Rear End noise.

I own a 2007 Toyota Tundra TRD 5.7 4WD that has a growl (whine?) at about 50 mph. The truck is pampered and has only about 57,000 miles on it. Above 50 and it starts to get quieter (actually much quieter ) and below it is quieter but noticeable. Years ago I worked on RWD police cars, Dodge and Ford and this noise sounds similar to a bad pinion bearing. From what I have read so far, it sounds like there are lots of problems with wheel bearings and with differential cross pins as well. I have never heard of wheel bearings making a howling sound. usually they grind when they go bad. Does anyone have any idea where to start? I have not worked on one of these trucks ever, so any advise would help. Thank You Jerry

 

Is any oil leaking past the pinion seal?

 

No oil leaking past pinion seal, and no metal in the oil when I changed the rear end oil. The pinion has no up or down movement. I am leaning towards axle bearings, but also wondering about the center support bearing in the middle of the drive shaft.

 

I was looking for metal, not because of the axle bearings, but because I was worried there may be an issue in the carrier.Either pinion bearing or they were saying about the cross pin coming loose.(different sound) . I pushed up and down on the center bearing and the rubber seems OK, but I think I will unbolt the back of the driveshaft, unbolt the carrier bearing and try to feel if the bearing spins freely and smooth. I want to say Thank You to you guys for responding. BTY Driverdog, what type of noise were you hearing? Just wondering. Thank you again.Jerry

 

I actually have a press and just about any tool I should need. I am just trying to make sure I am replacing the right parts. The noise is there but i am having trouble trying to tell where the noise is coming from. It looks like the axle bearings are expensive and a lot of work to replace, so I want to eliminate any other source of noise before I tackle the job of replacement. Thank You!

 

U-joint. Had that same thing on my last Chevy.

 

The rear end noise was the Right rear wheel bearing .Changed both sides. Pinion bearing OK, Carrier bearing OK. Took both axles to dealer and they switched both bearings for $200.00 . Thank you all for your help. Truck is now quiet.

 

Glad you got it fixed.

I have a rear end noise that seems to follow me around along with a bad smell.
Oh wait, you're talking about the truck's rear end..

 

I have the 50mph noise as well, but it is only when under load. With foot off accelerator there is not noice at all, but under any load it makes a fairly loud humming/wining noice. Doesn't seem to make any difference if I swerve one way or another and transfer the weight from side to side.
Does this sound similar to your wheel bearing noice?