what's this noise???

[bis_1315m]

hey guys new here just picked up a 01 4runner sr5 2wd and it has a wierd whine to it. the whine only happens when I'm giving gas and the sound doesn't change based on rpm it seems to change based on just giving it gas. I recently changed the u joints and changed the diff fluid. the diff fluid looked like chocolate milk and I found a few pieces of metal on the magnet drain plug. the sound is similar to a treadmill going really fast.

here's a video of the sound I experience only under load I let go of the gas the sound goes away, performance doesn't seem to be affected.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=i8_VvEz-Saw

thanks

 

[02SE]

Your link just takes me to the Youtube website, not a specific video.

The description of the gear oil sounds like water was present in the axle for an extended period of time. That would be bad for the bearings and gears, and definitely could be the source of your noise.

 

[bis_1315m]

Your link just takes me to the Youtube website, not a specific video.

The description of the gear oil sounds like water was present in the axle for an extended period of time. That would be bad for the bearings and gears, and definitely could be the source of your noise.

ok I think I fixed the link. let me know .


thanks

 

[bis_1315m]

Yeah was thinking the diff may have some issues since I found 2 metal pieces on the drain plug.
still just eliminating one thing at a time till I can figure out this noise thanks.

 

[bis_1315m]

anyone ever experience these symptoms.

 

[JWaldz]

does it do it in neutral or park? Any noticeable vibrations at any speed to go along with it?

 

[bis_1315m]

does it do it in neutral or park? Any noticeable vibrations at any speed to go along with it?

well that's the wierd part is it will only occur in gear and only when I give it gas. As soon as I let off the gas the noise goes away and yes the truck does vibrate and shake.

 

[JWaldz]

maybe the rear pinion bearing? Look up on youtube and you'll see how to diagnose it. It's simple.

 

[bis_1315m]

maybe the rear pinion bearing? Look up on youtube and you'll see how to diagnose it. It's simple.

that's what I'm leaning towards due to the bad diff fluid color and the 2 pieces of metal I found on the drain plug. however I have tried to check the bearing and it doesn't really wobble or anything to noticeable. But not sure what else it could be at this point. when driving it doesn't seem to affect performance and the noise is consistent with speed not rpm.

thanks

 

[Nelsonmd]

Can you expand on the 2 pieces of metal you found in the diff? Metal shavings are typical, put if they were chunks, then you have a diff problem.

If you have vibration and whine with the pedal down, then you likely have a worn out part in the driveline, so probably u-joint, or diff.

Normally I'd say do the u-joints as they should wear out way faster than anything in the diff, but since you found a couple chunks of metal in the diff, that could indicate something in there. I'd still say check the DS first since it is way cheaper to fix.

 

[bis_1315m]

Can you expand on the 2 pieces of metal you found in the diff? Metal shavings are typical, put if they were chunks, then you have a diff problem.

If you have vibration and whine with the pedal down, then you likely have a worn out part in the driveline, so probably u-joint, or diff.

Normally I'd say do the u-joints as they should wear out way faster than anything in the diff, but since you found a couple chunks of metal in the diff, that could indicate something in there. I'd still say check the DS first since it is way cheaper to fix.

the 2 pieces I found wer whole metal pieces not like the normal powder like metal you find typically find. however they are small about the size of rice a lil smaller maybe.

 

[JWaldz]

hmmm... Don't think that size shavings is anything to worry about. What about rear bearings?? I know it's difficult sometimes but can you isolate it to a specific part of the truck? Suggest maybe jacking the rear up and throwing it in drive? It just sounds like a u-joint issue but you said you just got it replaced. I'm wondering if the drive shaft is out of balance for some reason.

 

[nevada]

rear diff bearings.
could be pinion, or carrier. either way doesnt matter, change them all while you're in there.
they can both make noise with throttle input.

 

[Nelsonmd]

hmmm... Don't think that size shavings is anything to worry about. What about rear bearings?? I know it's difficult sometimes but can you isolate it to a specific part of the truck? Suggest maybe jacking the rear up and throwing it in drive? It just sounds like a u-joint issue but you said you just got it replaced. I'm wondering if the drive shaft is out of balance for some reason.

Rice sized I think is a problem, nothing that size should be coming off. If nothing more is coming off after alot of miles, then maybe it's not fatal, but it sure isn't supposed to happen.

 

[JWaldz]

Rice sized I think is a problem, nothing that size should be coming off. If nothing more is coming off after alot of miles, then maybe it's not fatal, but it sure isn't supposed to happen.

Guess it depends where it came from and if metal flakes become more persistent. Probably just some balled up hardened shavings after his oil got too thick and not necessarily one whole chunk. There is tat possibility though.


There's also a possibility that you may be looking at replacing the rear 3rd or at least getting it rebuilt. Seems like it could be a carrier or pinion bearing on its way out.

 

[bis_1315m]

hmmm... Don't think that size shavings is anything to worry about. What about rear bearings?? I know it's difficult sometimes but can you isolate it to a specific part of the truck? Suggest maybe jacking the rear up and throwing it in drive? It just sounds like a u-joint issue but you said you just got it replaced. I'm wondering if the drive shaft is out of balance for some reason.

Yeah just got the u joints replaced, will a driveshaft place charge me to check that you think.

I have the car jacked up now but it's hard to replicate it because the car freaks out that it's off the ground and occasionally surges when letting off the gas. I do notice a grinding noise when letting off the gas near the differential area. I found a lot of break dust build up in my drums could they be bad from that maybe.

thanks

 

[asahi4runner]

Hate to break you the bad news. I just recently encounter the same problem and I spent lots of money and time replacing different parts on my 4runner before the dealer tells me I have to get my diff rebuilt. So I suggest take it to a tranny shop Nd have them diagnose the diff. They should be able to tell you.

 

[bis_1315m]

Hate to break you the bad news. I just recently encounter the same problem and I spent lots of money and time replacing different parts on my 4runner before the dealer tells me I have to get my diff rebuilt. So I suggest take it to a tranny shop Nd have them diagnose the diff. They should be able to tell you.

to be honest not bad news I would rather it be the diff then the tranny and it's there any diy for our trucks on how to replace the bearings in the differential.

thanks

 

[bis_1315m]

I have it drained the diff out again and the driveshaft is off what is everyone using to hold the flange still while trying to remove the pinion nut.

thanks

 

[02SE]

to be honest not bad news I would rather it be the diff then the tranny and it's there any diy for our trucks on how to replace the bearings in the differential.

thanks

If you have no experience setting up gears, bearings, etc. in a differential, I would strongly recommend having an experienced professional do it.

A very mechanically savvy do-it-yourselfer, with the proper specialized tools, and a GOOD (not Chilton's or Haynes) service manual, could probably get it right, after numerous attempts to set all the parameters where they need to be, for a long, trouble free service life.

If this 4Runner is a daily driver, and especially if you don't have the tools and background to do the job at this point in time, it would most likely be an exercise in frustration.


It would be much easier to buy a complete 3rd member, with gears and bearings already set up, and install that in the axle, then going in with no differential rebuilding experience.