'87 4Runner noise problem in front end. Ever hear something like this?

kfhaggerty

This is the weirdest thing I?ve ever heard. When the outside temperature goes below 40 degrees F, there is the strangest, loudest groaning sound coming from what seems to be the right front axle area. It does not change in pitch relative to the speed of the vehicle or the RPMs. It is intermittent, but getting worse. And here is the second kicker: put it in 4 wheel drive and the noise goes away. Well, most of the time. This situation is getting worse. It used to be that after driving for 15 minutes or so the noise would stop, even in 2 wheel drive. But now, it continues, a little, even in 4 wheel. Don?t forget: if the outside temperature is over 40 degrees it does not occur. This noise is loud and you can feel it it the feet. I have been a mechanic for years, but I am stumped!! Anyone ever heard of such a freak thing? Am I going to beak something?















Definitely not tire noise. And I doubt that it has something to do with gear oil level or viscosity, because, when it occurs, it is only on the left side. It has auto lockers, but I have checked them and the bearings. I appreciate you all trying. I will read all responses. K.















Definitely not tire noise. And I doubt that it has something to do with gear oil level or viscosity, because, when it occurs, it is only on the right side. It has auto lockers, but I have checked them and the bearings. I appreciate you all trying. I will read all responses. K.















Definitely not tire noise. And I doubt that it has something to do with gear oil level or viscosity, because, when it occurs, it is only on the right side. It has auto lockers, but I have checked them and the bearings.















I am starting to think that I soun a bearing race. Any thoughts on that? It might make a noise when the ambient temperature causes the different metals to contract at different rates. I can't get it to malfunction on a lift, and can't have someone run along side the truck when it happens. It does sound bad though.































I appreciate you all trying. I will read all responses. K.















Definitely not tire noise. And I doubt that it has something to do with gear oil level or viscosity, because, when it occurs, it is only on the right side. It has auto lockers, but I have checked them and the bearings.















I am starting to think that I soun a bearing race. Any thoughts on that? It might make a noise when the ambient temperature causes the different metals to contract at different rates. I can't get it to malfunction on a lift, and can't have someone run along side the truck when it happens. It does sound bad though.































I appreciate you all trying. I will read all responses. K.

coyoterun01

Ok I have to assume that this does this noise while the vehicle is in motion. Taking the obvious into account I believe the problem area is in the front axle. But here is the key question? Is this a manual hub, or self locking hub for the 4 wheel drive? The problem is very possibly coming from the axle locking mechanism. I am unsure with the older toyotas if this was a manual hub. I am guessing this one is not.















Toyota has had a problem with the axles tending to wear out and this is sound like what you are begining to experience. I strongly advise checking for proper lubrication and bearing seats. you are probably looking at a full rebuild in the front end. That should cure the problem.















The reason that it is doing this at lower temperatures is a good indication of grease or heavy oil not flowing properly to where it needs to be.















This is a little offbeat but I had a vehicle that also had a weird noise related problem to it. After a lot of extensive checking I discovered it was caused by faulty tires. Check them first. But i believe my other diagnoses will prove what is going on. I gave you that because sometimes weird things also can cause weird problems.















Let me know as I am also a mechanic.















Ok after your updates it now sounds like it is front axle/hub assembly. Will have to advise you to rebuild the front axle. The description you are gicing does lead me to believe that is the problem. Check the tolerances very carefully when doing so. Make sure they are within specs. But again that is where the problem lies. Since you are a mechanic you should be able to dismantle the assemblies and correctly check the specs for tolerance. This will lead you to the problem area. Also throughly inspect the bearings as there could be a simple burr on the bearing also.

kktinman66

I would have the front bearing looked at. or check the front drive shat making sure that everything is properly greased.