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

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mrmayhem

New member
I have a strange problem that I can't seem to find the answer to...
I have a 2007 4runner sport V6 - 150k. I had the rear diff replaced about 2 years ago.

Recently, I've been getting a low speed (rotation type) rumble from what sounds like the drivers side rear. This only happens around 5-15 mph - and goes away at any higher speeds. I don't feel anything in the steering wheel.. and tires are wearing normally. (I took the car back to Big-O for a rotation and I mentioned it to them)... they rotated the tires and found the rear diff to be slightly low - so it was topped off). The low speed rumble / vibration seemed to go away for about a week - but now its back.

I have read and read and read about every post here - and here's what I've done so far. Besides the rotation.... raised the rear end didn't find any 'play'. Drained the rear diff.. cleaned the plugs.. replaced with nearly 4 qts of Royal Purple. (Since I heard the "hiss" from the plug removal - I went ahead and removed the breather and ensured that is working too. Yet.. the low speed crap is still there.. its not loud.. just very low and sounds as if something is binding somewhere.
(Diff fluid was a little dark - but nothing really jumped out as being a problem)

Has anyone experienced this sort of issue? I've read posts about checking the U joints, etc.. but before I continue blindly.. I wanted to check with other members for suggestions?

HELP!
 
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mrmayhem said:
I have a strange problem that I can't seem to find the answer to...
I have a 2007 4runner sport V6 - 150k. I had the rear diff replaced about 2 years ago.

Recently, I've been getting a low speed (rotation type) rumble from what sounds like the drivers side rear. This only happens around 5-15 mph - and goes away at any higher speeds. I don't feel anything in the steering wheel.. and tires are wearing normally. (I took the car back to Big-O for a rotation and I mentioned it to them)... they rotated the tires and found the rear diff to be slightly low - so it was topped off). The low speed rumble / vibration seemed to go away for about a week - but now its back.

I have read and read and read about every post here - and here's what I've done so far. Besides the rotation.... raised the rear end didn't find any 'play'. Drained the rear diff.. cleaned the plugs.. replaced with nearly 4 qts of Royal Purple. (Since I heard the "hiss" from the plug removal - I went ahead and removed the breather and ensured that is working too. Yet.. the low speed crap is still there.. its not loud.. just very low and sounds as if something is binding somewhere.
(Diff fluid was a little dark - but nothing really jumped out as being a problem)

Has anyone experienced this sort of issue? I've read posts about checking the U joints, etc.. but before I continue blindly.. I wanted to check with other members for suggestions?

HELP!
Click to expand...

I'm having a similar issue and today narrowed it down to the front differential bearing on my drivers side.
 
From the front? For me it seems like the drivers rear - though it's not loud - just a low rumble.
If like to head this off before it gets worse.
 
I actually just went through this. I had a hum or a groan that would go along with vehicle speed. It was most noticeable from 20-30, but when slowing down, I'd hear it all the way down to a stop. It ended up being the pinion bearing for me. I checked and had no play in mine, but it was still bad. I did the same thing as you- changed all the fluid, etc, but it didn't help.
 
mrmayhem said:
From the front? For me it seems like the drivers rear - though it's not loud - just a low rumble.
If like to head this off before it gets worse.
Click to expand...

I was thinking mine was from the rear at first. Until I looked underneath and had play in the shaft. Plus an entire auto parts store worth of gear oil slung everywhere. Worst part is, the gear oil still looks brand new. Has less than 10k miles on it.
 
Under there earlier ... no fluids anywhere luckily.
I'll check for play tomorrow.
Weird cause its only at a very low speed. Nothing over 20mph. And very quiet when it's happening (usually through a parking lot). Radio has to be off to hear it)
 
mrmayhem said:
Under there earlier ... no fluids anywhere luckily.
I'll check for play tomorrow.
Weird cause its only at a very low speed. Nothing over 20mph. And very quiet when it's happening (usually through a parking lot). Radio has to be off to hear it)
Click to expand...

Mine is anywhere from 20-30. That is odd that your noise is at such a slow speed. I'd have the bearings checked. I'm going up to my usual shop tomorrow. The replaced the seal recently and I'm guessing they didn't check the bearing for wear. There's no way I would have the amount of play I have with just a poorly installed seal.
 
These "humming" or bearing noise posts are getting more common it seems, here and on T120. Mine has a hum from 30-50, and more of a vibration/rumble from 50-65.

Noise seems to be the front of the truck. So, starting with oil change and perhaps the harmonic vibration dampener pad on the front diff, otherwise I think its diff bearing...

I suppose it could be wheel bearing but its not really fitting that type of noise or symptoms.

- Greydog.
 
mrmayhem said:
Is that a pain in the arse? DIY? The pinion?
Click to expand...

Mine was under warranty. The dealer had it for four days and did all of my rear end bearings and seals while they were in there. Two of those days were waiting for parts, but that should still tell you everything.
 
The biggest pain in rebuilding any differential is setting pinion depth, but other than that if you're handy with a wrench, have the right tools, and can be detail oriented its doable your self.
 
Went up to the shop yesterday

After I got it up on the lift and we looked at everything it ended up being a drivers side front wheel bearing/ hub. It was definitely bad but sounded like no other bad hub bearing that I've ever heard. Dropping it off today to have it done. Don't have time to do it myself. No 4WD for me for a little while. Oh also had a bad/incorrect seal on the differential. Lost 3/4 of my gear oil.
 
I'll chime in as well: my vote goes to yes, a pinion bearing or a diff carrier bearing. A dealer recently replaced my front diff assembly on my Tundra for a defective carrier bearing. Same sort of grumbling noise only at low speeds.
 
Last edited:
truckmike26 said:
I'll chime in as well: my vote goes to yes, a pinion bearing or a diff carrier bearing. A dealer recently replacement my front diff assembly on my Tundra for a defective carrier bearing. Same sort of grumbling noise only at low speeds.
Click to expand...

Was your vehicle shaking at all because of the bad bearing ? Or just a noise ? I had both.
 
wyanrard said:
After I got it up on the lift and we looked at everything it ended up being a drivers side front wheel bearing/ hub. It was definitely bad but sounded like no other bad hub bearing that I've ever heard. Dropping it off today to have it done. Don't have time to do it myself. No 4WD for me for a little while. Oh also had a bad/incorrect seal on the differential. Lost 3/4 of my gear oil.
Click to expand...

Will you let us know how much it costs when you get it fixed? I have the same thing from 65-75 mph. Not sure if it's worth fixing because it goes away at 80 and doesn't really bother me.
 
Manderson80 said:
Will you let us know how much it costs when you get it fixed? I have the same thing from 65-75 mph. Not sure if it's worth fixing because it goes away at 80 and doesn't really bother me.
Click to expand...

Yeah, will do. Mine goes away at 80 also. But I also have a decent amount of 45 in my commute, so I decided to get it fixed.
 
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