feel much loss in power. No noise backing up. No leaks anywhere and fluids are all at the correct levels.

ANY HELP WOULD BE GREAT!!!!!!

 

[pat161]

Did you check the tranny fluid to make sure its full? With your mileage you may need a new U-joint or two. If the noise and vibes seem to come from behind the tranny I'd go with that U-joint, assuming you have maintained your tranny I'm sure its still fine.

And on a side note where did you squirt this lithium grease, did you lube something or just randomly spray under your truck hoping you'd hit the offending component?

 

[jmfranc]

The housing where the engine side ujoint comes out to meet the other ujoint. It was right inside that housing that the squeak was coming from. A little white grease in there. Didn't stop the noise really. I was hoping something that simple would work.