vibration / humming noise at low speed only - IDEAS??

[sonerick]

Just leave it in 4HI all the time, V8 style.

 

[CNJ Runner]

I dropped it off again. BEFORE I was even checked in, the assh*le tec that worked on it last time comes up to me and is like "why are you here , why are you back?" and I say chaning the diff fluid didnt do anything, the problem is unchanged. and then he just tells me listen toyota extracare is going to deny the claim.. What a dick. So now im expecting to have to pay a huge cost to tear down whatever they tell me to tear down, ive never been so frustrated with dchbrunswick toyota. Them and the warranty have been so good to me over the past 2 vehicles.

 

[CNJ Runner]

sonerick, i thought about that. but is there any additional wear and tear? no right? (besides negatively affecting my MPG?) i usually just pop it in 4wd for snow and off roading.

 

[JB.]

....i thought about that (leaving it in 4wd). but is there any additional wear and tear? no right? (besides negatively affecting my MPG?) i usually just pop it in 4wd for snow and off roading.

No extra wear and tear. The drive forces are just distributed differently (and more evenly). You'll have the advantages of AWD with a nearly imperceptible reduction in mpg, as most of the mileage difference between your truck and a 2wd truck is due to the weight of the 4wd hardware. You'll also be able to exercise the diff lock and low range actuators more easily. You can push the diff lock any time you think of it while driving straight, and the low range can be exercised quickly while stopped without having to engage 4wd first.

You'll have to put up with the better tracking and solid feel on the highway, though, as well as no longer breaking traction in gravel, etc, but I think you could learn to live with it.:bigok:

 

[CNJ Runner]

this sounds like a much better option than spending tens of thousands on new vehicle!! thanks for the advice, will update after they get back to me tomorrow..
***UPDATE- 2-14-13, the service manager called me, told me he thinks its the front diff, I think its the actuator not fully disengaging. They are bring a toyota extracare underwriter.claims aduster to look at it tomorrow. Does anyone know is the actuator part of the diff being replaced?

 

[CNJ Runner]

they are replacing my front differential at the cost of about 2400 dollars.. hiyoo! gots to love that toyota eextra care platnum warranty:trophy:

 

[sonerick]

Nice, let us know if that solves the problem. Did they tell you what specifically was wrong with the diff, or how they came to the conclusion that it was the diff?

 

[CNJ Runner]

They didn't specify. I had it there 3 days ago and they did a diff flush. Today he said they drained the diff again and there were metal shavings in it. He also tried to say that the shop that did my diff flush in may 2012, 11,000 miles ago probably used the wrong oil. This concerned me because the same shop did the transfer case and rear diff. I ended up calling them and they verified that they did put in GL5, I didnt exactly believe him. So when I get it back I'm doing the rear and transfer case on my own just to cover my ass. Hopefully it does fix the problem, I still think its the actuator not completely disengaging. But we will see, for now I get a neew front diff...

 

[4gin007]

My truck is showing some of the same symptoms. A bad bearing sound coming from the left front only in 2 wheel drive. If I switch to 4 high the sound goes away. I did some research that led me to tacomaworld site and a lot of people on there have the same issue going. Not sure of the years but tacos, fjs, & 4runners are having this problem especially after a lift.

HERES THE SITE
tacomaworld.com>
OFFICIAL 2nd gen 4x4 front differential bearing vibration thread
50 pages of info

eastcoastgearsupply.com has a solution

if i knew how to make a link i would have.

 

[thegreatdivorce]

My truck is showing some of the same symptoms. A bad bearing sound coming from the left front only in 2 wheel drive. If I switch to 4 high the sound goes away. I did some research that led me to tacomaworld site and a lot of people on there have the same issue going. Not sure of the years but tacos, fjs, & 4runners are having this problem especially after a lift.

HERES THE SITE
tacomaworld.com>
OFFICIAL 2nd gen 4x4 front differential bearing vibration thread
50 pages of info

eastcoastgearsupply.com has a solution

if i knew how to make a link i would have.

Just copy and paste the URL from the bar on top of your browser.

 

[CNJ Runner]

after a front diff job all symptoms gone!

 

[truckmike26]

The noise in 2WD and goes-away in 4WD is a common front diff carrier bearing thing. Toyota switched from CV shaft flanges to the CV shaft going right into the diff housing.